Code-Aster on Windows or on Linux?

There are some striking advantages for Linux. Code-Aster is developed by EDF on Linux. No windows version is distributed by the developers. This means:

  • More cost: A Windows version of Code-Aster can only be delivered by a third party. Which means additional effort and cost.
  • Delayed releases: A new Windows version can only be released later than the original version of EDF on which it is based.
  • Quality: The original versions of EDF are only released after passing more than 3000 test cases. Performing this with own-compiled or Windows versions will also mean additional effort and cost.
  • There is every 6 months a new stable release by EDF and at the same time a new testing version labeled by the ciffer after the dot. Every 2 years there is a new stable and a new testing main version (12, 13, 14,..). Once per year there is a new SalomeMeca version. SalomeMeca contains always the newest stable and the newest testing version of Code-Aster, is extremly easy to install (no compiling!) and lets you promply benefit from the newest developments in Code-Aster and Pre- and Postprocessing tools.

Sometimes it may not be possible to have a Linux installation in a company, due to company rules. In this case you may:

  • install a Virtual Machine on your Windows Host system with Linux as a Guest OS. Our tests showed a loss of CPU-time of only about 10% as long as there is enough RAM memory to avoid swapping to the hard disk.
  • setup a Linux server with Code-Aster installed on it. The users may continue to work on their Windows workstations which are connected to the server via VNC (Virtual Network Computing). The simulations are run on the server.
  • use a Windows version of SalomeMeca and Code-Aster, see www.code-aster-windows.com

Contact us also if you are faced with installation questions. We are ready to discuss your needs and propose the best solution for you.