rec.autos.simulators

The main difference depends on the controller you're using. For example, if
you're using a joystick, you're probably going to want it so that the
steering feels a little more 'digital', where you don't have to push the
stick to whole way to one side to get the steering to reach its full lock.
If however you're using a steering wheel to control it, like I do, you're
most likely going to want the least linear steering as possible, so that the
wheels on the car only turn as much as you turn the wheel, just like in a
real car.

I hope this helps, if not, let me know and I will go into greater detail.

:-)

Adam

Allright, I was using non-linear steering until now anyway. One more
question though: does linearity setting affect pedals? How?

Actually, Adam, you're "steering" RooS in the wrong direction. The
explanation you offered is off 180 degrees.

Linearity, as the name indicates, means that there is a linear relationship
between game inputs and game outputs, i.e. the car's steering response is
proportional to the steering input you provide. Non-linear steering, on the
other hand, is slower and less-responsive around the neutral position, but
quicker and more responsive at the extremes of steering input. Non-linear
setups appear to be more "digital" in nature...They offer less response with
small inputs and more response with larger inputs.

*Typically*, more experienced drivers prefer the immediate responsiveness of
linear steering. New drivers sometimes prefer less linearity as it makes the
cars less twitchy.

Sorry about that! It had been a while since I had used a game with my
steering wheel, so I had forgotten the details. I was close though, just in
the wrong direction, as you said. ;-)

As for effecting the pedals... GOOD QUESTION!

Adam

I hope this comes out right :)

-Larry

Linear Joystick
---------------

MIN-|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |-MAX

Points are evenly spaced between MIN and MAX

Non-Linear Joystick
-------------------

MIN-|  |  |  |  |  |  |    |    |    |    |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |-MAX

The points in the center (zero) are spaced further apart so that the
Joystick/Wheel isn't as sensitive.  In some cases, it can even be
progressive between the points as you extend out from the center.

-Larry

Rarely are pedals affected,but some games (like GP2) do allow you to
change this.

-Larry