I do notice a difference!
"Capture NX Tutorial 1:
Preparing Your Windows Computer
This is the first tutorial in a series pertaining to the installation and use of Nikon Capture NX. When the term, âCapture NX,â is used in these tutorials, it refers to both NX and NX2 unless mentioned otherwise. Though this piece and the next one in the series pertain exclusively to the Windows version, most tutorials will also apply to the Mac version.
Getting your computer ready
Many Café participants have reported fundamental problems using the Windows version of Capture NX, such as crashing and unacceptable speed issues. It is possible that those issues occur because their computerâs operating system does not meet Nikon's requirements. Itâs important to get your computer ready before and after installing Capture NX. The 4-step process I suggest is described below.
Step #1: About Windows 32-Bit Edition
Windows XP and Vista are available in 32-bit and 64-bit editions. Capture NX is compatible with the 32-bit versions. Some Café members who have tried using a 64-bit version have reported major issues in the threads. Your first step toward getting your computer ready for Capture NX is to make sure the 32-bit version, not the 64-bit version, is installed on your computer.
Step #2: Installing .NET Framework 2.0 and its Service Pack 1 (SP1)
Your second step has to do with two essential software components that Nikon requires to be installed on your Windows system: .NET Framework 2.0 and the .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 1 (SP1).
.NET Framework is the core of every Windows operating system. .NET Framework 2.0 is in Windows XP and .NET Framework 3.0 is in Windows Vista.
However, after .NET Framework 2.0 was released, parts of it were rewritten to correct major bugs. Those rewrites are included in the .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 1 (SP1). That Service Pack must be added to your computerâs operating system. Thatâs true for both XP and Vista even though the later release of .NET Framework 3.0 is part of Vista.
So, before installing Capture NX, install .NET Framework 2.0 and install .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 1 (SP1). Equally important, install them in that order.
You might be aware that the Capture NX installation software is supposed to automatically install the two components if they are not already on your computer system. However, Café members have reported in the threads that the automated method does not always properly work. Also, the dialog boxes that report the progress of installing the two components can be misleading, causing you to believe the automated installation has been completed even though it is still in progress. If you reboot your computer too soon thanks to the misleading information, you will eventually begin working with Capture NX even though the installation is not proper or complete. To be safe, your best bet is that you not rely on the Capture NX installation software to install the .NET Framework 2.0 or the .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 1 (SP1).
Step #3: Installing Capture NX
Install Capture NX. Once you have completed that, youâre almost done with the process of preparing your computer.
Step #4: Steroids for Capture NX
The stuff explained previously in this tutorial makes Capture NX work. This section is all about making it work faster. Certain operations will probably perform much faster. It also might improve the stability of Capture NX.
Capture NX was developed using a Microsoft program called Visual Studio, which incorporates and uses Visual C++ libraries. To ensure that your computer system is using the latest versions of the C++ libraries, there are two files you can download and install. They will add the latest versions of the runtime components to your computer. People who have installed them have reported in the threads that they experience tremendously improved speed during certain operations. Use the following links to access and download the two files:
Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable Package (x86)
Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 SP1 Redistributable Package (x86)
Important: Install them in the order shown above.
Summary
To ensure the best performance of Nikon Capture NX, the following products should be installed in the order shown below:
1) 32-bit edition of Windows XP or Vista
2) .NET Framework 2.0
3) .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 1 (SP1)
4) Capture NX
5) Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable Package (x86)
6) Visual C++ 2005 SP1 Redistributable Package (x86)
Next!
The next tutorial will be about configuring your hardware and software to achieve maximum performance of Capture NX on your Windows-based computer.
Disclaimer
This tutorial was authored by tomTom and edited by Mike Buckley. Thatâs because English is not Tomâs native language. Though they present this material for your consideration with the best intention of being accurate and helpful, conduct your own due diligence because neither Tom nor Mike accepts any responsibility for its contents.
Last revised: July 3, 2008
Copyright 2008 tomTom"
Message edited by author 2008-07-07 21:57:56. |
