Several things happen when you click the link to start GeoSurf:

1. GeoSurf checks to see if you have the Java 1.4.2 Runtime Environment installed on your machine. If not, you’re browser is automatically routed to Sun’s Java site for download and installation of this plug-in. Note: This automatic download only works from Internet Explorer. If you are using another browser, or if you just prefer to download and install the plug-in yourself, go to http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.2/download.html and select the “Download J2SE JRE” link.
2. The GeoSurf Applet is signed with a Verisign Security Certificate issued to the University of Arkansas. You may see a pop-up window explaining this and asking if you want to trust the Applet. Verify that the Certificate information is as described and click either “Yes” or “Always”.
3. The GeoSurf Applet downloads to your computer. This is a rather large Applet, at 1.5 MB, so its download will take a while on slower connections. The good news is that the Java Runtime Environment will cache this Applet the first time it is downloaded so you shouldn’t have to wait for it each time you use GeoSurf.
4. Once the Applet is downloaded, it runs through its initialization sequence, during which a large amount of data is downloaded from MesoStor (such as pre-existing search polygons, metadata search categories, initial layer list, etc.). This data cannot be cached on your machine and thus must be downloaded each time you run GeoSurf. This insures that you always have the latest and greatest data from the MesoStor system in Panama.
5. Once the Applet is initialized and running, you are presented with a Login window. If you have never used GeoSurf to access MesoStor before, you must Register in order to get an account. Registration is free and allows you full access to all of the features of GeoSurf. If you do not wish to register at this time, you may log in using the “demo” account but certain GeoSurf features, including data download, will be disabled.

PLEASE NOTE: Prior to running the GeoSurf client, you must have the Java 1.4.2 runtime environment plug-in installed on your computer. If you do not have this installed when you click on the GeoSurf link, the plug-in will be automatically downloaded and installed for you. If you prefer to install the plug-in manually, you can download it yourself from Sun’s Java site here.