Im very interested in trying out Vue but every time I try to download the free trials like pioneer or the (PLE)'s they come up as files instead as the program. am i suppose to download something in the files? has anyone downloaded these who can let me know what to do when downloading them?!

Ive downloaded them with Internet explorer and safari. I cant get firefox because for some reason my computer wont let me download it.

Please, If any one can help i would really appreciate it.

Maybe it's a downloader you are getting? a program which when started then downloads the actual file? or you have a problem with your antivirus software?

anyway I found the link to the zipfile ;)

http://mirror-eu.cornucopia3d.com/products/vue/vue_7_pioneer/Vue7Pioneer.zip

have fun with it :)

for good tutorials, check my site, some links are in my signature, and also www.geekatplay.com

 Thank you for responding and sending me the link but I already have the zip file. i guess thats what I was trying to say BUT what do i do once I go into the zip file? when I click it it just shows me other files (archives, info, ect.) 

Am I suppose to click on one of those files or something to download the actual program?

run the SETUP.EXE file :)

 there is no setup.EXE file.
but their is setup files era. erb. erd. erf. erm. ers.
could any of those be it?

I just downloaded it and there IS a setup.exe file
only thing I can think of is that your antivirus or  system setting are maybe hiding .exe files? :)

I've run into security software that stripped executables out of zip files.  That was running on a mail server but it wouldn't surprise me if someone hadn't thought it was a good idea to do that with a downloader, antivirus or similar applications.

Could it be the ole Vista/UAC thing?  Or are you running XP?  I ran into problems in the past where a downloaded file on my Vista system didn't execute correctly so I transferred the zip to my XP computer, unzipped it, and then transferred back the applicable file(s) to my Vista computer.  Then it worked fine.  Also, are you running as Administrator (if Vista)?

If it is because of my anti-virus program what should I do? just turn it off?
I am running on XP and their is no file that says .EXE
Plus every time I try to click on one of the files it freezes.
it might be because my computer sucks. its kind of old and ive had download problems before but never with CGI programs.
Ill keep trying but thanks anyways guys. I hope i can get it working soon.

Oh and can someone whos tried them tell me which ones better. The (PLE) or the Pioneer.

PLE has all the "bells and whistles" ;)

sounds like you need your PC throughly cleaned out and WIndows re-installed! DUnno how proficient you are with computers though, not to be taken lightly.

important note, if you decide to buy a new PC and sell old one:
SMASH your old hard drive up (Carefully of course), if you've been buying stuff online, too damn easy to get passowrd info out of it otherwise.
or at least format it and install windows and give it to a really good friend!

this is my suggested PC build for a kick ass PC
http://www.silverblades-suitcase.com/tutorials/htm/33.html

sometimes viruses or antivisruses block access to .exe files, viruses so youcan't download apps to get rid of the nasty infection, antiviruses to stop you getting infected.

 thanks.
Yeah i know ive got to get a new computer soon. I was thinking of getting an alienware desktop.
I dont know a lot about computers but im going to be going to college for movie SPFX and I just got into CGI so ive been looking around for new programs. Ive already got Lightwave 3d. im thinking about getting poser, zbrush and vue infinite when i get a new pc.

Ah! :)
went to college myself ages ago, alas...well, things didn't work out (not so much the courses, idiot adminstrators and health issues).
Courses should be much better now though, but IMHO, it's the surroundings, new ideas etc that really help!

don't get a "branded" desktop, ugh more trouble than worth IMHO. they wrack the price right up, where as if you buy the components and get a reputable firm to build FOR you and give a warranty, it's much much better. like Ebuyer here in UK for example.

Seriously big brand names can cost you maybe double what you can get for the components.

good idea to educate yourself on PCs, don't need to know too much but it sure helps :)

Have you tried Zbrush? i hate it's interface ugh, but it, along with 3DMAX or Maya, and Photoshop are "Big" for professional work.
I preffer 3DCoat for sculpting, others like Mudbox.

note that "movie SFX" can cover a huge ground. Fair amount of TV and movie SFX is done in 2D with things like "Particle Illusion" and "After Effects".

3D is a huge field, many folk specialize in one area after trying the various parts ot see what they like: texturing, sculpting (soft body modelling that is organics etc), hard body modleling (cars, buildings etc); rigging; compositing; animation; lighting etc

many folk still use Bryce that are major professionals, never get stuck in a rut thinking that you have to use "one snob brand of app" ;) But for professional work in studios, they will except you to use some packages as noted, what you do for enjoyment/skill is another matter.
also the industry is broadening out hugely now (wlel bar the Recession issues). See "Machinima" for example
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machinima

some of my tuts on this stuff
http://www.silverblades-suitcase.com/tutorials/htm/19.html

http://www.silverblades-suitcase.com/tutorials/htm/26.html
:)

 Thanks for the info.
Im not going to college for CGI though. Im more skilled with actual clay sculpting, mask making and so on for movies. I was thinking maybe ill go to a school afterwards that teaches CGI but im not sure yet. Im just a huge fan of movie making and I just wanted to cover all bases OF SFX.

As for CGI, ive been working with lightwave 3d for a few months and im still far from understanding how to do most of it. Zbrush, Ive only tried the demo but yeah its pretty complicated. 

Yeah ive looked into building my own pc before but I never know what im looking for. But i found a really cheap alienware one that i know will run all my programs so ill probably just go with that.

are their any programs for animation that are as simple as poser but better for actual film?