Hi Kit,Sorry to hear your having major problems with FS2002 mate but let's see if we can sort some out.
>> as soon as I come out of 'Slew' the aicraft shoots off across the ramp at full throttle! <<
This was put into the sim as a lot of folk use Slew Mode and when they get to a certain Altitude they don't want to fall out of the sky, hence the aircraft will automatically accelerate and fly . "Remody" - Go into Slew Mode and once you are in the location you want (on the ground) then HIT F1, come out of Slew Mode and hey presto, your stationary.
>> why oh why when I switch view directions in 'Slew' does it ALWAYS bring the viewing altitude down to level with the aircraft? <<
I've just tried this at a few different locations and at various altitudes with the same results, the view stay's where I have it prior to exiting Slew Mode. What flight controls are you using?
>> why do different aircraft have different viewing distances <<
Main one here is the size of the aircraft. Do you set the viewing distance prior to this within Views/View Options then enter a distance in the Distance Dialog Box?? Typically I would set a distance of 400ft or so for a large aircraft and half that for a smaller on. I can't check as I don't have either FS98 or 2000 installed to see what would happen on this option when changing aircraft.
>> when I switch the parking brakes off, that 'Brakes' sign is still there, <<
As far as I'm aware this sign has been present in ALL FS Versions, just in different locations. As Ben pointed out this may well be a set up fault/conflict in Joystick/keyboard settings. I have FS2002 on 5 pc's and all my parking brake's disengage when they are released.
Putting all these aside you don't mention what system you use. My slowest pc is a PII 125 and although I get mega low frame rates it installed and runs where as FS2000 will not even install. Let's know what your system is and see if we can sort some thing out.
Regards,
James.