This site presents a complex exercise in 3D, scientific visualization. It is very demanding of a computer; it would be best to use a high-end machine with a good video card. You will need MS Windows 2000 or higher.
Using the site will also require some preparations:
1.
Download Internet
Explorer. You will need to access the site from within Internet
Explorer. The site is still not fully functional in other browsers. If you
don’t have this on your computer, you can download it using the preceding link.
Internet Explorer does not conflict with other browsers and you won’t need to
designate it as your default browser. Just use it for this application, if you
ordinarily prefer another.
2.
Set your
OpenGL or DirectX to high quality. One of the major issues for 3D content
concerns poor quality images for ordinary display settings, especially text.
Many of the scenes in this application are memorable aesthetic experiences. In
Windows XP, the path is Start > Control Panel > Display > Settings
> Advanced. Then search the tabs for OpenGL or DirectX.
3.
Install Cortona.
You will also need the 3D client, Cortona. (No other client will work
properly for this application.) Cortona can be downloaded at the preceding
link. At that site, you will see a button "Install Now." Don’t use
it. Proceed directly to “Manual Setup” instead. (The “Install Now” button
appears to be problematic for almost everyone.) When installing Cortona, you
will be given an option between OpenGL and DirectX. Choose the option that
matches the functionality of your video card (see step 2). If you aren’t sure,
choose DirectX.
4.
Deactivate
ActiveX blockers. In Internet Explorer, you will see a yellow “infobar”
(“To help protect your security…”) that alerts you to the presence of ActiveX
content (if ActiveX content is already blocked). Right click on that and select
“Allow blocked content...” Be aware that ActiveX content is said to have some
potential for damaging computers and we cannot assume any responsibility for
this. The program has been tested on various computers without causing any
damage, but there is apparently still some possibility (although very small).
On the other hand, the computer will probably just crash before any damage is
done. (To always allow ActiveX content, in
Internet Explorer, go the Tools menu, select Internet Options and then the
Advanced tab. Then scroll down to the Security heading and check the box for
“Allow active content to run in files on my computer.”)
5.
Enable
JavaScript (if you have disenabled it previously).
6.
Set
preferences. Once the 3D scene is rendered, you can right-click in any
blank area to access a control menu. Disregard all options except “Preferences.”
At that option, select “Renderer.” Disregard all others. On the left, select
the option that matches your video functionality (DirectX or OpenGL).
7.
Read the
introductory material in the right frame. See
especially the Instructions for using the Cortona navigation controls and the
site Map.
8.
If you get any
warnings relating to “script errors,” you can disregard them. This would also
mean that your default settings for this have been changed. To turn off
script debugging:
· In Internet Explorer, click the Tools button, and then click Internet Options.
· Click the Advanced tab.
· In the Settings list, under Browsing, select Disable Script Debugging (Internet Explorer) and Disable Script Debugging (Other), and then click OK.
9.
Close any other
programs or documents. (This is a demanding application; it is best to
eliminate any additional burden on your computer.)
This site is a very elaborate application of
VRML; the main file is massive and may take a while to load.
We do apologize for all these complications,
but interactive 3D is still problematic for the personal computer. If you have
difficulties, please contact me at mgchannon@live.com.
There is nothing in the program
that collects information, allows remote access or inserts software without
your knowledge.