[RASMB] The Windows 95 problem

[John Philo]

Just to clarify things a bit, the issues of operating system upgrades and
computer upgrades are somewhat distinct. Definitely the XL-I is very fussy
about both the computer hardware and OS, the XL-A much less so. 

The problems recently described where installing a newer generic computer
(not purchased from Beckman) is causing the data acquisition to
intermittently terminate are well known and I'm afraid that is going to be
the price you pay for attempting to use any computer not qualified by
Beckman. But that is a separate issue from the OS issues.

Those currently stuck with Windows 95, both XL-A and XL-I, should be able to
upgrade the OS on their current computer to Windows 98 without problems, and
this will improve the networking situation (but may not satisfy the IT
department). That should also get you the ability to use USB ports (with Win
98 second edition), which opens up many more options for transferring and
backing up data.

I suspect for XL-As the old 16-bit (Win 95) versions of the data acquisition
software (the GUI) will run correctly under Windows 2000, and might even run
okay under XP if you are willing to spend some time playing with the
Compatibility mode settings. XL-A users would also have the option of buying
just a new computer from Beckman, which won't be cheap but much less than
with a camera and frame grabber board too.

John

-----Original Message-----
From: rasmb-bounces at rasmb.bbri.org [mailto:rasmb-bounces at rasmb.bbri.org] On
Behalf Of Leech, AP
Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2006 6:34 AM
To: Arthur Rowe
Cc: rasmb at server1.bbri.org
Subject: Re: [RASMB] The Windows 95 problem


Arthur Rowe wrote:
> Greetings, everyone

> 
> Might it be possible however - the idea has just occurred to me - to 
> buy a modern PC and run VirtualPC on it? It is not quick, running 
> software under emulation, but the needs of the XL-I software are 
> surely not exotic. No problems running Win95 when you have VPC. Or is 
> this just an idea too far? If it is, then does anyone have a way of 
> keeping a Win95 platform going in 2006, please?
> 
> Regards to everyone
> 
> Arthur

Hello Arthur,

I haven't tried this, but I think the problem for the XL/*I* is that the
interface card for the camera only works directly with W95/98; there would
need to be a hardware driver written for the card to work under a more
modern operating system, which brings us back to the original situation of
needing an updated driver.

It is possible your suggestion might work for the XL/*A* ,as this relies on
serial (RS232) communication. I suppose the potential problem there would be
with any critical timing steps. I leave it for those more familiar with the
hardware issue to comment.

Best to all,

Andrew

-- 
Dr Andrew Leech                   *  Head of the Molecular
Technology Facility               *   Interactions Laboratory
Department of Biology (Area 15)   *  Tel   : +44 (0)1904 328723
University of York                *  Fax   : +44 (0)1904 328804
PO Box 373,  York  YO10 5YW       *  Email : apl3 at york.ac.uk
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