#4 Simulations

For simulation i chose to research train simulator mainly because i already have the game installed on the computer and is one of the first things that comes to my mind. A simulation is basically a program which basically is the same thing as real life except it is a game.

1. Why is the simulation used / necessary?

Simulation is necessary to reduce the number of accidents and for training before attempting the real thing. It is real life in a way because the detail in the game is the same as of the real world. Train Simulator is like the exact of real life because you are learning the knowledge needed to learn how to drive a train in a step by step guide (tutorials) where it doesn’t matter if you do something wrong cause then you learn for your mistakes and try it again

2 and 3. What hardware and software is needed for the simulation?

For Train Simulator it just basically depends, my opinion is that you have an average computer meaning:

- 1gb ram at least

-128mb graphics

- at least 2.2 quad or 2.4 duo CPU

- XP service pack 2. etc

For advanced people and who use it everyday you would need:

-2gb ram at least

- decent video/graphics card (around 512mb)

- good CPU (2.4 quad, 2.6 duo)

- Control panel which looks like this:

4. Where do you think this type of simulation might go in the future?

Microsoft Train Simulator can go a tad more forward improving there graphics every couple of years to keep up with technology but other than that it is fairly life like when played.