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OptiTools™ Download Page
[OptiLink™ and OptiSpider™]


This is the download and installation page for the OptiTools suite of programs. In addition to the program or programs you purchased, you will also find demonstration copies of the other programs installed as well.

If you have already installed one or more OptiTools programs, there is no need for you to perform steps 1 and 2 on this page as the programs should already be installed. The Java Runtime and OptiTools installers only have to be run one time. After that, additional OptiTools programs only require the authorization in step 3 below.

Install the Newest Java. OptiTools is written using the latest Java technology, so you must have the latest Java Runtime Environment, JRE Version 1.4.1 or later, installed before you can install OptiTools. If you are installing for Mac OS-X, you already have Apple's JRE installed, and should skip this step. For Windows and Linux, you will need to take the link below directly to Sun Microsystems where you can download and install Java.

Java Runtime Environment Download

If you have problems with this install, please see the searchable support knowledge base at http://www.windrosesoftware.com/support/ for solutions to nearly all download and install related problems.

Install OptiTools. After Sun finishes installing the latest Java release on your computer, you then use one of the links below to install the OptiTools software. If you encounter problems with any of this process, please first refer to the Support Knowledge Base before calling our technical support number.


Windows (ME, 2000, XP)

  1. Save jinstall.exe in a temporary directory on your system as a binary file. Important: To download a binary file and save it under the correct name, you usually have to right click on the link and select Save from the popup menu.
  2. Verify that the filename you downloaded is jinstall.exe. If your browser saved it with any other name, then rename it.
  3. Double-click on the downloaded copy of jinstall.exe to install OptiTools.
Macintosh OSX (10.2.3 - 10.3)

  1. Save install.jar in a new temporary directory on your system as a binary file. Important: To download a binary file and save it under the correct name, you usually have to right click on the link and select Save from the popup menu.
  2. Open up a Finder window, move to the directory where you saved the file, and double click on install.jar
Linux

  1. Save jinstall.bin in a temporary directory on your system as a binary file. Important: To download a binary file and save it under the correct name, you usually have to right click on the link and select Save from the popup menu.
  2. Verify that the filename you downloaded is jinstall.bin. If your browser saved it with any other name, then rename it.
  3. Change the properties of jinstall.bin to executable (i.e., chmod 0744 jinstall.bin)
  4. Start your GUI, open a terminal window, and then start ./jinstall.bin to install OptiTools.

Authorize Your New Software.   Each of the programs in the OptiTools family are individually sold and authorized by an unlock key provided at time of purchase. Programs that you have not purchased will work in "demo mode" so that you can study and evaluate the programs before buying them. To unlock purchased programs, simply enter your authorization key for each program in the program's File->Setup dialog. For detailed instructions and screen shots refer to the appropriate program's user guide.


Go!

Get started using your new software right away. Here are some valuable resources to help you on your way.

OptiLink
Quickstart Video    Start with a 2 minute 18 second video to see just how easy it is to use OptiLink.

OptiLink v3 User Guide    The OptiLink user guide is almost 40 pages in length and describes every single feature.  You will need Adobe Acrobat reader to view and print this file.  If you have the Acrobat plugin installed in your browser, you may simply click the link below and the guide will open in a new browser.  You may also right click the link and save the file to your machine for later viewing and printing.

 OptiSpider
Quickstart Video    Start with a 2 minute 6 second video to see just what OptiSpider is about.
OptiSpider User Guide    The OptiSpider user guide is almost 30 pages in length and describes every single feature.  You will need Adobe Acrobat reader to view and print this file.  If you have the Acrobat plugin installed in your browser, you may simply click the link below and the guide will open in a new browser.  You may also right click the link and save the file to your machine for later viewing and printing.

Support Knowledge Base    Here you will find explained a number of useful tips and tricks as well as the directions around the most common problems and pitfalls. Better than 90% of all new user questions are already answered in this searchable knowledge base. And once you really get going with the software, you'll find dozens advanced tips and tricks as well.