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What are the hardware requirements for ReluxDesktop?
Relux software will run on any computer running a Microsoft supported Windows operating systems (32 & 64-bit). For complex schemes, (more than 10 rooms to a project, importing large or multiple CAD files, manipulation of large 3D objects etc.) we recommend as a minimum specification:
Recommend Minimum requirements:
Processor: 64 bit Quad core processor
>2.5GHz clock speed
Main memory: 8GB of system RAM (preferably 16GB RAM
Graphics: Workstation graphics card (not a gaming graphics card)
with dedicated 2GB VRAM Video memory
with OpenGL version 3.0 support
It is vital that the graphics drivers are regularly updated to the latest available version (outdated graphics driver will cause problems with even the best computers).
Graphics cards:
ReluxPro is a complex real time 3D environment, the capabilities of the graphics card are important.
A workstation graphics card should be used rather than a gaming graphics card.
The driver software on a gaming card is optimised for games that generally requires a high frame rate coupled with a low polygon count.
The driver software on a workstation card is optimised for model visualisation and CAD that generally requires high numerical precision coupled with a high polygon count.
Relux is much more aligned to the requirements of a workstation system.
The card must support 65,000 colours, and must fully support OpenGL to at least version 3.0, e.g.
AMD Radeon or better
Nvidia GT 650 or better
Open GL is the system used by Relux to allow manipulation of 3D objects on the screen, so the graphics card must support Open GL and have sufficient power and suitable drivers. A new computer or graphics card does not necessarily come with the latest drivers installed. After delivery of a new computer or installation of a new graphics card you must go to the web site of the manufacturer of the graphics card and download and install the latest driver files. If a computer has additional graphics cards, ensure that any unwanted graphics cards are disabled:
[Control Panel] [System] [Device Manager] [Display Adaptors] [Properties] [Driver] [Disable].
ReluxPro tries to detect potential graphics card incompatibilities by switching to Mesa mode, which is a software emulation of the required hardware, this means that hardware acceleration of the graphics card cannot be used. The advantage of this mode is its reliability, the disadvantage is slower graphics processing. This mode can be activated manually in ReluxDesktop through the menu options Extras->Options->General settings.
To determine if there is a problem with the graphics card drivers, switch the operating mode of Relux to use 'Mesa graphics' by following these instructions:
Start ReluxDesktop, Close the first screen, do not open a project or start a new project.
The only options now showing should be the File / View / Setup / Help menus.
Click on the 'Setup' menu, then click the 'General Settings' button.
In the 'OpenGl implementation for 3D Views' section, choose the radio button for 'Mesa 3D Graphics Library
Then press the 'OK' button.
Click on 'File' menu and 'Exit'.
The Windows Driver is the software specific to the graphics card, written by the manufacturer.
The Mesa 3D Graphics Librarydriver is a general purpose driver written by Microsoft
Disk free space
It is recommended that there is at least 15% free space on the hard drive to successfully run the Windows operating system, 10GB free space on the installation drive is required for basic operation, large and complex schemes will require additional space.
What Operating Systems will ReluxDesktop work with?
Relux software is only available to run under Microsoft supported Windows operating systems (32 & 64-bit).
Please note that software support will not be provided for operating systems that Microsoft no longer support.
An Apple Macintosh version is not available
ReluxPro cannot be run natively on MAC OS or Linux derivatives, it can only run in a Virtual Machine emulation by using virtualization software such as Virtualbox, Microsoft Virtual PC for Mac or Parallels Desktop for Mac. Further information:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VirtualBox
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_machine
32/64 bit operation
The standard calculation engine for artificial and daylight calculations is a multi-core and hyperthreading capable 64-bit enabled program which means it can utilise the entire main memory of 64-bit operating systems to calculate very large projects, while still being able to run on 32-bit systems.
The raytrace calculation engine is a 32-bit program which means it can utilise up to 2 GByte RAM.
ReluxDesktop is a 32-bit program which can call either of the calculation engines.
What ports and URLs does ReluxDesktop require access to?
Ports:
80
443
URLs:
https://activatereluxdesktop.relux.com
https://support.relux.com
http://codemeter.relux.com
http://relux.com/
How do I download and install ReluxDesktop?
You must have administrator rights on your machine to be able to install the software.
You must ensure that your machine has completed any Windows updates or software updates.
We recommend that you perform a Windows restart and check that there are no outstanding updates before proceeding.
Go to https://relux.com/en/downloads.html (link opens in a new window).
This page has a list of all program versions available for download.
Choose the program you require (ReluxDesktop).
Click the "download" link.
Save the application, you must define the location on your system where the file is to be saved so that you can find it. The file will save to your system as an executable file.
When the download finishes close the web link, go to the saved file using Windows Explorer, right-click on the file and select 'Run as Administrator' to start the installation process.
Follow the on screen instructions.
You will need to register your details with Relux
Beta versions - important information
Beta software can be installed in addition to the main program.
Beta software is feature complete but likely to contain a number of known & unknown bugs, have speed & performance issues and may cause crashes or data loss. You should not use Beta versions of programs without being aware of these limitations.
The purpose of beta software is to allow testing to find problems and correct them before a final program release. Beta testers are people who actively report issues with the beta software. If you do not wish to be involved in the beta testing of a program, you should only use the program versions that are not marked as beta.