Integrated Systems

SALES / SOFTWARE / SUPPORT / SPARES

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q.  Why do you not use a standard PC as the Host Computer station?

A.  If only such an item existed, this would be a possible avenue to follow. As it is, the
     specification, hardware configuration and operating system of individual PCs vary
     too greatly to achieve the consistent operating stability we aim for. Earlier systems
     supplied by EDI were based around the desktop/tower PC but it became increasingly
     difficult to provide cost effective and user friendly installation and support. Many
     annoying problems encountered were shown to be the result of conflicts with other
     application software and operating system configuration changes made by local IT
     department administrators.

Q.   Is the software Windows based?  It does not have the typical Windows look.

A.   No. The operating system consists of a customised API with software run-time
     support libraries compiled and supplied by EDI Services.

Q.   Is the system Windows compatible then?

A.   Yes. All data exported from the ASC-260 system can be imported into Windows
     based utility software. Depending on the facility requirement, this will typically be in
     standard Word Processor, Spreadsheet, or Graphic format (.TXT, .RTF, .CSV or .BMP) files.

Q.   Can I add my own utility software functions to the ASC-260 System?

A.   No. This is not to say, however, that additional facilities cannot be added to the standard
     software. We are able to write and supply bespoke software, or supply additional modules,
     for integration into the System on an individual Customer basis. Any user external functions
     can of course be used to access and manipulate the data exported by the ASC-260
     completely independently of either programming environment or Operating System platform.

Q.  Why not simply use Windows XP or other Microsoft operating system then?

A.   Windows has been developing over many years with a strong bias towards general purpose
     Commerce and Communications activities. The ASC-260 is conceived and designed as a
     dedicated instrument controller and Analytical tool for use in Emission Spectrometry. The
     very nature of the Windows environment makes it increasingly unsuitable for such use. To
     service the simulated multiprocessing features of Windows, higher memory and hard disk
     space overhead and the development of faster and hotter processors to handle the work
     load has been made necessary. The introduction of Windows Vista (due for launch in 2007)
     will undoubtedly push the requirements to even greater extremes. The ASC-260, on the
     other hand, based around one of the latest AMD Processors, uses low power solid state
     devices which do not require forced cooling and are therefore less susceptible to failure.
     Such a compact system required its own very customized and stable operating system to
     work at maximum efficiency. For instance, a complete re-boot to application takes less than
     30 seconds and there is no annoying shut down procedure to be followed.

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