Getting Started

You can start using CPS by simply downloading it and installing it.  There are versions available for the Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.

Download:

• Download the current production release from SourceForge.
The link will take you to the software distribution site were you can download the software specifically for your operating system.

• For early releases and betas, visit Project Kenai:
http://cps.kenai.com/downloads

Install:

The process for installing the software varies for each operating system. Presented here is simple a guide to get the installation started on your computer. The actual instructions may vary somewhat on your particular computer, but this guide should be pretty close.

Windows

The Windows download contains a setup program to install the software with shortcuts; it also includes an uninstaller.  When the setup completes, you should have an "Emxsys" folder within your "Start Menu > All Programs" menu.  Within the  To install the program,  follow these steps:

  1. Locate the zip file you downloaded in your browser's download folder.
  2. Unzip the downloaded file
    • The Mac download is a Mac application ready to run after unzipping to your drive.
    • The Linux download is a cross platform zip of binaries and jars.  You will find the application launch program/script in the cps/bin folder.

Try it Out:

The CPS software is easy to use, and it is designed as a learning tool.  Thus, experimentation is encouraged.  So, after launching the application and agreeing to the license, you can simply zoom into to an interesting area on the earth and experiment with the solar, weather, and fuel inputs on the left hand side of the screen and observe the computed fire behavior on the right hand side of the screen.

For more information on how to operate the software, visit the Tutorial, and don't forget to check out the online help system within the software.