RIBob

My comment above was intended to propose a fair and just method of asking for "use" permission and for describing how attribution to other Modders, for use of their product, ought to be done in a fair and reasonable way. I look forward to seeing ALL the Modders re-vamping their sites/files/comments in order to give prominent credit to those former Modders on whose shoulders current Modders stand. Again, this is a fair and just proposition, I think. Simply give credit where credit is due.

I sure do appreciate your efforts, and I'm sure I speak for many others.

I am distressed to see such rancor amongst very valuable contributors to the EAW sim. I find value in all versions of the game, and I wish all Modders well in their separate undertakings. That said, I think it only proper that one Modder not "borrow" the work of another Modder without the explicit agreement of the "borrowed-from" Modder, and full and very prominent attribution being given in such every such instance. Absent such explicit agreement, then no "borrowing" ought to take place. I'm sure all fair-minded people would agree with this proposition. If there are those that disagree--in that "Borrowing" from another Modder without his/her explicit consent is proper behavior-- then let them explain their rationale for doing such unauthorized "borrowing".

I don't blame you, but if you carefully record the currently working driver (or other) , you can roll-back to it, if need be.

While we are all familiar with MS Windows Updates, and their automatic receipt/install. it appears that various mfrs of Mother Boards do not automatically download firmware/software updates for their products. IOW, various device drivers and BIOS settings are NOT automatically downloaded, unless MS deems them worthy of inclusion in their offerings. This afternoon, I spent some time using Dell downloads to update 3 of my 4 computers. I was surprised that my 2011 laptop needed so many updates, not least to the BIOS. Quite a few driver updates, and some entirely new features were installed on a computer which was, according to MS, fully updated. I can speak only for Dell computers. Perhaps other Mfrs of MoBos do not automatically upgrade their products. Dunno. What I did was to google "upgrade BIOS on Dell computer". that led me to www.dell.com/support/downloads. From there, I found the "downloads" tab, and entered the requested "Product Code", which defines your computer, at least as it left the factory. From there, I was shown a huge number of possible downloads for my computer, including the most essential one, the "Dell Update" download. I installed it, and ran it. It knew the configuration of my system, as it stands right now, and provided specifically targeted downloads for my Win 10 machine, including a BIOS update. Installed all the upgrades, and all is well. Computer now up to spec. My Win 7 computer is taking FOREVER to accomplish this same process; for what reason I don't know. Will probably need to re-set the power settings and run it overnight. So, it seems that the older one's computer is, the more things might need to be updated, and the more time it will take. No surprise there. OTOH, the upgrades are probably more meaningful than smaller upgrades on a more modern computer. FWIW, Dell recommends that periodic upgrades, vis "Dell Upgrade" feature be done as a part of "normal" maintenance. Call me an optimist, but I like to think of these Updates/Upgrades as being useful improvements over pre-existing software/firmware. In a related vein, a few weeks ago I googled how to upgrade my wireless router. I managed to access it via my computer, and installed a firmware upgrade. Prior to this, I did not know that was possible, let alone necessary. Call me surprised. Submitted for consideration.

Hi, Russ! Hope all is well! Your proposal is well-taken, up to a certain point. By that I mean that very, very few people are going to buy new Win 7 computers to replace their worn-out computers. Most buyers of new computers will buy Win 10 machines, and that is where the future of any legacy game lies. EVERY SINGLE GAME. Sure, some guy can buy a new computer, and install a Win 7 Drive into it. Just never go on the internet without some expensive software that protects you. Even then..... How many older gamers, after their passing, will have their Win 7 computer tossed in the dumpster, with all their accumulated games (and patches) without a second thought? "An ancient computer, good for nothing modern---easier to toss it--- Just SMASH the Drive, just in case." There goes all your hard work... Point is, how many people can afford to even have a "legacy" computer? Some older guys will run their Win 7 computers into the ground, but Newcomers won't have that option, having NEVER owned a Win 7 computer, in the first place. They won't even THINK of buying an obsolete Win 7 computer at all, Mi Amigo, I'll probably keep my old Win 7 computer for a long time--at least till it croaks. I have a backup computer into which I can install the Win 7 drive(s), which has a better Gfx card (Nvidia GT 1050 vice Nvidia GT 730) and more RAM; (Why am I not doing this already? Because the "newer" computer has no ESATA port, as does the old one, and installing the GT 1050 card would require deleting the USB 3 ports installed. In short, USB 2 connection to any peripherals--not good) I'm NOT the AVERAGE computer user, nor am I a NEWCOMER to flight sims with only a brand-new Win 10 computer to use. The TYPICAL Newcomer to flight sims has NO Win 7 computer to rely on. They have no past experience with older games, and no attachments to them Hell, they'll have to PAY for a Win 7 OpSys, and go from there. The TYPICAL newcomer will only download and install sims they can play on their Win 10 computer. PERIOD. That's why I have said, to the point of repeating myself, that if EAW is to have ANY possible future, the variants of the game MUST be easily downloadable, and easily played on Win 10. There is NO alternative. Give your dog Iggy a hug for me. Great to hear from you. Been a little busy with some real world stuff, and am remiss on my e-mails. Regret that, very much, and will remedy.

