question for those playing on huge or larger maps

If your memory is less than 2 gig - don't worry it crashes - before you get there - I have yet to find a way around the issue. I've been looking for a way to increase the swap files - I can't seem to find it as of yet. I really like the huge etc. size. But I fear I will have to purchase a better machine - OH YEA - and get rid of VISTA.

I play at normal speed, and still run into tech tree depletion. I think I got an influence victory 4 turns before I would have finished tech victory in my last game. So, go with normal or slower.

Vista isn't the cause, neither is your machine. This is because GalCiv2 like most games is done in 32bit (I can't think of a game done in 64bit yet). 32bit programs/games are limited at 2gb of space, no matter what system you are using...

I had a 32bit XP system - 4gb of ram - 3.6 processor (not dual but its good), XT1600pro 512mb video card newest drivers and the game had the problem.

Now with Vista Ultimate 64bit - 4gb of Ram - 3.6 processor XT 1600Pro 512mb video card newest driver the game has the same problem.

Vista has its own issues don't get me wrong, I'm really upset with Vista infact (I knew better but I upgraded anyways, don't have as many problems as some, but the ones i do have really suck)...

Anyways, even though the 64bit system and 64bit capable motherboard, if the program runs as 32bit, 2gb is your max memory allocation... So basically that means you'll always have that problem, though they say TotA fixes it...we'll see when its finished...

There is a post on the forum about a program that you can use to get it to 3GB instead of 2gb (32bit programs can do 3gb if a special code is added, but windows keeps most programs @ a max of 2gb). But even with that you just get the problem a little bit later.

Easy. Turn off tech victories. It's too easy on gigantic anyway, and the AIs could race for it just when the game is getting good.

Normal is what I play, fast is just... too fast...

This. I also play on the slowest tech rate.

Usually on slowest, still come close to a "forced" tech victory with that. (Neutrality Learning Centers are awesome)

Still, if you don't want to win a Tech Victory, you can always stop research altogether...

That was the first thing I did. It was nice to win quick in the begining. It helped, keep frustration down as I was learning the hidden parts of the game. As I got a better understanding of just what was really happening, I realized I was missing so much that the game has to offer. I may just may be learning a new thing, what I see as a glitch may and most probably is just my lack of understanding of how it works.

Renfl - thanks to you - I didn't know that piece of information - it has allowed me to see things in a better light. Knowing this I can work around it. Thanks again and Merry Xmas to you and yours.

I play on slowest tech rate.

Normal tech, and astalavista baby.
But, i almost never go for a tech victory since i VERY much prefer to win as (in strict order of events);
1) Conquest (75% of the time, all my games conclude with that)
2) Influence (often the shortcut boredom hits my mind even if i KNOW i can conquer anything that remains!)
3) Diplomacy (another type of shortcut which needs careful monitoring of opponents' Alliance status.)
4) Techno (Too costly, too loooooooong and almost too easy since once you get PLENTY ahead, there's obviously no way anyone can fill the gap in time. Relatively speaking, this also has much more obstacles than it seem.)

And, with the variable conditions in the quazi-bazillions... i may even accept a straight forward duel with the last remaining AI on all fronts (expect Alliance! ;))

- Zyxpsilon.