First, test FlightGear. Virtual Pilot 3D is a scam: they are selling free software, without telling their customers where it comes from, and show videos or screen shots from other flight simulators. http://wiki.flightgear.org/Category:FlightGear_vendors FSX is not "finished" yet. Development has been stopped in 2009 but it's still a Beta 2 (called "SP2"), it needs more "service packs", and you'll still find many users and add-on developers. Support has been stopped in 2012. Microsoft Flight development has also been stopped in 2012. So, Microsoft is finished in the flight simulation world. Prepar3D by Lockheed Martin could become a X-Plane competitor if they'll be allowed to change their EULA: "only for purposes other than personal/consumer entertainment".