Been playing anything and everything I can get installed and running on my Win 10 computer. Surprisingly, there are patches and such for many older games that enable them to run on Win 10, in some cases better than ever before. As far as most variants of EAW in conjunction with Win 10, it's been troublesome, but I have not had the time to deal with such, being focused on real-life things that are far more important. In the near future, I will revisit the "problematic" games, and make a sincere effort to get them to run on win 10. Note that such an effort will go far beyond EAW, and its' variants. In the meantime, I have my old Win 7 computer, which seems to play most games of the EAW era well. That said, the computer will not last forever, and Win 7 will soon lose MS support.

I think your asking that various mods to the game(s) be labeled very differently is appropriate. I am a newbie to the game, and find some of the labeling confusing, at times. I automatically assume that game mods provided from you, or your site, are specifically for your version of the game, and make similar assumptions for the products offered by other modders. However, some other people might not understand this, and so run into problems. I suggest the use of a warning for any and all of your downloads that they are to be used ONLY on your variant of the game. This will require a little extra typing, but it will serve to prevent the inadvertent installation of your products onto an unsuitable platform. That is all you can reasonably be expected to do. I regret that this has become necessary, but one has to deal with things as they are, not as we would like them to be. I will send an IM with follow-up comments.

Just bought this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00481BEY8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 While certainly NOT cheap, it has the following advantages: 1) Frees up a USB port, since no separate mouse is required 2) Every key is programmable. While I don't envision re-programming the already dedicated keys, the option is there. 3) Spill-and dust-resistant, as per IP 54 spec., and otherwise very reliable. I have used this keyboard in a commercial environment for several years, and amongst the numerous keyboards being in constant daily use/abuse, I do not know of one of that has failed or malfunctioned. Probably the most trouble-free device in our POS setup. 4) The keys are mechanical, and so extremely reliable and will retain their "touch" for a very long time. Rated for 20 million actuations before failure, as per mfr. 5) The integral mouse pad is just as useful as the one on your laptop, after you tweak its' settings to suit you-- DO NOT fail to do so. After slightly adjusting "Mouse Properties" for the mouse pad on the new keyboard, I find no issues with the keyboard's mouse pad; It's faster than reaching over to the mouse, IMHO, once you get used to it. I found myself reaching for my mouse many times before I remembered it was now on the keyboard, instead of the desktop. This keyboard has some disadvantages, to wit: 1) The keys are not back-lit. I like this feature, but admit that some may not. 2) The programming of the keys will require of the user some experimentation/familiarization. Understandable, perhaps. The documentation of the programming program is not what it might be. 3) Cost. Plain and simple, it's expensive. OTOH, it's extremely reliable, and has loads of non-assigned and programmable keys. The keyboard comes with almost zero instructions, but with Mfr's web site address. Win 10 system will install the basic drivers. After that, go to Mfr's site, and download/install the main program for the keyboard, which will allow programming of keys, including (they claim) macros. The keyboard comes with a metal tool to remove the key pads easily and painlessly, and it works flawlessly. Best tool of its type I've ever used. I plan to install some color-coded paper into some of the non-assigned keys for use in flight sims: Green for ground, Blue for air, Red for guns, Orange for bombs. All will be grouped, and labeled. As of this writing, I can't respond on the key programming feature, but I reckon, with some persistence, it will work OK. Other reviewers have said such. Some sims are not friendly to auxiliary keyboards/keypads. I cannot say whether this keyboard will overcome this issue. It is possible that aux programmed keys from the main keyboard might be recognized, as opposed from key-commands from a separate keyboard. So, a preliminary report; so far, the keyboard/mousepad, with the latter having very slight adjustment, is perfect. Will advise as the programming of keys is accomplished. Disclaimer: No financial connection with mfr or vendor. Submitted for consideration

I always enjoy your contributions. I appreciate your devotion to the EAW sim. Thank you for being so friendly to me during our many discussions.

Hey Russ! Playing some Spotify tunes while playing Crimson Skies. All the best, Mi amigo!

