September 2010

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The ScotWeave 3D modules use the OpenGL graphics standard for fast, effective 3D graphics. Almost all Windows computers support OpenGL but there are important differences about how OpenGL operates that can affect the efficiency of your system.

Ideally the OpenGL command set should be implemented in your graphics hardware for best performance and with most modern graphics cards this feature is available. However, the availability of this feature depends vitally upon the video driver that is installed on your computer.

If OpenGL is not implemented in the graphics hardware then it will run from within Windows resulting in much slower performance.

Generally, if the 3D graphics performance is poor then you should check the OpenGL implementation. If it is running in Windows then it may be possible to update your video driver with a newer one which will allow OpenGL to run in the graphics hardware. The difference in performance can be stunning.

Updating Your Video Driver

In any case it is always worth checking that you have the latest video drivers, even if your computer is relatively new. Video drivers can be downloaded free from either the graphics card manufacturer's website, or from the computer manufacturer's website. Identify the graphics card as follows -

On the Windows desktop move the cursor to an empty area
Click the RIGHT mouse button and select Properties
Look for the Settings tab then click Advanced
Click on the Adapter tab
The graphics card or video chipset type should be displayed

Once you have identified the graphics card type you should go to the manufacturers website and search for the latest drivers. Download and install these drivers according to the instructions on the website. The most common graphics card/chipset manufacturers' websites are listed below -

ATI

Nvidia

Matrox

Locate the appropriate website then look for Support, Downloads or Drivers options and follow the instructions on the webpage.