Java runtime environment (JVM) is required to run our VGL. If you don`t have JVM on your current machine, get it here.
  1. System requirements
  2. Download, Install, and Run VGL or VGLII
  3. Reporting Bugs, etc.
  4. VGL Source Code
  5. Old versions of VGL & VGL history

System requirements
Operating System:
  • Windows 9x and above
  • Sun Solaris 8 and above
  • Linux
  • Mac OSX v10.x
  • MacOS 9.x: VGL does not work with Mas OS 9 or lower. You should use BioQUEST's Genetics Construction Kit instead.
Java Version: Java 1.5.0 or higher.
Instructions for downloading, installing, and running VGL and VGLII
  1. Click on the appropriate link for your platform from the list below.
  2. Save the "VGLx.zip", file on your computer when prompted.
  3. Once the download is complete go to the folder in which you saved the "VGL_1.x.zip" file.
  4. Unzip the file:
    • Windows: right-click the .zip file and Expand it into the desired folder. Warning: Double-clicking on the file does not necessarily un-zip the file. It will expand into a folder named "VGL". It is now installed.
    • Macintosh: Double-click the "VGLx.zip" file; it will expand to a folder called "VGL.x". VGL is now installed.
  5. In the "VGL.x" folder, double-click the VGL.x icon to launch VGL.
  6. Choose "New Problem" from VGL's "File" menu and select a problem type to start your work.
Download Links
VGL Version 1.4.2 as of Fall 2007
VGLII Version 1.1.0 as of September 26, 2008 (Same as June 2008 version with addition of Leve11-1 problems)

  • VGLII for Windows 98 and above.
  • VGLII for Mac OS X.
Reporting bugs, etc.

If you have installation questions or need help troubleshooting the Virtual Genetics Lab, Submit your bug reports to: Feedback .

When reporting bugs, please include the following in your email

- Subject: Bug
- include your system type
- version number of this software (which can be obtained by clicking 'Help' menu, then 'About Virtual Genetics Lab'submenu; for example, 'Prototype Version 1.1.0').
- how to repeat the bug
- a log of the error messages (if any) reported by the underlying OS
VGL Source code
  • Source code for VGL 1.4.2 is available from this link.
  • Source code for VGLII 1.1.0 is available from this link.
VGL Version History
  • VGL
    • Version 1.1
      • All image and help directories are included in the .jar file
      • Help does not require access to the system browser
      • There is no preview of the "print-to-file"
      • The bug in OSX where it did not start up in the Problems directory is fixed
      • The program has a nice custom icon
    • Version 1.2
      • Misc Bug fixes.
      • Set up in Eclipse for development.
    • Version 1.3
      • Added print to printer capability
      • all in one big jar file
      • added 3-allele models
    • Version 1.4.2
      • Simpler baloon help on genotypes
      • made VGL applet
      • fixed cancel save bug
      • fixed help info
      • fixed labeling of cages where trait is "legs"
  • VGLII
    • Version 1.0.0
      • First working version
    • Version 1.1.0
      • Fixed bugs in saving work
      • Encrypted problem files
      • Added color phenotype images
      • Added level 11-1 problems