Hi everyone,

I am in the process of purchasing an Ikarus Aerofly. I've read a few places that you need an open GL. Would someone please explain what this is. I think it has to do with the grafix card or something. If this is a really stupid question, I apologize.
Thanks
Shane

Its me again. Not sure if this will help but here is my video:
Integrated Intel® Extreme Graphics with up to 64MB Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT)
Thanks again,
Shane

Shane,

http://www.intel.com/products/deskto...hics/index.htm

I had a quick look, and they say OpenGL is supported, so you *should* be OK. There is a list of tested games on there, but obviously AFP is not one of them.

There are several different chipsets listed, and you need to check which one you actually have (845GE, 845GV, etc).

OpenGL is a 3D graphics API, which basically means that the software (AFP) tells OpenGL what it wants to draw, and OpenGL tells your graphics hardware how to draw it on the screen. DirectX (Direct3D), is a microsofts way of doing the same thing.

This is my understanding, anyway.

Si.

Bansky explained everything right: OpenGL is just another API (Application Programming Interface, i.e., a convention for software or software/hardware interaction). OpenGL was first implemented on Unix platforms and then ported to PC. Every video card/video chip manufacturer supplies libraries, which enable OpenGL support by this particular hardware.

The problem with your setup will be that Intel "Extreme Graphics" is extremelly slow comparing to a "real" graphics card. After you get the sim running and after you get disappointed by its frame rate (i.e., non-smooth picture movement), do yourself a favor: buy a video card.

If your system has an AGP slot (many systems with integrated video don't have one), you can still buy a PCI card. AGP is better, though. From the current crop of budget video cards, GeForce cards are arguably the best (at least, driver-wise), just try to buy not an MX version (though MX aren't bad too).

Hope this helps,
Boris

Thank you so much for this information. It helps a great deal. I will look around online today and see if I can find out if I have a AGP slot or will need a PCI card.
Thank you again,
Shane

It looks like I dont have a slot for AGP. Only PCI. Any suggestions for a PCI card that would work with this. It's a gateway 300X.
Thanks again, I'm not very computer literate so if you need more info, I hopefully can get it
Thanks
Shane

I found this at geeks.com. Would this work?
http://www.compgeeks.com/details.asp...X440SG1N-64MTV
Thanks again,
Shane

If your system has an AGP slot, this would be better (and cheaper):
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...?sku=TC3G-1001

but even PCI card you've mentioned will do.

I don't think it does. It just came last night so I haven't had a chance to open it up. From what I read on the gateway site it does not. I'll look further into it. Thanks for the suggestion.
Shane

Would I be replacing the card that is in the computer with this new card? Or is this just something extra you put in? I'm sorry for the ignorant questions.
Shane

Hi Shane,
Your Intel Extreme graphics is a chip on your motherboard. You will want to disable this when you install a new video card. You will have to ask gateway how to do it since BIOS is not the same on every PC.
Flygirl1