SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD OF PROGRAMS NEEDED FOR WINLINK2000

You will need the free programs listed below to run Winlink2000 for electronic mail over amateur radio

Since a computer with Internet connectivity is needed to operate Winlink2000, I assume everyone interested has a computer and can download the following programs from the Internet sites listed below and save them to their computer's hard drive.

If you have a computer with the Windows 98 operating system, you cannot use all of these programs. Please make sure you download only those programs needed for your operating system. In each case, you will be downloading the installer for each of the required programs.

Even though you may not yet have a TNC or radio suitable for packet, download the programs for installation in the future when such equipment becomes available to you.

Hyperterminal installed as part of the Windows operating can be used a general packet terminal program, however Winpack has more versatility. Winpack, like Hyperterminal, can be used for keyboarding with another station, sending a file etc.

Winpack is located at: http://www.winpack.org.uk/

To find the download file, scroll down the page to the Software Library and download and save Winpack Full Install Version 6.80 2.12mb to your hard disk. The site also has provisions, if needed, to download a version to fit on two floppy disks. A users manual for Winpack is also available in your choice of .doc or .pdf format inside of a zipped file. You will need Winzip or similar program to open the zipped file.

Next go to George Rossopoulos' (SV2AGW) site and download the FREE version of AGW packet Engine. The AGWPE site is at:

http://www.elcom.gr/sv2agw/inst.htm

Scroll down the page past Packet Engine Professional Edition and AGW Tracker to the AGW Packet Engine section and download AGWPE.zip

AGWPE is used with Winpack and all other software listed on this page except Airmail3.3. Airmail3.3 is not yet compliant with AGWPE.

Airmail is located at: http://www.siriuscyber.net/ham/

Download Airmail 3.3 Ham Client complete install (ver 3.3.048, around 4.2 MB)

Again, if needed, there is a download for floppy disks.

*** If you are using the Win98 operating system, DO NOT DOWNLOAD ANY MORE PROGRAMS.***

The remaining programs are intended only for the Win2000 and XP operating systems.

Win2000 and WinXP users will need the following available from Microsoft:

Microsoft .NET Framework Version 1.1 Redistributable Package

However, it may already be installed on your computer. To verify whether you need to download it, go to Add or Remove Programs in the Control Panel for either of the operating systems. Go to: Start/Control Panel/Add or Remove Programs. After the Add or Remove Programs panel loads, look for:

Microsoft.NET Framework 1.1 and possibly any Hotfixes.

You may find Microsoft.NET Framework 2.0 on your computer. It will not work with

Paclink AGW. Paclink AGW requires Microsoft.NET Framework 1.1. Microsoft.NET Framework 1.1 and Microsoft.NET Framework 2.0 can co-exist on the computer without detrimental effect on the other. Other software on your computer may require the use of NET Framework 2.0.

If Microsoft.NET Framework 1.1 is not listed, then search Google for:

Microsoft.NET Framework version 1.1 redistributable package

When found, download and save the file dotnetfx.exe

The NET Framework 1.1 can be installed now. The INSTALL is automatic and the program becomes part of the operating system.

The remainder of needed WinLink2000 software is found as follows:

http://www.winlink.org/Client.htm

Scroll down the page and look for:

Paclink AGW

Post Office

Download both and the documentation for the installation of each.