FAQs

• What is Systems Thinking?
   
• What's the difference between iThink and STELLA?
   
• Can I open iThink models using STELLA and vice versa?
   
• Will the Windows version of iThink or STELLA run Macintosh models?
   
• Will the Macintosh version of iThink or STELLA run Windows models?
   
• What are the system requirements for iThink and STELLA?
   
• Do iThink and STELLA run on Windows Vista?
   
• Does the Macintosh version of iThink or STELLA run on Mac OS 10.4 (Tiger)?
   
• Can models created with previous versions be opened in version 9.1?
   
• What is the difference between isee Runtime and isee Player?
    
• How can I make my simulations run on the web?
   
• How can I integrate my model with other applications?
   
• How do I get updates to the software?
   
• How do I upgrade my software?
   
• How do I set the precision level for more than one variable in a Table?
   
• How do I delete a page on a Graph or Table Pad?
   
• Can I change the default color for my model entities?
   
• Why will a Module run by itself using "Run Selected Modules" but won't run in an upper level of the model hierarchy?

What is Systems Thinking?

Systems Thinking is a disciplined way of understanding the dynamic relationships between things so that you can make better choices and avoid unintended consequences.

What's the difference between iThink and STELLA?

From a functional perspective, the iThink and STELLA software programs are virtually identical. Each is designed to facilitate the mapping, modeling, simulation, and communication of dynamic processes.

The major difference between the two products is in the supporting documentation. The iThink software is targeted toward an audience of users in business settings. Its documentation is written with the business user in mind. Applications and sample models cover the gamut of business uses including Business Process Re-engineering, Strategic Planning, Financial Analysis, Manufacturing, Operations Research, Forecasting, and Organizational Development.

STELLA, on the other hand, is targeted toward individuals in educational and research settings. Its documentation and sample models cover the natural and social sciences. Within the STELLA product, you'll find out how the software can be applied in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Economics, Psychology, History and Physics.

In deciding between iThink and STELLA , simply match the appropriate product to your own needs. If you're working with business-oriented issues, iThink is the likely candidate. If you're in an educational or scientific research setting, STELLA is the best match.

Can I open iThink models using STELLA and vice versa?

Yes, whether you are using iThink or STELLA you can open both STELLA models (.stm files) and iThink models (.itm files).

Will the Windows version of iThink or STELLA run Macintosh models?

If you are using a Windows computer you can open and run models that were saved on a Macintosh. You do not need to convert the models.

Will the Macintosh version of iThink or STELLA run Windows models?

If you are running version 9 on a Macintosh computer you can open and run models that were saved on a Windows PC. You do not need to convert the models.
If you are running a previous version of the software, you must convert the model to be playable on the Mac using the PC Model Conversion Utility.

What are the system requirements for iThink and STELLA?

iThink and STELLA are available in both Windows and Macintosh versions. Below are the minimum system requirements depending on the operating system of your computer.

Do iThink and STELLA run on Windows Vista?

Yes, iThink and STELLA will run on Windows Vista with the compatibility mode set as shown here.

Does the Macintosh version of iThink or STELLA run on Mac OS 10.4(Tiger)?

There are known issues running iThink or STELLA software on Mac OS X Tiger Release prior to version 8.1.5.  If you are running iThink or STELLA 8.1.4 or earlier, please contact  support@iseesystems.com for information about downloading an update or upgrading to version 9.

Can models created with previous versions be opened in version 9.1?

Yes.

What is the difference between isee Runtime and isee Player?

isee Runtime is designed as a presentation tool, showcasing models in a full-screen mode and allowing model authors more control over what end-users see and the functionality available. isee Player, on the other hand, is a read-only version of the STELLA or iThink modeling software. Using isee Player, you have access to toolbars, menus and all model layers but with restricted edit capabilities. The table below summarizes a few of the key differences between isee Runtime and isee Player.

 
How can I make my simulations run on the web?

iThink and STELLA models can easily be published to the web using the isee NetSim add-on utility. isee NetSim allows anyone with a web browser the ability to interact with and run your simulations on the web. For more information about isee NetSim, visit http://www.iseesystems.com/softwares/NetSimWizard.aspx

Another option for running your simulations on the Web is to create a custom Web interface and extend your model using the isee.NET Framework Software Development Kit (SDK). For more information about isee.NET Framework, visit http://www.iseesystems.com/softwares/iseenet/iseenetframework.aspx
 

How can I integrate my model with other applications? 

If you want to link data to your model, you can set up dynamic data import/export links to Microsoft Excel.
If you want to integrate your model with other applications or databases you can use the isee.NET Framework SDK to programmatically access the interface objects in your model.

For detailed information about isee.NET Framework, visit the following link: http://www.iseesystems.com/softwares/iseenet/documents/API_Web_Help/index.html
 

How do I get updates to the software?

If you own version 9 of iThink or STELLA and have a current Technical Support Plan, you are eligible to download all product updates and minor version upgrades. To download updates, sign in to your isee Membership account and visit the My Software page. If your software has not been registered, please click on the link to register your software.  Once your software is registered you should have access to the available updates and upgrades.  If your support has expired, you will need to renew your support by purchasing an Annual Support Contract or purchase the upgrades. To renew support, contact isee systems at 603-448-4990 or 1-800-987-6758, or visit our online store.

How do I upgrade my software?

If you have a valid registration number you can upgrade your software by phone or online. By phone, contact isee systems at 603-448-4990 or 1-800-987-6758 for pricing and purchasing information. Alternatively, visit our web site and purchase your upgrade at our online store. NOTE: Student licenses can not be upgraded.  

How do I set the precision level for more than one variable in a Table?

To set the precision level for multiple variables in a Table, hold down the Shift key and click on the variable names in the Table that you want to change. Once you have selected all of the variables, double-click on the name of one of the selected variable to open the Format Variable Table dialog.

How do I delete a page on a Graph or Table Pad?

To delete a page on a Graph or Table Pad, click the page-turn button in the lower left hand corner of the Graph or Table Pad until the page that you want to delete is showing. Next, click on the button on the toolbar to select the Dynamite tool. Using the Dynamite tool, click on the page-turn button again and the page showing will be deleted.

Can I change the default color for my model entities?

Yes, you can change the default color of entities for each model that you build. There is no global setting to change default colors across all models. To change the default color for a model entity, click on the button on the toolbar to select the Paintbrush tool. Select a color from the color palette and point your curser over the toolbar button for the model entity that you want to change. Press the Alt key (Windows) or option key (Macintosh) so that the Paintbrush tool reappears and click. The color of the toolbar button should now be changed.

Why will a Module run by itself using "Run Selected Modules" but won't run in an upper level of the model hierarchy?

If you have Connectors into a Module that are not being used or there are inputs inside the Module that have not been assigned, the Module will not run in an upper level of the model hierarchy.