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.

For Windows: 233 MHz Pentium Microsoft Windows™ 2000/XP/Vista/7 128 MB RAM 90 MB of disk space QuickTime 7.6.5 or earlier

For Macintosh: 120 MHz PowerPC or any Intel-based Mac Mac OS 10.2.8 - 10.6.8 128 MB RAM 90 MB of disk space QuickTime 7.6.4 or earlier

Do iThink and STELLA run on Windows 7 or Vista?

Yes, iThink and STELLA will run on Windows 7 and Vista with the compatibility mode set as shown here .

Why do I have to keep entering the registration number for STELLA or iThink on my Windows Vista computer?

Most likely, you were not logged in with administrator rights when you ran the installation.
To fix this problem, follow these steps:

1. Close STELLA or iThink.
2. Right-click on the STELLA or iThink icon on your desktop.
3. Select "Run as Administrator".

Do older versions 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.

Do iThink and STELLA run on Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion)?

Currently iThink and STELLA are not compatible with Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion). isee systems is committed to ongoing support for the Macintosh platform and our plan is to support Lion in the Version 10 release of iThink and STELLA. We do not have a definitive release date yet, but it will most likely be in the first quarter of 2012.

If you have upgraded to Lion and have a virtual machine such as Parallels or VMWare Fusion, you can run the Windows version of iThink or STELLA on that.

If you have not upgraded to Lion our current software runs on versions of OS X prior to Lion.

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.

	isee Runtime	isee Player
Full-Screen Presentation	Yes	No
Distribution Rights Available	Yes	No
Edit & Save Model Parameters	Via Author- Defined Button	No
Print Model	Via Author- Defined Button	Yes
Close Model/Quit Program	Via Author- Defined Button	Yes
View Model Layer	Via Author- Defined Button	Yes
View Equation Layer	No	Yes
Save Run Output to File	No	Yes
Help Menu and Files	No	Yes

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 help information about isee.NET Framework, visit the following link.

How do I get updates to the software?

If you own version 9.1 of iThink or STELLA and have a current Technical Support Plan, you are eligible to download all product updates and 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 upgrade. 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 bend a Flow?

Drop a Flow and start dragging it. When you want it to change direction at a 90 degree angle, hold the shift key while you move the cursor in the direction you want the Flow to go. For more tips and tricks about using iThink and STELLA, read our blog post .

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. For more tips and tricks about using iThink and STELLA, read our blog post .

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. For more tips and tricks about using iThink and STELLA, read our blog post .

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. For more tips and tricks about using iThink and STELLA, read our blog post .

What is a Module?

A Module is a container for lower-level model structure. It is designed to support a process of top-down model design and development. For more information and frequently asked questions about Modules, read our blog post .

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.

Is there any online help documentation for STELLA and iThink?

http://www.iseesystems.com/Help

Why do I sometimes get a "File not Found" message when opening a model?

It may be a missing picture, Excel spreadsheet or some other imported file. When copying a model from one computer to another, you may need to copy more than just the model file. If your model uses other files such as graphics, sounds or spreadsheets you’ll need to package all of them with the model file. For more details, read our blog post

Can I run an iThink or STELLA model from a Windows command line?

Yes, you can open and run an iThink/STELLA model from a Windows command line. You can also perform a host of other operations using the command line. For more details, read our blog post

What is Spatial Map?

Spatial Map is a stand-alone application that allows you to map array data in your model to color values or images so that you can view your data as three-dimensional, spatial information. In the spatial map, the x and y axes are defined by the bounds of the array and z is represented by a color or image. (Elevation and temperature are examples of z values.) To see an example, read our blog post

Do iThink and STELLA support matrix arithmetic?

Yes, iThink and STELLA support matrix operations such as addition, subtraction, transposition, multiplication and division. For more details, read our blog post

Can I create causal loop diagrams (CLDs) in iThink and STELLA?

Yes, you can build causal loop diagrams in iThink and STELLA. Using modules you can also link a CLD to a working stock and flow model. To learn more and see an example, read our blog post

Why is storytelling such a powerful feature?

Storytelling is a feature unique to iThink and STELLA that allows you to present and explain your model piece-by-piece. Even more powerful, however, is the ability to show the behavior as the structure of the model unfurls. Through storytelling, you can clearly create and communicate the link between the structure of the system and the dynamic behavior. For more details, read our blog post