Gamer64,

I don't have fsX so I can't speak to the particulars of that in any depth........ but......

fsX has a default gaming setup that is ties to Gamespy.  Its' built in mode goes thru that server alone.  Microsoft sort of tried to "close the door" on other options........ I am assuming for commercial reasons.  SO when you connect using JUST fsX, that is the portal / server you are using.

There is a whole community of online flight servers that are built up around supporting fs2004, with that sim having been around a very LONG time now...and with the problems with fsX that are keeping a lot of people still ON fs2004.  These servers mainly utilize a freeware system called FSHost.  Anyone can set up a server that runs FSHost .... so there are a lot of options.  A typical search utilizing the freeware FSHostSpy program on any given day shows about 150-160 places to fly.  The official Simviation server you see listed here is one of these.

Then there are a few "proprietary" places to fly that utilize a different approach, like VATSIM and IVAO.  Those places are very realistic, complicated to set up, need proprietary (free) software installed, and are for people who like to literally fly just like in real life.... full procedures , legal standards, and under ATC.

As I understand it, there is now a FSHost "patch" that allows fsX to run on FSHost servers alongside fs2004.  That would allow you to fly fsX on the Simviation server, and other FSHost places too.  I think this is explained in the SimV server sticky posting at the top of this forum Section.  I beleive that this unfortuinately makes fsX perform just like fs2004... so you don't have the new multi-player features of fsX while online.


As to seeing other aircraft correctly......

It is a well known problem.  Unless ALL the players in a multi-player session have the EXACT same aircraft installed in their OWN aircraft folder..... the sim will substitute some other aircraft for that plane.  To do an "airshow" the FIRST STEP is to have everyone attending download and install tha exact roster of aircraft that will be showing.  A total pain in the butt.

Hope this helps.  Spendd some time reading threads here in this section.... it'll help get you up to speed on multi-player.  And PLEASE read the posts about opening ports and how to do that.  

best,

..........................john