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, you may also want to install Java 1.4. For Linux, you might need to install the Java version, which comes with your distribution. You can use Java 1.1, but you will get more beautiful graphics with Java 1.2 or better. I recommend this for faster computers.
The program works in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, Brazilian, Danish, Slovenian, French and Spanish with an automatic language selection.
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.
This version features an easy installation on Windows. You can choose between Java versions 1.1, 1.2 or better, and the Microsoft version. The Inno installer determines the available Java runtimes.
For modern machines, please install
To test for the existence of a Java runtime, execute "javaw" from Start/Run. If there is no error message, you have Java and can proceed with 2.
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. An unsupported option is to install the Java runtime 1.1 and use C.a.R. with simple graphics.
Due to the official Java page for Mac OSX at Apple, Java should be pre-installed on these systems. So you can just download
and double click on it. Alternatively you can use a command line as in the the Unix installation below to start the program. You find a terminal program in your Applications files.
Moreover, Java Web Start should work out of the box (see here). You can check this to see, if Java is properly installed on your system.
For other Mac versions, install Java from Sun's site. Then proceed with the program archive as above.
This version if for users of Linux, OS/2, Apple OS X or other Unix platforms. All you need is
On modern Java versions, you should be able to start the program by double clicking this archive. If this does not work, try one of the following command lines
The documentation is not contained and must be downloaded separately. Copy the zirkel.jar archive into the directory "doc_en" to enable the demos.
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. 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 intermediate version with extensions and minor fixes. If you need the most recent changes, download the
Either double click on the archive, or replace your old "zirkel.jar" with the new version.
In case of troubles, I'd appreciate a bug report.
The program is freeware, and the source is available and free by the GNU General Public License.
To install the program in a net, use an icon with the command line (e.g. for Java 1.3)
Path_to_Java.exe -cp Path_to_zirkel.jar Zirkel
Of course, the icon, Java and the C.a.R. archive could to be installed on a file server. To use the same configuration for all users append the parameter "-h Path_to_zirkel.cfg". If this file is write protected, it won't be changed. To restrict the user to the icon bar (school mode), append the parameter "-r".
C.a.R: contains a function to export constructions or assignments to HTML pages. You will find more information in the documentation pages.