====Windows====

===Download installer===

  - Log in as administrator.
  - Check if your operating system is 32-bit or 64-bit ([[http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/find-out-32-or-64-bit|instructions]]).
  - Download the setup program from the [[https://merlin-expo.eu/download-merlin-expo/|Download section of the MERLIN-Expo homepage]].
  - Run the //MERLIN-expo_setup_XXX.exe// file.
    - Read the license agreement
    - Select a destination folder for MERLIN-Expo. The todefault is //C:\Program Files\4FUN//.

  - Read [[#Internet connection]]

===Files===

The executables for MERLIN-Expo are located (unless otherwise specified during installation) in //C:\Program Files\4FUN//.

==User data==

The user files, including the model library and software updates, are located in the hidden user application directory. This directory can be found from the start menu:

  - Open the [[wp>start menu]].
  - In the **Search** box, type //%appdata%//
  - The search result **Roaming** should now appear in the start menu. Click to open this folder.
  - The user files of MERLIN-Expo are located in the folder //4-FUN//

===Uninstalling===

  * From the start menu, open **All Programs**. Select **4FUN** > **Uninstall MERLIN-Expo** and follow instructions.

  * For a complete uninstall, also delete the [[#user data folder]]. 


====Linux====


====OSX====


====Internet connection====

MERLIN-Expo features an automatic update system, both for the software itself and for the model library. The help section also benefits from an internet connection, as MERLIN-Expo will direct the user to the on-line help pages in preference to the local pages. Finally, the documentation of models contains links which will be opened in a web browser.

For all of this to work, MERLIN-Expo requires passage through your firewall. If you are behind a web proxy, you will need to configure proxy host and port:
  - Launch MERLIN-Expo
  - In the [[info screen]], click the [[info screen#tool bar|preferences]] button.
  - Select the **Updates** tab
  - Enter proxy host and proxy port.
  - Restart MERLIN-Expo

====Microsoft Excel====

MERLIN-Expo uses the Excel file format for exporting and importing of data. You do //not// need to have Excel installed on your computer to be able to save Excel files. You will however, need Excel or an alternative <sup>1)</sup> to edit the exported files.