| product | size | last updated | version | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BRIAN for the Macintosh - OS X (requires 10.4 - Tiger) Universal Binary zip archive |
14 MB | April 21, 2008 | 5.6.0.6 | Download |
| BRIAN for Windows Setup exe |
7.4 MB | April 21, 2008 | 5.6.0.6 | Download |
| BRIAN data. For Mac or Windows. no conversion needed |
January 9, 2006 | Download |
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BRIAN 5 will run on the Macintosh or Windows operating system. I have tested BRIAN on Windows XP, but it may even work on Windows ME, Windows 2000, or Windows 98. BRIAN 5 for the Macintosh requires Mac OS X version 10.4 (Tiger).
The size of the downloads for BRIAN 5 are considerably larger than the BRIAN 4.6 version. This is because of extra files that must be included to support the new version of the database software BRIAN uses. These files must be kept in the same folder as the BRIAN program. The downloads for each version support this.
In the case of Windows, the setup installer will handle arranging all the files BRIAN needs. It is very simple, all the files will be put in the same folder. This includes the BRIAN program and the database software DLLs. Do not rearrange the location of the folder contents. It is recommended that if you have previously used the BRIAN installer to install BRIAN 5 that you use the uninstaller to uninstall it before installing a newer version.
In the case of the Mac download, the zip archive is Universal Binary. After unzipping the file, it should be moved to the Applications folder on your hard drive, but it is not required.
For both Windows and Macintosh, it is recommended that the BRIAN data files be kept in a separate folder from the folder containing the program. But, this is purely optional and for purposes of making backups easier.
This version implements a new version of the database engine and a new schema structure of the database. Because of this, older versions of BRIAN databases will not be compatible with BRIAN 5. You can open BRIAN 4.6 databases and they will be converted to BRIAN 5 databases. But, once this conversion is completed, the database will not open with earlier versions of BRIAN. Be sure to make a backup of your database before converting it to BRIAN 5.
So far, the benchmark timings for conversion of a large database have been clocking in at around an hour. Your conversion timing may be longer depending on the speed of your computer. Best to allow for plenty of time. Start the conversion and go have a few beers while you wait!
PLEASE! Feel free to contact me with any questions or problems you might have.