| BeefGEM Download Instructions |
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These instructions provide a general procedure for downloading and installing the Beef Gas Emissions Model (BeefGEM) software. Some variation in terminology and available procedures exists among Windows Operating Systems. These generic instructions should provide a successful installation with Windows systems. Other procedures specific to your operating system and available software may work.
- BeefGEM is available for use with Windows 10 or higher operating systems.
- Click on the BeefGEM 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.
- After registering, a file download screen should appear. If the 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. Open the download window, choose the file for the version you want (we recommend the latest or highest version number) and click the file.
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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.
- 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.
- Otherwise, the BGEMinstall.msi file will be saved in the "Download Folder" or other location on your computer. This installation file can be executed by double clicking the file. Follow the prompts to extract all program files and complete the installation.
- The installation extracts compressed files and copies them to a new permanent directory or folder. By default, the data folder is C:\BeefGEM, but you can change this location during the installation if you prefer something different. The installation also creates a shortcut on your desktop labeled BeefGEM. This shortcut can be moved or removed if it is not wanted.
- BeefGEM is now ready for use. Click the BeefGEM icon to enter the main window. The model is initially set to represent a beef cattle farm in Pennsylvania. Other farms, ranches and feedlots are also provided along with historical weather files for all 50 states of the U.S. After starting with the default farm, other predefined farms and locations can be selected and farm parameter changes can be made.
- Help 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 or toolbar.
- NOTE FOR INTERNATIONAL USERS: If the program fails to load, 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 Time & Language Options in the Settings of your computer. After entering this dialog box, select English (United States) as the preferred regional setting or use the customize option to accept numbers in this required format.