Installation, License and Help
Software activation via license code, requesting a demo license, license-dependent workspaces, checking for updates, desktop integration on Linux and the help functions of VICUS
Overview
VICUS requires a license; which workspaces are usable depends on the license. This page describes activation via license code, requesting a demo license, checking for updates, desktop integration on Linux, and the help and information functions.
Workspaces and license
VICUS knows the two workspaces Building and Heat Network, which are switched on and off via the menu View > VICUS Workspaces (see User Interface and Navigation). Which of them are available is determined by the license:
- A Districts license unlocks the Heat Network workspace, a Buildings license the Building workspace, and a Master license both.
- If only one workspace is available, the respective other menu entry is disabled and cannot be switched on.
- Depending on the District license tier, the maximum network size (number of consumers connected via transfer stations) and the dynamic network simulation are additionally unlocked.
Entering license information (activation)
The menu Help > Enter license information… opens the Software activation dialog. If no valid license is present at startup, this dialog appears automatically.
| Area | Content |
|---|---|
| User/license | Mandatory fields Name (*) and E-mail (*) as well as – optionally – the name of the company. This information is required for the request and activation. |
| Request demo license | Two buttons request a time-limited but otherwise fully functional demo license – Request demo license for VICUS BUILDINGS or … for VICUS DISTRICTS. |
| Software activation | Paste an already purchased license/activation code into the text field and click Activate software. |
During activation and when requesting a demo license, VICUS briefly contacts the activation server. On success, the dialog reports The software was activated successfully. Without an internet connection, activation can be retried later; for emergencies the dialog offers a short, strongly time-limited session.
Checking for updates
The menu Help > Check for updates… checks on request whether a newer version is available – VICUS does not check automatically. If an update is available, a notice appears with a change list and download option; otherwise the message that no update is currently available for this software and this operating system. The same check is also accessible via the start screen.
Desktop integration (Linux)
The menu Help > Desktop integration (Linux)… sets up an application shortcut (.desktop file) on Linux and registers the file association for .vicus project files. Afterwards VICUS appears in the application menu and project files can be opened by double-clicking. The changes take effect after the next login.
Help and information
| Menu entry | Function |
|---|---|
| Online manual… | Opens this manual in the web browser |
| Keyboard and mouse control… (F1) | Brief overview of the key and mouse assignments, see Keyboard and mouse |
| About VICUS… | Version and build status, the license data (license type, validity, name, e-mail) as well as the licenses of the third-party components used |
| About Qt… | Information on the underlying Qt library |
The menu entries Send a feature request or bug report… and Visit website with discussion forum… are disabled in the current version.