rec.autos.simulators

However, I'm a bit concerned that I'm gonna spend more time messing
about with PC settings, sound cards, modems, device driver upgrades
and bad connections than I am actually racing. I wanna race, not spend
my leisure time configuring and upgradin a PC . I have this concern
for two reasons.

1) I've spent 14 years in IT
2) I've been looking at the content of this forum

Can someone tell me I'm wrong? Or should I got back to my PS2 with
it's one simple on/off button and per to peer I-Link cable?

Adrian Thomson

Anyway, GPL runs like a dream on that machine in DirectX mode, and I've not
even got the latest drivers for the graphics card (too scared about breaking
the PC again!).

As for all the mods, can't comment, but more/larger textrures will slow it
down a little I guess, but hey, I think you'll not need the top end spec PC
you think you might (it's a good game!).

As for getting on-line, as you'll be aware, a fast PC does not a fast
connection make, so that's really up to what connection you're planning.

Just my 2p's worth.

AndyC

--
Olav Malmin
remove .spam when replying

Probably a P.M.

Depends if your 14 years in IT was anything to do with computers :)

Any current *** system should run fully patched GPL without problems
- the exception probably being some sound cards and accelerated audio.
(I humbly guess that this has to do with some soundcards being bus
hogs and slowing everything else down)

When GPL came out, the highest end intel processor was a P2-450.
I think most people ran 300-450mhz for the first year with a voodoo2
or tnt1/2 card.  Any current system should peak framerates pretty
easily.

iksteh

Thanks for all the feedback. I'm actually thinking of setting up 2, 3
or maybe 4 decent machines here at my place of work as a GPL racing
club. I'm assuming that you can play on a LAN? Or with a straight COM
port connection?

I'm also planning to purchase wheels, pedals, driver***pits, big
screens etc to produce a permanent race room. Any recommendations on
any of that stuff?

And finally, if realistic physics is top priority (as it is for me),
then is GPL still the best? And what is the latest version to
purchase? I hear much talk about patches but no mention of GPL 2.0.
Which seems a little odd after 4 years.

Adrian

ps. I used to be techie but am now guilty of drifting in to PM!

Good Luck,
Jeff H.

-snipped-

GPL 2.0 would sell like hotcakes.  No one in a position to financially
support the sim wants to hear that, tho.

Jason

If you're on a LAN, then F1 2002 is hard to beat in terms of physics.  The
system requirements are much steeper than GPL, but the racing experience on
a LAN is (arguably) much more compelling.  Both games require quite a large
commitment from all drivers in that they require a lot of practice to get
good at.  You'll also need to hunt around for various mods, patches,
graphics & sounds updates etc to get the most out of each sim.  Nascar
Racing 2002 is also excellent if you're into Nascar.

The GPL community wants GPL2. Unfortunately it's not financially viable
to make it.

I wonder if Papy could ever be convinced to release the GPL code to open
source ?

Hey, you never know :)

-Larry

Solutions such as:

1. Multiple physical screens (Sega F355 arcade game)
2. On screen radar view (Sega F355 console port)
3. Rear view mirrors (various)
4. Ability to look left, right, behind (various)
5. Car behind indicator (TOCA Pro Race Driver with it's big red arrow)

What do GPL and F12002 offer in support of this requirement.

Adrian

   Mirrors and sound and look left/right.  Beleive me, the last thing you
want to be doing in GPL is checking some radar screen whilst trying to set
up for a corner.  I can't even afford to use the left right keys...can't
give up that much direction-view time.
   I will offer this advice tho...IF you race at Monza against the AI,  and
if you get quick enough to be mid pack or higher halfway through the first
lap...you MUST check your mirrors...as you approach the last turn(THe
Parabolica)  There will be a certain White Honda(Murasama) that will come
barreling down into your backside....if you don't know where Surtees is, he
will find you!!!
  F1 2002 is the lastest by ISI(SCGT) and sold via EA Sports and has the
same indicators as GPL.
  Neither has floating onscreen track maps nor big red arrows pointing out
the next turn or the following opponet.  Both have had patches privately
created that produce unique engine notes for each car so, with a little
practice you can tell who's around you just by ear.
dave henrie

Buy and enjoy both :)

-Larry