Java applications require a pre-installed runtime environment (Java Runtime Environment, published by Oracle) locally on the user's machine to run.
Introduction
Scope is developed in the Java programming language. By using the Java platform, Riege Software was able to guarantee a stable environment for Microsoft® Windows and Apple macOS desktop operating systems.
Scope Runtime contains a bundled Java runtime environment that is exclusive to the execution of Scope. In addition, it contains a technology developed by Riege Software, which partially replaces the previous functionality of the Java Web Start technology. It is used to download the latest Scope version and to ensure all subsequent updates.
Scope Runtime is not Scope (more precisely: Scope Client). Scope Runtime is merely a utility program, which in turn downloads and starts Scope on demand.
It is not possible to use Scope without Scope Runtime.
Frequently asked questions
Download
Scope Runtime is available for download from our website:
https://riege.com/scope/download
Scope Runtime is available in three different versions:Scope Runtime for Microsoft® Windows
Recommended for users of Microsoft® Windows 7, 8 and 10 workstations.
This version installs Scope Runtime in the user directory of the logged-in user. Riege Software offers separate downloads for 64-bit as well as 32-bit Microsoft® Windows operating systems.
Scope Runtime for Microsoft® Windows Server
Recommended for use in a "Windows Terminal Server", "Remote Application Service" or a "Virtual Desktop" environment such as "Microsoft® Windows Server 2012" or higher, "Parallels RAS" or "Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops". Scope Runtime for Microsoft® Windows Server is designed to work optimally in a multi-user environment.
There are two main differences with Scope Runtime for Microsoft® Windows Workstations:
- It does not perform automatic updates. Updates must be performed manually by a system administrator.
- It partially uses different directories to store files to ensure multi-user operation.
Scope Runtime for Apple macOS
For users of Apple Mac computers.
Currently, Scope Runtime is available as an Intel application. For more information, please check https://support.apple.com/de-de/HT211861.
With the help of Rosetta, the Scope Runtime also runs on systems with M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, M2 chips.
Directories
Scope Runtime uses the directories below for which the current user needs write permissions. The exception is the Scope Runtime installation directory in Microsoft® Windows Server environments, where usually only the system administrator has write permissions.
Scope Runtime for Microsoft® Windows
| Description | Path |
|---|---|
| Scope Runtime installation | %LOCALAPPDATA%\Scope Runtime |
| Log files | %APPDATA%\RIEGE\scope |
| Scope Client files | %APPDATA%\RIEGE\scope\client |
| Scope data (codelists etc.) | %APPDATA%\RIEGE\scope\cache |
Scope Runtime for Microsoft® Windows Server
| Description | Path |
|---|---|
| Scope Runtime installation | %ProgramFiles%\Scope Runtime |
| Log files | %APPDATA%\RIEGE\scope |
| Scope Client files | %APPDATA%\RIEGE\scope\client (see note!) |
| Scope data (codelists etc.) | %APPDATA%\RIEGE\scope\cache |
Note: If the current user is member of the Administrator group the Scope Client files will be installed in and loaded from the %APPDATA% directory of the “All Users” account. A Scope Client installed by an administrator is therefore immediately available for all other administrators. Regular users will install Scope Client files into their own personal %APPDATA% directory.
Scope Runtime for Apple macOS
| Description | Path |
|---|---|
| Scope Runtime installation | ~/Applications |
| Log files | ~/Library/Application Support/RIEGE/scope |
| Scope Client files | ~/Library/Application Support/RIEGE/scope/client |
| Scope data (codelists etc.) | ~/Library/Application Support/RIEGE/scope/cache |
Network connection
Scope Runtime automatically updates itself and checks for available updates at every startup. Therefore, an active internet connection is required, which allows HTTPS connections to getscope.riege.com.
In addition, the Scope client application must be able to reach the Scope server via the network. The network address and the port of the server are customer specific. If you have any problems or questions regarding this, please contact our Scope Support Helpdesk (support@riege.com).
Firewalls
When you access Scope via the Internet, an encrypted connection is always used. Therefore, make sure that your firewall allows a connection using the HTTPS protocol on port 443 of the Scope server and does not manipulate it.
Some firewalls decrypt the connection. Scope considers this a man-in-the-middle attack and denies the connection with the following error message:
Make sure your firewall leaves the encryption of the connection intact. If the problem persists, please use the "Contact Support..." action to contact our helpdesk.
Frequently asked questions
I get the warning "The website is trying to open Scope Runtime". What should I do next?
This is a security mechanism of the Internet browser, which is supposed to make it more difficult to call malicious applications via the browser. In this case, we open a known and necessary program (Scope Runtime):
- Check the "always allow..." box (1).
- Then click on open (2).
How much disk space does Scope Runtime require?
Scope Runtime itself requires 250 megabytes (recommended: 500 megabytes) of disk space. Each version of Scope provided by Scope Runtime requires an additional approximately 100 megabytes of disk space.
Does Scope version 11 still require a separately installed Oracle Java Runtime Environment?
No. Scope Runtime already includes an OpenJDK Java runtime environment, which is required to run Scope.
Do I need to purchase support or licenses for Oracle Java from Oracle to continue using Scope?
No. Scope Runtime includes a Java runtime environment based on the OpenJDK project. You do not need to purchase licenses or support from Oracle to use Scope.
What license does the OpenJDK Java runtime environment use?
The OpenJDK is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 2, with Classpath Exception.
Can I uninstall the local installation of the Oracle Java Runtime Environment from my computer?
If you have used Oracle Java only for Scope so far, you can delete the local Java installation with Scope version 11 and higher. However, you may need it for other applications. Therefore, you should better contact the respective manufacturers before uninstalling the Oracle Java runtime environment.
Can I start Scope without the Scope Runtime?
No. For special requirements, please contact our Scope Support Helpdesk (support@riege.com).
How secure is Scope Runtime?
Both the Scope Runtime installation file and all downloaded files are digitally signed by Riege Software for your security.
How does Scope Runtime know if an update is available?
When Scope Runtime is started, i.e. every time Scope is started, Scope Runtime loads the file https://getscope.riege.com/live/updates.xml and uses this to decide whether an update is available. Available updates are loaded in the background and installed at the next start. Exception: Scope Runtime for Microsoft® Windows Server.
Will the other Scope versions require Scope Runtime?
Yes. With all releases from version 11 on, Scope Runtime is required to start Scope. Should there be any changes to this procedure, we will inform you in good time.
How often is Scope Runtime updated?
Riege Software usually plans four updates per calendar year (i.e. quarterly). These regular updates are announced approximately one month in advance and are based in particular on the availability of new versions of the Java runtime environment. However, for unscheduled security updates and bug fixes, interim versions are also released.
When an update is available, this is indicated with an icon in the Scope status bar.
Is a specific version of the Scope Runtime required to run Scope?
Currently, all versions of the Scope Runtime are capable of launching all versions of Scope from version 11 onwards. However, we recommend that you always use the latest version of the Scope Runtime.
Is there an option for an unattended installation without graphical installation dialogs?
Yes, simply start the Scope Runtime installation program with parameter "-q" (quiet). This can be especially helpful in Windows Server scenarios.