We run PC Lysys on several 486 PCs, which are connected to our FACS cytometers
with ethernet using FACSNet. Generally, PC Lysys is a good analysis package
that keeps the 'feel' of Lysys II (that runs on the HP 9000/340). A few
functions are missing (ScreenWindows-EmptyTopWindow, for example). A few new
functions have been added, especially by virtue of running under Windows:
for example, you can copy a histogram/dot plot/contour plot (bitmap) to a
drawing/painting program (like CorelDraw) for publication/poster graphics
generation.
Some performance problems we have encountered are mainly Windows related.
We use MicroVAX II's as file servers with Pathworks (Microsoft LAN Works).
Our 486/25 takes a long time to access the file servers, but the 486/50 works
OK (you won't have this problem unless you have a similar network setup).
All of our 486s suffer from slow Windows performance. We like to put as much
data on one 'screen' as we can, so we use SuperVGA (1024x768). Unfortunately,
this makes Windows perform slower than it would in standard VGA (640x480). We
are considering Windows accelerator cards to resolve this problem. Another
problem is our 14-inch monitors. SuperVGA makes the text hard to read on these
'small' monitors. We're hoping to upgrade the monitors to at least 17-inch.
The bottom line: make sure your ethernet card, video card, CPU, and monitor
are up to snuff!
Other software? I'm pretty impressed by the minimal exposure I've had to
Verity's WinList. On the plus side, it has much more capability than PC Lysys
(which wouldn't matter much in a clinical setting). On the minus side, it
doesn't 'feel' like Lysys II, and can be a bit overwhelming (like ModFit).
Phoenix has List-View, but I haven't seen it yet. Both WinList and List-View
are Windows programs, so they should be subject to the same performance
problems stated above. Also remember, if you want to analyze DNA histograms,
you'll need another program: like ModFit (Verity) or Multi-Cycle (Phoenix).
We're pretty happy with ModFit, and haven't had much exposure to Multi-Cycle.
My recommendation for a clinical setting would be to get PC Lysys, primarily
because of its similarity to Lysys II (so you wouldn't have to learn a new
piece of software). It is more than enough for routine analysis.
Oh yeah, one last gripe: all your printouts will say "BD" on them. There is
an option to "turn off BD header", but when you do, you don't get anything
(the print job is cancelled).
Eric Van Buren vanburen%flovax.dnet@rocdec.roc.wayne.edu
Immunology & Microbiology 313 577 1009 voice
Wayne State University 313 577 1155 fax