
		       Microsoft Space Simulator v1.0
		       ==============================
			 R E L E A S E    N O T E S

 This document contains important information to help you configure your
 computer so that you get the best performance from Space Simulator. 

* Memory Requirements - Conventional Memory (RAM)
  Space Simulator requires at least 550K conventional memory.
  For best results, provide as much conventional memory as possible.
  For example:  When 560K or more conventional memory is available
  for Space Simulator, the level of image detail for spacecraft and other
  models can be set to Complex instead of Sparse (in the Rendering 
  Preferences dialog box), providing more realistic images in the 
  simulation.  When conventional memory is low and you set image detail 
  to Complex, Space Simulator informs you that the simulator needs to
  change from Complex to Sparse rendering. If you provide at least 
  560K RAM, you will enjoy continuous display of complex images.
 
  Note: Although Space Simulator has a minimum requirement of at least
  550K free conventional memory, it will run with as little as 500K free.
  When running Space Simulator with less than 560K free memory, you will
  encounter the "Switching to Sparse Rendering" message more frequently.

* Memory Requirements - Expanded Memory (EMS)
  Space Simulator requires at least 512K of expanded memory.
  Providing more than 768K of expanded memory offers minimal additional
  benefit. To provide expanded memory for Space Simulator, please refer 
  to the instructions noted on the inside back cover of the Star-Pilot's 
  Guide.

* Using the System Startup Disk (Boot Disk)
  If you don't want to change your existing memory configurations, 
  you can use Space Simulator's MAKEBOOT.COM to create a system startup
  disk (or boot disk) that provides the memory configuration you need 
  while running Space Simulator. To create a system startup disk, at 
  the MS-DOS prompt (while still within the Space Simulator directory, 
  for example, C:\SPACESIM), type MAKEBOOT and follow the on-screen 
  instructions. To use the system startup disk, simply place the disk 
  into your disk drive (usually drive A), and restart your computer.
  Space Simulator will use the system startup disk for its memory 
  configuration.

* Running Space Simulator with Microsoft Windows
  Space Simulator achieves maximum video performance when you run it from 
  MS-DOS. If you choose to run Space Simulator from Microsoft Windows, 
  please note the following:
  - Prior to starting Space Simulator, run Space Simulator Setup and 
    choose the 320x400 graphics resolution option.
  - Prior to running Windows, ensure that your computer has at least 
    768K of EMS memory.
  - Run Space Simulator as an exclusive, full-screen application.
  - If you switch to another application, and then return to Space Simulator,
    the simulation display may be corrupted.  To restore the simulation
    display, press the W key twice to toggle the Full Screen View option
    and refresh the screen.  
 
* Video Issues
  Space Simulator supports 320x400, 640x400, and 800x600 graphics resolutions. 
  - To display resolutions greater than 320x400, you need to know the chipset
    of your video card.  To determine the chipset of your video card, refer
    to the documentation provided with your video card, or run Microsoft 
    Diagnostics by typing "msd" at MS-DOS prompt.
  - Some SuperVGA video cards may not run Space Simulator in 640x400 and/or
    800x600 resolution. This is often due to the video card manufacturer
    attempting to maximize video performance in Windows, while compromising
    MS-DOS-application compatibility.  If you have a SVGA card and have 
    problems with higher resolutions, try the VESA 1.2 video option.  If that
    does not work, you will have to run Space Simulator in 320x400 resolution.
  - Pentium users:  If your video card does not run Space Simulator in SVGA
    resolutions and you must run it in 320x400 resolution, the fast frame-
    refresh rate may cause undesirable flickering on your screen.  To slow the
    frame rate, adjust the following items in the Preferences dialog box:
    Set Milky Way check box on, Star Limiting Magnitude to 7, Precision to 8.
  - Diamond Viper video users:
    To run Space Simulator in 640x400 resolution:
    1. Acquire VPRMODE.EXE v2.04 from the manufacturer.
    2. Type "vprmode vesa" at the MS-DOS prompt to install VESA 1.2 
       compatibility.
    3. Run Space Simulator Setup, choose 640x400 resolution, and then 
       choose the VESA 1.2 video option.

* ThrustMaster Joystick Support
  If you have a ThrustMaster Mark II Weapons Control System (WCS), you can 
  use the SPACESIM.ADV file found in your Space Simulator directory to 
  configure your hardware for use with Space Simulator.  Using this file
  with your Weapons Control System enhances your Space Simulator experience
  by assigning many frequently-used features to controls on the WCS.  
  Note that use of this file requires the new chip and microcode from
  ThrustMaster.  Consult the SPACESIM.ADV file for details.

* Learning How to Control your Spacecraft
  Space Simulator has a concise on-screen Help menu. To see which keys 
  control your spacecraft, choose Keyboard Guide from the Help menu, 
  or see the back cover of the Star-Pilot's Guide. Be sure to review
  the other areas of the Help menu, including Menu Commands and 
  Basic Skills.

* Read the Star-Pilot's Guide
  In space, knowledge is power! The Star-Pilot's Guide provides a complete 
  journey through Space Simulator, as well as some great flying adventures.

* Fly the Missions
  Space Simulator has missions that score you on your piloting skills. 
  From the Options menu, choose Missions, and then take off!

* Accept a Challenge
  A great gateway into the heart of Space Simulator is available 
  with the Open Situation command on the Options menu. Just choose 
  a situation and find yourself in a new area of space. For extra 
  adventure, look for situations that include the word CHALLENGE 
  in their description. Read the challenge and then give it a try.

		
				    
			 Welcome to Space Simulator!
				    -=*=-

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