Currently using TrackIR 5, with Track Clip PRO, on Win 7 and Win 10 computers, mounted to side of earphones, instead of the much inferior Track Clip which was mounted to he brim of one's baseball cap. NO comparison between the two devices, The Track clip Pro is vastly better. After using modern version of TrackIR, I consider myself at a serious disadvantage when forced to not use it; some games will not accept it, sad to say. TrackIR is a FAR more natural and intuitive way of playing games then using a hat switch on a joystick, or Heaven forbid, keyboard buttons. I have a better time using it than without, and using it seems more like what a real pilot would see. There are TrackIR alternatives, so do your homework. I went with TrackIR because the software was reviewed as being much better than the alternatives. YMMV. In short, I wouldn't be without it. I try it out on every game I play, and am disappointed if it will not work in some older games.

Still using its' predecessor, lo these many years. The rubber collar at the base of the stick separated a long time ago, but no problems yet. The modern counterpart is still in the box, awaiting failure of the original unit. New unit has more programmable buttons, and that can be very useful. Original stick came with an adaptor from plug on stick to USB. Not an expert, but I'm not sure one can expect anything more from a joystick than to be reliable, long-lived, and user-friendly. No doubt there are better joysticks out there (at vastly greater prices), but not sure if they are worth the expense. Willing to be persuaded, but it might take some doing, especially as I have the modern version in the bull-pen.

"Thing" (US name) was VW Type 181, and apparently originally made for use by the post-war German Bundeswehr: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_181 A version with convertible top deployed might save some time/resources, and might be more appropriate in winter/rainy scenarios. I like the detail you have provided, though. Nice work, and much appreciated!.

Looks pretty good, VB. When attending the Audrain Museum's Concours d'Elegance in Newport, RI yesterday, I saw its modern re-make, a VW "Thing".

I think your comments are well-said, and I concur. I have many irons in the fire, so to speak, and prefer to wait until downloads have been reasonably cleaned-up of the most glaring errors (many from previous sources, as you say) before sampling them. I have seldom been willing to be a Beta-testor, as my knowledge only goes so far, and others are better-equipped to do such a task.

Not to resurrect this thread needlessly, but I have been patiently waiting a few months while using the usual Dell Updates on my Dell computers, and also updating many items which seemed important to me manually, via Device Manager. That being so, when I went to the Intel site, I found a number of updates that were NOT available through Windows Update, nor through the Update feature in Device Manager. I presume the same situation would occur had I had an AMD CPU, and gone to their site. I have become a Believer in going to the Mfr's site, for whatever item is of interest, and looking there for potentially valuable updates for their products. Microsoft has no interest in updating anything other than their product, via windows Update) and apparently pays scant attention to any other Mfr's updates that do not directly affect a MS product. Your call, but I suggest paying a visit to the Mfr's site of your CPU, and perhaps other items, and plugging in the pertinent info. My old Win 7 computer upgraded the BIOS (V. 2 to V.13, or similar) and chip settings from the Intel Site, and those upgrades never were offered via Windows Update. YMMV.

Interesting vehicle. Some info here, as well as a decent pic of what I presume is a restored vehicle: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dingo_(scout_car)

One would think that the Japanese guard Towers, on the outskirts of the Empire, at least, would be built of field-expedient materials, such as tree trunks, and thatching, as opposed to factory-made lumber. Perhaps in Metropolitan Japan they might be of proper lumber. Now, I don't know how the various nations used to secure the perimeter of their compounds, and that is also something to consider, if one is intending a "correct" depiction of such. We have all seen depictions of German POW Camps and Concentration Camps. That much is known. I reckon the Allies might have constructed their POW Camps differently, at least the ones far in the rear. Camps in the immediate "rear" of the front could be quite crude, indeed, and the crudeness factor could be expected to be accentuated, for the Germans and Japanese, in the latter part of the War. Another thing to consider is the nationality of the POWs. The Germans, and presumably the Italians, for instance, at least gave lip service to the Geneva Convention when handling Western Allied POWs. Not so the Soviet POWs, since the Soviet Union had never signed the Geneva Conventions concerning POWs. Not to excuse the blatant inhumanity of the Nazis toward Soviet POWS (and vice versa!), but simply a remark on the types of POW camps one might expect to see from the air. There is some evidence that the Soviets overran some German POW camps which held Allied POWs, and that the Soviets used such POWS as bargaining chips, or better said, hostages, in negotiations concerning the return of Soviet POWS held by the Nazis, who fell into Allied hands. There is also some evidence that not all the Allied POWs held by the Soviets were repatriated. The evidence that Allied leaders were aware of this non-repatriation is very sketchy. As an aside, little Rhode Island was home to a special POW camp, where some selected German POWs were "Re-Educated" for the purpose of being potentially re-introduced behind German lines as sabotage agents. These camps, were, naturally, lightly-guarded, since the German POWs had nowhere to go unless they chose to swim the Atlantic Ocean. http://smallstatebighistory.com/the-top-secret-world-war-ii-prisoner-of-war-camp-at-fort-kearney-in-narragansett/

