Guidance Notes - Security Issues

When the Internet first came into peoples homes it was possible to click on a link and a program would be easily downloaded and installed on your computer. Unfortunately this was exploited by Hackers and Viruses to do nasty things to your computer. There was little in the form of protection until anti-virus software came along.

In recent years, Internet browsers have had their security levels improved to make it more difficult to download malicious software. While this is welcomed, it has made it more difficult to install legitimate software too.

Microsoft has been criticised for not doing enough to improve security of their windows products. At the time of writing [2011] many of the security holes have been plugged. One measure taken is called 'signing' the software. This prevents third parties maliciously modifying software and incorporating a virus or spyware into it. This works like the 'https' encryption used to protect your credit card details when buying on the Internet. Unfortunately the cost of this 'signing' makes it prohibitive for the amateur software writer [Me] to give away their software for nothing. You will see Windows complain when you install my software that it is not signed. Another measure taken by Microsoft, is an offer of free anti-virus software. If you haven't got anti-virus software on your computer because it is too expensive, then search for 'Microsoft Security Essentials' and install that.

In the topics below you will find an explanation of Downloading using either Microsoft Internet Explorer or Google Chrome. Once you are familiar with the process, scroll further down to see the links to download my free software.

How to Download using Microsoft Internet Explorer 9

Click the desired program installer's Download link to initiate the Download.

IE presents this box at the bottom of the window.

Click the little down arrow on the side of the Save button, to drop down the three options: Save | Save as | Save and Run

Click the option for 'Save and Run'.

IE then downloads the file to your computer and scans it for viruses.

IE is unable to verify the publisher because the Installer file has not been signed by me. To securely sign a file is a prohibitively expensive task for an amateur programmer who is giving his programs away for free.

Click the 'Run' option. This passes the security control to windows to further check the file. Please scroll down to the Topic 'Windows Vista Security' other versions of windows operating systems will have different warning boxes to these.

How to Download using Google Chrome

This shows how to use Google Chrome, Version 12.0.xxx.yyy current July 2011

Click the desired program installer's Download link to initiate the Download.

Chrome presents this box at the bottom of the window.

The EXE file is automatically downloaded to the folder you have nominated to receive downloads without further ado. The default folder name is Downloads, but can be changed in Chrome if you really want to (Click: Spanner - Options - Under the Bonnet)

Click the little down arrow to reveal the choices of Open | Always open files of this type | Show in Folder. Click the 'Open' option. This passes the security control to windows to further check the file. Please scroll down to the Topic 'Windows Vista Security' other versions of windows operating systems will have different warning boxes to these.

 

Windows Vista Security

When the computer tries to execute an 'Unknown' program as it calls it, the screen goes grey and this warning box appears.

Click the option:
Allow I trust this program. I know where its from or I've used it before.

Only now will the computer actually run the installer file and display a screen similar to the one below.

Click the Install button and follow the prompts.

Unsupported Software Section

Sorry, No further development has taken place on these items for a number of years. Access to download these titles will be removed sometime in the near future. Please consider using the Change Ringing Toolkit if possible, from the Supported Software tab at the top of this page.

Download Section

All my software uses an installer with a very low overhead making it suitable for user who are relying on dial-up. Many programmers wrongly assume everyone has access to Broadband and allow their files to grow to an enormous size. Currently none of the installers exceeds 500 Kilobytes in size.

The icon for the installer programs you will be downloading looks like this. The installer is called NSIS and is easy to use by the inexperienced.

Method Tutor

The Method Tutor is a stand alone piece of software requiring no further downloads to work. The installer program is called 'methodtutor.exe' when you have downloaded it. Once installed this file may be deleted, the Method Tutor appears on your Start Button Menu under 'Bell Ringing'.

Version 3.07

Programs using Real Bell Sounds
from a Common Library

Ringbell Ropesight Tutor Installer

Ringbell can be installed without needing any other files from this site. The installer program is called 'ropesight.exe' when you have downloaded it. Once installed this file may be deleted, the Ropesight tutor appears on your Start Button Menu under 'Bell Ringing'.

Version 1.08

Called Change Ringer Installer

For 4 to 8 bells ringing changes, the Call Change Ringer can be installed without needing any other files from this site. The installer program is called 'callchg.exe' when you have downloaded it. Once installed this file may be deleted, the Call Change Ringer appears on your Start Button Menu under 'Bell Ringing'.

Although it is not necessary, you may download some of the other Bell Library files if you would like to hear a selection of different bell sounds. If you wish hear the sound of call changes on 10 or 12 Bells, you must download a 12 Bell tower too, otherwise, you will still be able to compose the changes but not hear them.

Version 4.03

Method Workshop Installer

The Method Workshop can be installed without needing any other files from this site. The installer program is called 'methwkshop.exe' when you have downloaded it. Once installed this file may be deleted, the Call Change Ringer appears on your Start Button Menu under 'Bell Ringing'.

If you wish to hear the sound of Caters, Royal, Cinques and Maximus methods you must download a 12 Bell tower too, otherwise, you will still be able to use all the other function but not hear them rung. Although it is not necessary, you may download some of the other Bell Library files if you would like to hear a selection of different bell sounds.

Version 2.1.2

Extra
Bell Library Files

Please download any extra sounds from the library below. They are stored in a common area that is accessible by all the programs therefore only need to be downloaded once. These appear in the Belfry Selection window when Browsing for bell sounds. To uninstall please use Control Panel / Programs and Features.