The first step in logging in to Specify is to ensure that you have the proper version of the Specify client. Specify occasionally changes the database schema against which clients run, so if your client doesn't match the database schema you may experience problems with the program. Version 1.6 of the Specify database schema is currently in use on the Botany database server. If you're following the Specify link below, make sure to download the Full version of Specify; do not use the Specify EZDB version.

Specify Client Download: http://specifysoftware.org/content/download

In addition to the Specify client, your computer must also have the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) installed. Specify has instructions on their website as to which Java version you need and how to install it for your platform.

Once you have the client and JRE installed, launch the client software.

You should see a screen like the one below.

Click on the More Information item to expand the window.

You may need to enter the following information:

Enter the following information:

• Username: Obtained from UW-Madison Herbarium staff
• Password: Obtained from UW-Madison Herbarium staff
• Database: specify
• Server: specify.botany.wisc.ecdu
• DBMS: MySQL
• Port: 3306

Click on the Login button.

If you're prompted that your username is missing credentials and asked if you want to create them, click on Continue

Ensure that Encryption key stored in local preferences is checked. Enter (or cut and paste) the encryption key that you got from UW-Madison Herbarium staff (it's a very long string of letters and numbers) into the Encrypted Username/Password field. Click Continue.

Specify will then begin the process of logging you into the server. When the login process has completed you will be given a choice of collections to view.

Choose the appropriate collection to view and click the OK button. After another brief delay the main Specify window will open.