Installation
The OSLO programs are available for a variety of computer platforms and operating systems. All programs are available for PCs running Microsoft Windows, Windows for Workgroups, Windows 95, and Windows NT. OSLO PRO and OSLO SIX are also available for UNIX workstations from Sun and Hewlett-Packard. The installation instructions for UNIX versions are presented in the Program Reference manual. This section contains basic instructions for installing the PC versions of OSLO.
OSLO requires an IBM PC or compatible computer with the following minimum specifications:
Hardware (minimum)
8 Mbytes random-access memory (RAM)
Hard disk with 15 megabytes virtual memory
VGA display
Mouse with Microsoft compatible driver
3.5" disk drive
ID module (supplied with OSLO PRO and OSLO SIX)
Software
Win32s Rev 1.30 (required for Windows 3.1 or WFW 3.11 only)
A computer with a Pentium or above CPU is recommended for best performance in an interactive design environment. For ease in working with OSLOs multi-window interface, an SVGA display with a resolution of 800x600 pixels (or more) is preferable to the VGA display.
The ID module (hardware key) is a small (approximately 2x5x1 cm) device with a 25-pin connector that plugs into the parallel printer port of the computer. The ID module must be plugged into the computer before OSLO PRO or OSLO SIX can be run. If you use another device on the parallel port (e.g., a printer or Ethernet interface) connect it to the ID module. OSLO Light and OSLO LT do not require an ID module.
Win32s is a subsystem developed by Microsoft that enables Windows 3.1 or Windows for Workgroups 3.11 to run 32-bit application programs. If you are using one of these versions of Windows, Win32s must be installed in your computer before OSLO can be run (it is not required or allowed on Windows 95 or Windows NT). You can obtain Win32s directly from Microsoft product support on the Microsoft Network, Compuserve or at http://www.microsoft.com on the Internet. The file to download is PW1118.EXE in the Microsoft Software Library. You can also obtain Win32s by special order from Sinclair Optics. Installation instructions are provided in the file.
If you already have Win32s installed on your computer to run another application, please note that the minimum level required by OSLO is Rev. 1.3.
Before installing OSLO, check to make sure that your computer satisfies the system requirements, and that (if it is required) you have installed the Win32s subsystem described in the previous section.
The OSLO installation program is automatic. The only installation option set by the user is the choice of a directory in which to install the software (the directory itself is created by the installation program). All files relating to OSLO are copied to subdirectories of the chosen directory. The installation procedure for standalone and networked computers is the same.
All files pertaining to OSLO are contained in the OSLO Installation directory. To remove them conveniently, you should use an MS-DOS window. If you try to remove OSLO using the File Manager (required under Windows NT), you will have to first change the attributes of hundreds of files that are marked read-only.
xcopy <install_directory> a: /S /D:<install_date>
where <install_directory> is the complete path to the installation directory (e.g. c:\oslpro50) and <install_date> is the date of the installation directory (e.g. 02-14-96). This command will save any lenses or other files that you have added or modified to the flexible disc.
deltree <install_directory>
This command will prompt you for confirmation, then remove all the OSLO files. Please note that the deltree command deletes all files and subdirectories, regardless of whether they are marked read-only.
Before using the program, you should take a few minutes to set up the windows and fonts to your preference. This is particularly recommended if you have a VGA display.
VGA 640x480 display with 8 pt fonts:
VGA 640x480 display with 7 pt fonts:
Next Page | Previous Page | Table of Contents
Copyright © 1997 Sinclair Optics Inc. All rights reserved.
Page last updated 19970601