[Mr. Bubbles]

If I download FreeSpace Open and install it, do I still need to get Freespace 2 to be able to play or what?  I'm totally confused.

[karajorma]

You need FS2 in order to use play FS2_Open but if you use the installer at the top this forum it will download and install both. Installing on top of an existing FS2 install (if you have the game on CDs) will save you a lot of bandwidth though.

[Jeff Vader]

Follow the Walkthrough for Turey's FreeSpace Open Installer link in my sig. You don't need the retail FreeSpace 2 anymore.

And

[Mr. Bubbles]

Alright I don't have FreeSpace 2 installed, so can you give me an estimate on the size of information contained in the installer?  I am using the FreeSpace Open Installer, if that is what you're talking about.

Off-topic question:  Is this game worth playing?

[Jeff Vader]

Note: This Install process downloads about 3.3 GB of data, if you download everything.

That's a buttload of stuff, but you can choose to not install some components, mainly the enhanced graphics dealeys and cutscenes if the size intimidates you.

And yes, it is definitely worth it.

[Flipside]

Though, in all fairness, asking if FS2 SCP is good in the FS2 SCP Forums is only ever going to get you one answer

[Mr. Bubbles]

Alright... but if I do go through with this rather huge download/installation, I will be able to play without having to find and purchase/download another copy of the game?

I'd say I'm over halfway done with the download.  I've got a setback, though.  I am one of the unlucky saps who is forced to choose between dial up and broadband by satellite.  I obviously chose satellite, and the a-holes have a strict Fair Access Policy that limits our daily bandwidth to about 350mb a day.  If we go over, our speed is sapped to below dial up speeds.  However, currently between 2am and 5am CMT, the limit is lifted and I am free to download like a madman.  It's taken two days so far of this 3 hours of freedom to work on the DL of this.  From the reading I've done, though, it should be well worth it.

[Jeff Vader]

Let's get one thing straight. FSO is free. All the campaigns available in this forum are free. You don't need to buy anything to play this game. Well, maybe a computer and the Internet connection, but you obviously have them sorted out. So don't worry. Free.

Also, if you run into trouble, do search the forum to see if others have experienced similar problems. If not, do not hesitate to ask. We are all here to help. Well, apart from an0n, maybe.

[Mr. Bubbles]

Well then, I'll hope you'll excuse my laziness and kindly tell me if this will work on Vista 32-bit? *prepares for flamage and/or ban*

[Jeff Vader]

There have been some Vista issues. Go to the forum front page and use the search option on top of the page. That should show you some problem threads.

[Mr. Bubbles]

Thank you kindly. 

[Wobble73]

I think the majority of issues FS2-SCP has with Vista is purely OpenGL related drivers issues. If you have downloaded the very latest drivers for your Graphics card then you should be OK! And don't forget to download and install OpenAL from Creative's website! 

[Turey]

I've had no problems with Vista and FSO. It runs like a dream on my brand-new $3400 laptop.

[Jeff Vader]

$3400?! Hot piss! How can you invest that much into a laptop? My whiplash laptop cost like... hold on, I check from the currency converter... $1700. What kind of a rig do you have then?

[Fang_Taichou]

I've had no problems with Vista and FSO. It runs like a dream on my brand-new $3400 laptop.

Wow, do you like, have an ETAK device built into it or something?  Or shielding components?  Seriously, what specs does it have?

[Jeff Vader]

Aw man, that's like got to have a built-in subspace drive. There's no other explanation.

[akenbosch]

i was suspecting a quad core proccessor, a 512 gfx card, and 3 gigabytes of ram, and even a touch screen. but your explanation is good too.

[Turey]

Thinkpads are always a bit more expensive (and worth it), but if you don't count the 4 year theft protection/service plan, and the 25% employee discount, it actually only cost around $2452:

Thinkpad T61
2.4Ghz Core 2 Duo
Windows Vista Ultimate
14.1WXGA +TFT LCD Screen
Nvidia Quarto NVS 140 (128MB, DX10)
2GB PC2-5300 667MHZ 1DIMM
160 GB HDD,5400RPM
INTEL TURBO MEMORY 1GB
Intel A/G/N Wireless
Bluetooth
7 Cell Battery
Preloaded Microsoft Office 2007
Built-in Roll Cage
HDD Shock Absorber

This thing will last me 5 or 6 years.