The SIC software is designed to run on an IBM PC-AT or on a compatible microcomputer IBM PC or PS/2.

The SIC 2.1 version only existed under the MS/DOS operating system.

The SIC 3.1 version was supplied both for DOS and Windows, in order to assure the progressive transition of all users toward Windows.

From version SIC 3.5 only the Windows version was supplied. This version was a 16 bits version and could thus run under Windows 3.1, 3.11, 95 or 98 (and Windows NT).

The present SIC version, is a full 32 bits version only able to be run under Windows 98, NT, 2000, XP and latter versions of Windows.

The 32 bits version is faster and more reliable, especially on computers equipped with a Pentium 2 microprocessor (and later version). In addition, this version allows multi-tasking, thus making possible to execute simultaneously Ediflu and Fluvia, for instance. It can also perform several SIC programs at the same time. However this kind of use is not advised and we cannot guarantee the way in which Windows manages the protection of files if used at the same time by different applications.

The Windows SIC versions can model larger systems than the old DOS versions could. Furthermore, the Windows version has a new topology and geometry editor (Edital program).

SIC requires a mathematical co-processor (automatically installed on the recent Pentium processors) and an EGA or VGA screen. RAM must be at least 128 MB (Mega-Bytes). About 80 MB is required on the hard disk for the three units of the software. A nice minimum configuration would be a Pentium IV, with 64 MB of RAM and a 1 Giga hard disk.

The software also has some graphical output possibilities since it generates DXF AutoCad, Wmf and Bmp files.

The topographic unit of the Software (Unit I) is protected by a dongle (electronic key) that must be connected to the parallel output port of the computer. If a printer (or any other peripheral) is also connected to this port, it must be switched on and the key must be placed directly on the computer output. The dongle can also be used through the network if it has been configured this way by Cemagref. Check the FAQ pages on the CANARI web server (http://www.canari.free.fr) for the procedure. The connections must be made when the computer and peripherals are switched off. In case of deterioration of this key, you must contact Cemagref to buy a new one (returning the old key). In case of lost, Cemagref does not assure any replacement.

In case your computer does not recognise the dongle, specially under Windows NT, 2000 or XP, please install the driver provided at the FAQ web page of the CANARI web server. The installation procedure is explained in the Installation Procedure page.