Our new software is distributed as an "applet".  That is, it is software downloaded from our server via your web-browser each time you need it, and run on your computer. This is in contrast to our old system, which relied on dynamically generated webpages.

The new approach provides a lot of additional power and flexibility. For example, the image viewer, image annotator, and voice recorder included with the new software would not be possible with webpages alone.  The new software should also be faster than the old (although there can be a lag as software components are downloaded to your machine).

The applet is downloaded each time it is used, and will not change anything on your machine.  

There is a small price to pay for use of the improved software: a few moments must be invested in preparing your machine to run it.  The software is written in Java, and requires that a Java Runtime Environment (JRE) be installed on each computer that will run it.  For this purpose, the JRE can be regarded as a browser plug-in. Installation of the plug-in requires only that a single file be downloaded and run, and this only has to be done once.

The installation file can be obtained from Sun Microsystem's website (please click on the "Download J2SE JRE" link on this page).  You can also obtain it from us (note that we have the Windows version of the installer only).

You may already have a version of Java installed on your computer. Even if you do, it is recommended that you install the Sun JRE v. 1.4 from one of the links above. Our applet will not work with Microsoft's version of Java, and it has not been tested with Java versions prior to 1.4.  Java version 1.5 has a bug which affects the operation of the applet; it causes the applet's windows to open behind the browser. (The applet can be used with Java 1.5, but you will have to minimize the browser in order to see it.) No doubt this bug will be fixed eventually.

Once you have installed Java, you can load and run the applet from http://www.dp.mcw.edu/DermpathApplet.html. The first thing you will see is a window indicating that it is a "signed" applet, and asking for permission for the applet to continue. If you do not click the "Agree" button, the applet will run, but it will not run correctly. If you click "Agree always" you will not have to do this again.

Once you have agreed to the applet, you will see a log-in window.  Enter the same username and password that you have been using for access to the MCW DP website.

We hope the operation of the applet will be fairly self-explanatory. We have included a few brief usage notes here.

The Adobe Reader plug-in is required for printing reports with the  new software. It can be obtained from the Adobe website.

The only other requirement is a microphone and sound card, if you want to use the new software to make audio recordings.

Once you have invested a few moments on these preliminaries, we believe you will find the new software much preferable to the old.  If you have any problems, please call Dr. Fleming at 414.456.4072. Also, please let us know if you would like functionality added (reminders? notes?).

Because the applet is downloadable software, it is recommended only for those with broadband Internet connections. The old webpages remain available for those with dial-up connections or for those who for some reason prefer them.