There is quite a contingent of flyers in the Northwest that play Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator (CFS) online during the bad weather months. They schedule dates and times, and "meet" at a host's IP address to battle each other in WW2 simulated warplanes in the skies over Europe. The following is the basics needed to join them.

1st-- you will need a copy of Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator version 1. Version 1 is what they are currently using. Microsoft makes version 2 and 3, but they are not compatible with version 1. Microsoft no longer makes version 1, so you will need to get a copy from one of the other players. They are friendly and always looking for fresh meat, so they will be happy to provide a copy. To get a copy, request one using this "Contact Form"- CFS Contact Form

2nd-- Of course, you will need your own computer and a broadband internet connection. Dialup won't work, since your flight data (position, speed, direction, altitude, weapons status, etc.) must be sent to all other players 10 times a second, and you must receive their flight data as well. You also need some method of controlling the aircraft-- a computer joystick, yoke or whatever. It needs to have a throttle and a weapons trigger. Everything else needed can be controlled with your computer keyboard.

3rd-- You need to join the CFS email list server. The CFS flyers use this to plan get togethers. To subscribe use this link CFS List Server Info
Instructions on the CFS list server are on the above linked page

4th-- The CFS experience is greatly enhanced if you can talk with each other during game startup and during the battle. The CFS participants use a online peer-to-peer communicator called TeamSpeak 2. For information on obtaining, installing and using TeamSpeak 2 use this link-- TeamSpeak 2 Instructions

5th-- If you run any type of router or wireless device, it likely has a firewall and uses Network Address Translation (NAT). Although this protects your computer from hackers attacking any open ports on your computer, it also prevents the flight data from other combatants from reaching you-- you can't see, or shoot at the other players. But they can see and shoot at you. Not good. All of the routers and wireless systems have settings that can be added which will allow the flight data packets to pass through to your computer. It is beyond the scope of this article to explain the setups for the various routers. Send an email to the CFS listserver and someone will help you out.

6th-- Practice a bit on your own time before joining an online battle. You will need to have your joystick calibrated, be able to fly your airplane and shoot down other airplanes. Test out your internet connection, test out your TeamSpeak2 and practice joining a online battle with another player one-on-one BEFORE trying to join a group battle. They aren't going to hold up 8 people ready to do a scheduled battle while you work out logistics problems. Again, the main help is from the other players on the CFS list server.