C.a.R. is freeware and open source under the GNU general license (GPL). The main point is that all parts of the source must remain open at all times. If you change the code, you must make your code open and you must refer to the original pages. You are invited to distribute C.a.R. commercially, but must refer to the C.a.R. homepage.
The program works in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, Brazilian, Danish, Slovenian, Polish, French and Spanish with an automatic language selection.
C.a.R. is a Java program. It needs a properly installed Java to run. If you are using Windows with Internet Explorer, you may have already a simple Java version. However, I recommend to install the most recent Java version from our Server or from Sun. For Linux, you might need to install the Java version, which comes with your distribution. I recommend IBM's Java for Linux. Mac OSX contains a Java runtime, and Java is available for older Macs too.
To test for Java on your computer, run the command "java -version".
This version is an easy installation program on Windows. It contains the documentation, icons and a de-install feature. Moreover, you can choose between the Java versions on your computer. It has been done using the good and free Inno Setup.
For modern machines, please install
On old, slower machines, you should also use the new Java version, but disable the complex graphic routines in C.a.R. Alternatively, execute "wjview" from Start/Run. If there is a dialog of options and no error message, you have Microsoft Java and can install C.a.R. and use it with simple graphics. This is an emergency procedure on very old machines.
I have packed all C.a.R. stuff for other machines. This is an archive containing the program file and the documentation and demos.
Due to the official Java page for Mac OSX at Apple, Java should be pre-installed on these systems. On Linux, I recommend using IBM's Java. Java is available on any modern operating system.
Please download
This is a packed file and you need to unzip it.
On modern Java versions, you should be able to start the program by double clicking the program archive zirkel/doc/doc_en/zirkel.jar. If this does not work, try one of the following command lines
cd zirkel/doc/doc_en
java -jar zirkel.jar
java -cp zirkel.jar Zirkel
You find the documentation on zirkel/doc/doc_en/index.html.
Command line options for the program are.
A convenient way to start programs from the Net. The program will be updated automatically. So the user has the most recent versions at all times. The documentation should be read over the Net, but can be installed locally (see above for "Other Operating Systems"). You need Java 1.2 or better, and a system, which is supported by Java Web Start. Java Web Start is included in Java 1.4. Under Linux, you should use the Java from IBM.
See this page for details.
This is for expert C.a.R. users needing new features of an intermediate release. To update from a stable version to an intermediate release, download the new program archive, and replace the old file "zirkel.jar" on your computer with the new version. The archive will also work, if you want a small download. On most systems, you can double click on the program archive to start the program.
Note, that it is preferable to update the documentation with each release. The homepage will show the most recent documentation, of course. Otherwise download this file, which contains the documentation and the program archive (see below for "Other Operating Systems")
The program is freeware, and the source is available and free by the GNU General Public License.