To start the beta-version of the atlas successfully, the minimal requirements are now Java in Version 6 Update 10 and a graphic card, which supports OpenGL 1.5.
The changing of the system requirements is based on some remarkable improvements, especially on the performance. OpenGL 1.5 is required for displaying the 3D graphics.

Apple computers with the operating system 10.6 have Java 6 already installed. If your computer is still running with 10.5, it could occur that you have Java 6 installed but not activated by default. You can find a guide to change your Java version in this document "Java-Version ändern".
If you have an older operating system than version 10.5, then we recommend you to upgrade your system to the newest version 10.6.

Windows users (Windows XP, Vista, 7) can download the newest Java version on www.java.com for free. After the update, a reboot of the computer is necessary.

Information’s about updating your graphic card drivers can be found on the website of your computer-manufacturer.