Fps?
 

What is the fps number in the corner?

FPS = Frames Per Second

Frame rates are considered important in video games. The frame rate can make the difference between a game that is playable and one that is not. The first 3D first-person adventure game for a personal computer, 3D Monster Maze, had a frame rate of approximately 6 fps, and was still a success, being playable and addictive. In modern action-oriented games where players must visually track animated objects and react quickly, frame rates of approximately 50 to 60 fps are considered minimally acceptable, though this can vary significantly from game to game.

It should also be noted that there is a rather large controversy over what is known as the "feel" of the game frame rate. It is argued that games with extremely high frame rates "feel" better and smoother than those that are just getting by. This is especially true in games such as a first-person shooter. There is often a noticeable choppiness perceived in most computer rendered video, despite it being above the flicker fusion frequency.

- Wikipedia

Thanks! That explains it:) So I guess the fact that the fps # is jumping anywhere from 6 to 60 is not a good thing.

Hehe.. no, not at all. From what I understand, the minimum fps needed to avoid jerky motion is about 30. Lowering the graphics settings in the game can help achieve and maintain this number.

lowered almost all of the graphics and it has not changed. hmm

Shader Level and Texture Detail Level have the highest fps impact. If you change these two settings, you'll have to restart the game before they take effect. If you still don't see any improvement, then there's no need to worry about it. :)

Ok the graphics are really messed up. I was having things disappear, all of the smoke looked like a net in my face my cannon shot was blue, Fire looked like blue light and the shrapnel from the ships was just boxes. Half of my ship was missing, and the fps # was still really low. Something I can do to change it?

No matter how I set my graphics, I have those visual problems as well. In some situations, other players and NPCs are rainbow colored. I reported these problems as bugs.

You may have VSYNC on which sets your Frame rate to your Monitor Frame Rate eg. 60, 70, 75, 85, 100 etc.