One would think the ads were carefully screened by the download site; not to do so would be financial madness. I suppose anything is possible, but I rather doubt his computer caught the virus from Mediafire site ads. I could be wrong. No expert, either. As far as I'm concerned, my anti-virus ware always scans any download. Yours should do the same, and probably does. If not, then check settings and allow security scans of anything downloaded. Maybe OG should delete the suspect program(s)/download(s), update their antivirus programs, and run them. I suggest Malwarebytes as a very good, free program which can be run, in its free version, as a sort of "clean-up"/backup program. It sometimes catches things that Windows Defender misses. It is always good practice to manually update one's antivirus programs prior to downloading anything. This is often forgotten, sad to say. Other than this general advice, I have nothing to offer. I certainly hope the situation is resolved, and the cause of the problem found so that we can all avoid such problems.

Thanks for taking my comments as intended--as helpful advice-- and not negative criticism. Believe me, that is very much appreciated!

Some further info on this vehicle: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagdpanzer_IV As always, my suggestions are made as a possible means to improve your creations, and submitted for your consideration. RIBob

That is a pretty good depiction of a Pz IV Jagdpanzer vehicle, although the tread details need some work. Instead of the ambient background showing underneath/through the lower wheels/suspension supporting the vehicle, I suggest dark grey or perhaps black, or in snow country, light grey. In short, the tread area of the vehicle needs some work. Notice how the front/rear part of the tread does not "connect" with the first/last supporting wheel. This picture above depicts the correct number of lower wheels, but in available pix, they were rather closer together. Some versions of this vehicle had 3 upper wheels (as depicted), and some versions 4 upper wheels. Don't know which was early/late, nor do I know the relative numbers produced. Suggest as imperative tread "connection" with the front/rear lower wheels fix, and darkening the colors underneath the vehicle, as seen through the sides. "Tightening-up" the spacing of the lower wheels would be nice, but not essential, and possibly adding a 4th upper wheel is something to do in your "spare" time. With a few careful tweaks, will make a fine addition. IIRC, these were very late-war vehicles, and were made because this configuration was cheaper/faster to produce that a similar tank with a fully-rotating turret. As always, I await your latest creation! As always, trying to help, and submitted for consideration. raf

Am in conversation with a purveyor of "custom-made" retro computers. Generally speaking, I have told him that I want a retro computer (refurbished) that will be pretty much maxxed out for Win 95/98 SE. In short, max CPU speed, max ram, and ability to take the best Gfx card compatible with the above. I want USB2 compatibility (5 ports), a fast CD R/W unit unit, and fast data transfer between CPU and the drive(s). Vendor says that he is initially thinking about a computer that can run multiple OSs (95/98/maybe Me) via external, plug-in drives. Will advise as the process moves on. ETA: What is interesting is that I have retained a number of older-type HDDs (non-SATA) which I can access on modern computers via an interface device which hooks up to USB port. I can see what's in there; just like the day they were taken out of the old computers. These drives are Win 95/98SE/Me; all very small in size. Accessing them is one thing, getting them to work, as a stand-alone, on a modern computer, is quite another. If I can somehow get these older drives to work as stand-alone drives on a modern computer, then no retro computer is required. Just clone them to modern SSDs, and put them in the Drive caddy as desired. Suggestions, please?

I have loads of old games that are unavailable elsewhere, like GoG and Steam. Most of them playable in Win 95/98, but hopefully OK with Win XP. A few might be worth playing. I have looked at tower computers with Win XP installed (plenty of internal room) as an alternative to my more modern computers. More than adequate CPU speed, and more than adequate RAM, at least for older games. Most of these computers were made toward the tail end of Win XP availability, so they are fairly capable, as-is, and upgradeable to a point which ought to greatly exceed what the games initially required. I have some older, single-slot GFX cards that presumably will fit. I have an LED monitor with the proper VGA connection. EAW runs fine on Win 7, but still struggling with Win 10. Hopefully, that problem will be overcome in time. This is mostly aside from all that. Nevertheless, there might be some utility on going Retro, at least as far as other games go, which do not have the level of support that EAW has--as in zero support. Price for a Win XP tower computer, refurb, is about $180, or so, with recovery disk. Some $ will need to be spent on it, of course, namely upgrading it (RAM, SSD, faster CD), and so forth. Was wondering what the consensus might be. Even if I spent $400 on this computer, with upgrades, and it allowed me to run some older, but very good games, it might be worth it. Your comments are welcome.