Downloading SPICE
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Getting Started
Users should note that while we have done our best to ensure that SPICE works without any problems, there may be bugs that we have not yet come across. We advise starting SPICE while connected to the internet so that new updates can be automatically installed. If you come across a bug in the software, please email us at the Spitzer HelpDesk, and include the platform you are using (e.g. Solaris/Linux RedHat/MacOSX), the version number of your operating system, the AOR Key of the data (if the problem occurred with Spitzer data) and a copy of the latest spice log. The log can be found in /home/<user>/.spot/ and is named e.g. spice-aug03_14-56-23.log (the numbers give the date and time of the run).
A full list of known SPICE bugs can be found here
Download and Installation
IMPORTANT NOTE: There has been a critical update to SPICE since the final package was created for release. SPICE will attempt to perform an automatic update the first time it is started. Please ensure that you are connected to the internet when you start SPICE for the first time. SPICE will automatically check for updates every time it is started, but to check for updates without restarting, go to the Options menu on the task bar and toggle Use Automatic SPICE Version Update off and back on again.
Solaris 8+
- Download the installation file: spice2_0_1-solaris.sh (135 MB)
- Make the installation file executable:
prompt> chmod +x ./spice2_0_1-solaris.sh - Run the installation file:
prompt> ./spice2_0_1-solaris.sh
Linux
- Download the installation file: spice2_0_1-linux.sh (130 MB)
- Make the installation file executable:
prompt> chmod +x ./spice2_0_1-linux.sh - Run the installation file:
prompt> ./spice2_0_1-linux.sh
Mac OSX 10.3+
- Download the installation file: spice2_0_1-mac.dmg (96 MB)
- Double click on the file
- Drag the spice folder to wherever you want SPICE to be kept
Starting the GUI
After completing the installation instructions, SPICE can be
launched by running the executable file. In Linux or Solaris, the executable file is run by typing:
/your/installation/directory/spice
If you are using a Mac, you can either double click on the SPICE icon, or type:
/your/installation/directory/spice.app/Contents/MacOS/JavaApplicationStub
When SPICE launches, you are presented with an empty screen. If SPICE prompts you with an update, click "Quit now and Install" to update and re-launch the GUI. For an overview of how to run SPICE for a simple extraction, see the Running SPICE overview.
Updates
All updates to SPICE are distributed via the auto-update function of the GUI. To use the auto-update, SPICE needs to be able to connect to the internet. The net status is displayed at the bottom of the GUI. If you do not see Net Up, you may need to address the problem. The GUI shares its update functionality with Spitzer's SPOT; please see the SPOT user's guide for more information.
SPICE will automatically download any available updates whenever it is restarted. To check for updates without re-starting SPICE, go to the Options menu on the task bar and toggle Use Automatic Spice Version Update off and back on again.
Updates will provide new functionality and cal files as they are developed. Existing files may be replaced if new versions are distributed with the same name, but other files will not be deleted. So, if you modify any files distributed with SPICE, we recommend changing their name to protect them from being overwritten.
