Downloading and running the prototype
Target audience
You may be tempted to download, but wondering whether you have the skills to have fun with this thing. So, who is this software aimed at?
a. Regular users wanting to run some stock examples. Fair enough. The examples aren't terribly fascinating yet though.
b. Geeks who have some programming experience and are fond of low-level hacking. You're the perfect match! Write some creative assembler code, watch it run and if you're happy with what you did, send me a copy.
(Please be patient if something doesn't work. I am a one-man spare-time development team.)
c. Java freaks interested in peeking into the sources. Go ahead. I think all relevant sources are included.
Get Java
First off, make sure you've got Java 6 on your machine.
Regarding operating systems: The software is currently developed in Windows. Linux (server-side) testing will probably be added soon. So we're currently not testing Linux compatibility, but I usually keep my code portable.
Done? OK. Here's the quick way (two clicks max unless your browser sucks)
With Java installed properly, you should be able to run Imaginary Microcomputers directly from the web - lick here: startmenu.jar
If the file doesn't start, your Java browser integration is screwed. In that case, save the file to a location of your choice. Then try to double-click on it.
If that doesn't work either, open a console. cd to the directory you put the startmenu.jar in. Type "java -jar startmenu.jar".
If that doesn't work, ask your system admin. Or me.
And here's the expert way
Download the full release including sources and give in to curiosity.