| IFSM Download Instructions |
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These instructions provide a general procedure for downloading and installing the Integrated Farm System Model (IFSM) software. Some variation in terminology and available procedures exists among various Windows Operating Systems. These generic instructions should provide a successful installation with any Windows system. Other procedures specific to your operating system and available software may work.
1. IFSM execution requires a Windows 10 or newer operating system.
2. Click on the IFSM download link. Before downloading the model, we ask that you fill out the registration so that we can keep a record of users. This information is not distributed or used for any purposes other than our records.
3. After registering, a file download screen should appear. A few versions of the model are available for download. They are labeled as IFSMinstall x.x.msi where x.x is the version number. Choose the version you prefer with a click. The highest number is the latest version available.
4. If the download window does not appear, this may be caused by your web browser being set to block pop-ups. There should be an Information Bar near the top of your window. Click the bar, and a window should appear with an option to allow downloading of the file.
5. You may be given the option to open the downloaded file. If the open option is used, follow the prompts to extract all program files and complete the installation.
6. Otherwise, an IFSMinstall.msi file will be saved in the Download Folder on your computer. Execute this program using the 'Run' command from your Windows 'Start' menu or by double clicking the file. Follow the prompts to extract all program files and complete the installation.
7. Because this is an executable file, your browser may block the download. If you see a message such as "This file is not commonly downloaded" or "Delete/Keep" warning in the address bar or the download tray, click on the three dots or the "Delete/Keep" prompt next to the file, and select Keep or Keep anyway. Other options are to try a different browser or to change your browser settings to allow the download.
8. The installation extracts compressed files and copies them to a permanent folder. By default, data files are placed in the folder "C:\Integrated Farm System Model" but another location can be selected during the installation process. The installation also creates a shortcut on your desktop labeled IFSM. This shortcut can be moved or removed if it is not wanted.
9. The Integrated Farm System Model is now ready for use. Click the IFSM icon on your desktop to enter the main window. The model is initially set to represent a typical dairy farm in central Pennsylvania. Other farms, ranches or feedlots of various sizes, locations and types are also provided along with weather files throughout the U.S. and a few other countries. After starting with a selected farm, parameter changes can be made to create and save new farm parameter files. Help in using the model can be obtained at any point by pressing the F1 key, using the context sensitive help, or by selecting User Help from the Help menu.
10. NOTE FOR INTERNATIONAL USERS: If the program fails to execute after it is installed, the problem is likely in reading numbers in the default data files. The Windows operating system must be configured to read numbers as they are used in the United States (i.e., 1,000.00). If the use of the comma and period are reversed, the program will fail. This problem can be corrected by opening the Regional and Language Options in the Windows Control Panel of your computer. After entering this dialog box, select English for the United States as the preferred regional setting or use the customize option to accept numbers in this required format.