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What is it?
Originally created in the early years of computing (1992), Microscope for the PC was
the world's first virtual microscope, running in a DOS based environment. Although updated to run under
early versions of Windows, with the introduction of Windows ME, all DOS based software could no longer run.
But now that's all changed!!
A new freeware program which emulates DOS in a windows environment has become available allowing Microscope for
the PC to run again under Windows 2000 / Windows XP. Microscope has been revised to enable transparent operation
in your Windows environment so you don't have to worry about the techie stuff concerning operating systems and
the like. Simply download the trial version, run the downloaded file, locate the desktop item made during the installation
and away you go!
What does
it do?
It runs like a real microscope but on your
PC. It has many slidesets which allow you to study and learn about animal and plant life both at the microscopic
and macro scale. Over 100 controls enable you to magnify and move the slide around, run and manipulate ambitions,
sample and compare parts of specimens, and teach you about biology, pond life, & botany, both at the enthusiast
level and up to '0' and 'A' level standards.
Do
I need external stuff?
You don't need anything except the software
itself! It comes complete with 4 slidesets in the trial version and approx. 60 slidesets (not slides but sets of
slides - a maximum of 10 to a set), in the registered version!
Made in
1992. Isn't it a bit old and out-of-date?
Well, it certainly has a 'retro' feel about
it but even though it was devised before the graphical interface we use today, it was built with a windows type
interface before Microsoft Windows itself. It doesn't have the full colour capability and resolution we are used
to in 2005 but it was so well conceived that it is still today a powerful tool and learning aid. It took 3 years
to create and was designed to teach people about microscopy. In fact, it was this software which lead to the creation
of Microscopy-uk and Micscape Magazine.
At 20.00 dollars for a registered version, you cant really go wrong. And you can run the trial version to see if
it is for you before shelling out for a registered version.
What is
the difference between the trial and registered version?
The trial version only contain 4 slidesets.
Enough for you to navigate the software and determine its usefulness to you. The full registered version has nearly
60 slidesets (up to 10 slides per set). See the list below for the slideset topics in the registered version.
Algae, Ants, A level biology
- Plant, A level biology - mammal, fly, mosquito,
parasites, rotifers, wasp, diatoms, amoebas, paramecium, volvox, aphids,
larvae, weevils, bugs, household objects, art, fleas, spiders,
ciliates, Velcro, pond life.
Will it
run on my system?
Microscope will run on all versions of Windows
on a PC. There is no version for the Apple Mac.
Is it
difficult to operate?
Microscope is a comprehensive program, but
it is designed to monitor your activity and bring up help messages to direct you when you make mistakes. It has
a quick-start tutorial mode to get you up and running quickly. Children over the age of 7 should also be able to
use it with a bit of guidance from you to start. The main thing to remember is that you must always click on a
control to get something to happen. You cant just say, click on a file name - to load a slideset. Always use the
navigate and load buttons. A comprehensive user manual in html format is included which can be read by your browser.
What uses
does it have?
So many! Here is a list of some of them:-
- Help newbies identify microscopic and macro forms.
- Help students of A and O level biology at a curriculum
standard. (used in US and UK schools).
- Help youngsters to be encouraged to get a real microscope
and learn about their world.
- Help microscopists to learn more details about real specimens.
- A wonderful retro-edutainment opportunity for rainy days
& nights.
- Assists people who have just acquired a real microscope
for the first time.
- Provides an ideal solution for the 'armchair' scientist
to look at microscopy.
How big is the
download?
The trial version is around 6 megabytes. The registered version is around 28 megabytes.
How do I
purchase a registered version?
All purchases are via PAYPAL. We believe this is the safest method of purchasing items over the internet. You can join up with
them today and use Paypal all across the internet. The registered version is just 20.00 US dollars, no extras. Once you check out from the shopping cart, you will be taken to a page to click on the download
link. You will also receive an email with the download link in it along with a password and any other instructions
needed to install the software.
Purchase a registered version now!
Downloading
and Installing
These instructions are the same for both
the trial version and the registered one, except in the registered one, you will be prompted for a registration
number during the installation process. You will have received this in your automated registration confirmation
email and on the download link page.
- 1) Download the .exe file and save it on your PC where
you will find it later.
- 2) After the download is complete, locate the file and
run it. (double click on the filename!)
- 3) The file will automatically unzip to your main C drive.
Do not change the location!
- 4) Two new directories are made on your C drive: \pcdosbox
and \dosprogs
- 5) A new desktop item/folder or items should have installed
on your desktop.
- 6) Click on the desktop item: Microscope for the PC icon
or the manual/guide icon.
- 7) If you don't see a desktop item, locate and run the file called: c:\pcdosbox\pcdosbox.exe
note: you can create your own shortcut to this file. The manual is located at c:\dosprogs\scope\MANUAL2.html
Its that easy. Any problems...
email
me here!
(back to faq index)
FAQ of User Problems and Answers
(I will post any issues here along
with solutions)
Issue
Can't LOAD slidesets other than
Guide01
From: dusty
Date: 07/28/05 12:52:35
To: mol@molsmith.fsnet.co.uk
Subject: Re: Order Info - Mol Smith - t/a Sin-ergy Studios : Onview.net Ltd
Mol, as noted I have the full version installed on a laptop running windows
ME. I have a problem that when I click on "load" it will not permit me to
get other sets in that it flashes on and off too fast. In other words I can
only get guide01.set. I have reinstalled this several times to no avail.
Incidentally I have downloaded the trial version on my desk top XP and it
does the same thing. Am I doing something wrong? Super program once I get it
working. Thanks for your help. Bob Rhodes
I think you may be doing something wrong.
Resolution
You have to click on the little arrows in the small window close to where u see the slideset names. Clicking the
arrows moves the hilite down (or up) the list of slides. When the appropriate one is hilited, you then click the
LOAD button. This places the set into the upper window slide rack. Thereafter, you naviagate the set in the upper
window and use the VIEW button to load a chosen slide into the viewer.
Let me know if this works.
Because we are all Windows users now, it is instinctive to click the wrong thing... like the icon of the slide,
or the name of the slide, but the software was created before windows was around, so this methodology was not realised
at that time. Only buttons control the working of the software.
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