The Patch to upgrade FA is on the Janes/EA web site, and also on the auto run screen of recent FA CDs. Online Play is only possible after the upgrade is installed. Download and / or run the executable file to upgrade your game to version 1.02. After this is successfully done the FA game splash screen will indicate the current version.
Know the Rules
The Game Host announces the rules for each game. Common types of game are ABA, GUNS, IRS, COOP, 2v2, or any variation the host desires
Graphics Set to Low
Your Frame Rate will be much higher as a result of your processor doing much less work. The real benefit is that you will be much less likely to experience or cause LAG in the game over a network connection.
Menu Cheats Off
Obvious, I hope. If you've forgotten to reset menu cheats from a practice session, just briefly state it then quickly turn them off.
Custom .lib Files
Be sure any custom .lib files are out of the FA directory, or that all players are using the same files. If you don't know what this is, don't worry about it.
Instant Messaging OFF
Turn off or disable ICQ, YM, AIM, and any other program which might interrupt the online game.
Chat in Flight
Use the TILDE key ( ~ ) usually above the TAB key to open a text chat line in flight or preflight. Now you know how to answer when someone asks you a question.
Pausing in Flight
Don't. If you need to change a setting say so, but repeatedly pausing is rude. The delay when someone pauses could be used to gain an unfair advantage. It also delays the game for your opponents.
Leaving the Game
ALT / F4 is the proper way to exit an online flight before the host closes the game. It's polite to complete the game first, or you may be labeled a "Quitter." Let someone know if you must leave a game. Any other method (ESC - EXIT, or ALT / TAB, or CTRL / Q) will crash the game for all players. They will know who did it, and they will be upset. Usually the Host ends the game with CTRL / Q keys. Sometimes a players dialup internet connection may be interrupted or disconnected by their ISP, so don't immediately assume the worst.
Cheating
Don't jump to conclusions about a player cheating until you have a LOT of online time under your belt. There are ways of cheating, and it does happen, but it is not too common. There ARE many pilots online who have several years experience with FA, and who can whoop almost anyone fairly. Cheating does not make a better player, or a better game--only practice and experience make a better player. Read the special section on LAG
Don't Talk Smack
Unless you can back it up with some SIERRA HOTEL flying! ;-)
Most Importantly
If you don't know something... Ask....
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