> but I know that relatively few companies can get away with not > updating their software to a workable condition when new operating systems > are released, and I see BD as no exception. A delay of a few months after > the OS's release *may* be acceptable, but half a year? > Actually, Coulter offered only DOS based software until 1997, and Windows 3.0 was introduced back in 1993! I think the idea is, this isn't just a computer running some software, it's a computer running some software controller a $100k-500K piece of electronic equipment. The main goal is to control that equipment properly, not to be able to run the latest OS. Granted CellQuest won't run on the latest systems offered by Apple, but there are plenty of G3's out there to be had, both refurbished and new (if you need help finding one, e-mail me and I'll tell you where to look). I don't remember any Coulter folks complaining about their DOS software back in 97, do you?? And though DOS seems a bit archaic now, you have to admit, that DOS software was solid as a rock (we still use it on our Elite). Now for the G4 issues, of which I'm sure many were previously covered, but I thought I could hit the high points again: 1. There are two flavors of G4 out there, some have the "Yikes" motherboard, and some have the "Sawtooth" motherboard. If your G4 DOES NOT have a DVD, it has the "Yikes" motherboard. Otherwise, you have "Sawtooth" 2. Those users with the "Yikes" motherboard (NO DVD) have it easy. You can install any version of Mac OS 8.6 on your computer and it will run fine. Semi-confusing explanation: The "Yikes" motherboard is the same one offered in the blue & white G3 Macs, but with a G4 chip on board. Thus, it lacks some of the speedier features of the newer motherboard. But because of this, you can use software meant to run on the blue & white G3, like OS 8.6. This is why an earlier poster on the cytometry list stated that he had no trouble installing OS 8.6 on his G4. 3. If your G4 DOES have a DVD-ROM, you have a "Sawtooth" motherboard. These computers were introduced prior to the release of OS 9. A special version of OS 8.6, referred to by some people as OS 8.6.1, was bundled with these systems. It has the proper extensions to be installed and run on your "Sawtooth" G4. You CAN NOT install a standard version of OS 8.6 on this system. If you need to downgrade to OS 8.6.1, you need to find someone who received that disk with their new G4, and use it. Then make copies for everyone else on the list! You can create a dual OS system this way, if desired. 4. If you only have CellQuest on floppy disks, you need to get a copy on CD-ROM from BD. The new Apple systems have no floppy drive, and thus no way to use those old CellQuest floppies. 5. Additionally, if you have only a standard ADB dongle, you need to purchase the iMate from Griffin Technologies. This will allow you to use the ADB dongle via the USB port on your G4. BD now has USB dongles available, so start bugging your sales rep today. :-) Hopefully that is enough information to set everyone on the right path. If I missed anything, drop me a line and I will try to answer your questions. Good luck. kb -- Keith Bahjat Graduate Assistant University of Florida College of Medicine Gainesville, Florida Voice: (352) 392-4887 Fax: (352) 392-5393 e-mail: kbahjat@ufl.edu
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Sat Mar 10 2001 - 19:31:11 EST