There are three options to get started:

1) Download and install a copy of OpenVista CIS, the clinical front-end.  For demo purposes, Medsphere hosts an OpenVista Server instance for anyone to connect to using the CIS client.  See the following document for details: OpenVista Public Demo Server

2) Download and run the OpenVista Appliance.  The OpenVista Appliance is a complete open source OpenVista technology stack running inside a virtual machine.  The appliance can be run standalone on a workstation or centrally using a virtual machine server.  Because the OpenVista CIS client application is cross-platform, it can be run both directly on the Appliance (which is Linux) or from a remote/networked Windows workstation.  Visit the OpenVista Appliance community for details and download information.

3) Download all the necessary components of the OpenVista technology stack individually, install and configure.  This method requires an investment of time to educate yourself on the process.  If you are still in the "test drive" stage, method one or two above will get you up and running much faster.

The open source OpenVista technology stack is essentially four main components: The Linux operating system, GT.M database engine, OpenVista Server and OpenVista CIS client.  Linux and GT.M can be obtained from their source projects.  Both OpenVista Server and OpenVista CIS information and download links are available in their respective communities.  The imaging component of CIS relies on a WebDAV back-end to store and serve images -- Apache or another https/WebDAV server can be used for this purpose.

Finally, if you're just interested in seeing the system in use and why it's important, you may want to view Community Demo and Discussion. This demo is held biweekly on Friday afternoons.  If you're interested in participating in a live demo, including an opportunity to ask questions, the details are available in the Community Events calendar.