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Hi,

On Sep 30, 2011, at 12:38 PM, Scott, Mark wrote:
> I also was not condoning other applications over ImageJ, I was simply suggesting that it is worth not discounting other commercial applications just because ImageJ is free if those commercial software package encourage users to use them more, do more work and produce results faster and easier than then having to learn ImageJ from scratch.


Actually, it can be seen as advantage to learn ImageJ (or other 
packages) from scratch. Not knowing what you are actually doing to your 
data while hitting any black-box button might be convenient but in the 
end you might have to face corrupted/wrong data. However, some 
commercial softwares might be more restrictive and do not like 
explaining all about their algorithms (which is somewhat understandable...).

I learned pretty much back then, when I had/wanted to study the maths 
and the principles of softwares such as Huygens or ImageJ.

Surely, some users prefer glossy UIs and rather not "play around with 
parameters".

The point is - and I totally agree with Dan - it is all about the person 
using the software (intuitive vs non-intuitive is a rather personal 
thing) AND the goal you want to achieve with the software. I wouldn't 
buy Imaris just for cropping and merging images, nor would I stick to 
ImageJ for high-end decon...



Johannes



-- 
Mag. Johannes-P. KOCH
Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology
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