What is the difference between the Windows and the Non-Windows version of BikeCAD Pro?
BikeCAD and BikeCAD Pro are written in Java. The Java code is compiled and bundled in a JAR file (JAR stands for Java Archive). This JAR file can run on any computer where the Java Runtime Environment has been installed. It doesn't matter what operating system is being used. The same JAR file runs on all systems.
The only reason that there is a Windows download option and a non-Windows download option, is that the Windows option comes bundled in an executable setup file. The setup file creates a folder in the Windows operating system for BikeCAD Pro (the default location for it is in your Program Files folder (C:\Program Files\BikeCAD Pro\). It also gives you the option to create a desktop icon and/or an icon in your Start menu.
The BikeCAD Pro icon points to the BikeCAD Pro JAR file, so you could just as well start BikeCAD by double clicking on the JAR file instead.
When purchased, the non-Windows version of BikeCAD Pro is downloaded in a zipped file. This file should be unzipped to create a folder called BikeCAD Pro. Inside this folder will be the bikeCAD JAR file, a sub-folder called customize and a sub-folder called lib. The lib folder contains some required software libraries from the Apache Software Foundation. It should be left where it is. BikeCAD Pro is launched by clicking on the BikeCAD JAR file.
To see how BikeCAD looks on different operating systems, click here.
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