Douglas S. Smoot wrote: > 1) We feel we need to upgrade our FACScan computer to something better than > the HP and something that is Y2K compliant. We are a PC based lab, so we > don't really want to have a lone MAC operating the flow cytometer. I think this is a non-issue. FCS formats as a given, data transfer between platforms is simply a matter of linking to a LAN. We have Coulter software generated data sets (Elite and System II) that are often re-analyzed in CellQuest, and Scan data the reverse. And . . . both are readable by third party software (I use WinMDI . . . Thanks Joe). I just recently took delivery of a Vantage SE, so I'll have two Elite ESPs, an EPICS XL, along with the two MAC workstations running . . . they'll just have to learn to get along. > 2) We also have a Coulter Elite, and we are interested in purchasing the EXPO > software to run our Elite and our XL. Is there any current experience with > the latest version? How does it work? Is it worth the upgrade? I am happy > with the DOS system, but technology marches on, and I would hate to be left in > the dust. I have similar concerns. I've seen demos of these programs, but until you actually have them running in real acquisition mode, generating and saving data, you can't say. The problem is that very little is said about these programs. I've queried this group several times on this very subject, with a response remarkable for its silence. The problem here, is "just how far do you go?" If you want to run EXPO, it's not just "not DOS," but also Windows. So, two changes are necessary . . . I'm recently thinking that WinNT might be a better way to go ultimately. I've heard that NT tends to be more stable and predictable. Problem . . . the Elite workstations (I have two Pentium 90s) may not be strong enough to run NT. If it's Win95 (or 98, if you want), then I still want some feedback before I upgrade BOTH the operating system AND the acquisition software. Lacking for a response from any voice of experience, however, one of us may just have to take a leap of faith . . . MAK. -- Mark A. KuKuruga, Managing Director University of Michigan Core Flow Cytometry kukuruga@medmail.med.umich.edu
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