What are the system requirements of the flight sim download? You must check your OS against the system requirements of the flight sims software. If you can try to check reviews on the product to see what problems other people were having with the particular air plane game they purchased, then do. You will soon get a good idea of how the game functioned on different personal computers.

2. Does the software allow for flight simulator yokes and other accessories to be plugged in via a USB point?

If you really want to simulate flying, then you might as well get away from the keyboard. Eventually you will want to consider getting some flight simulator hardware, so make sure your download accommodates these extras.

3. Can you go online and play against or with other members of the software? This is an increasingly popular option so make sure that your software has the option of going online and fighting or playing with other flight simulator "pilots" out there.