At 10:00 AM 4/14/98 -0400, you wrote:
>I am interested in obtaining a software program that will allow confocal
>users to log on and off our Bio-Rad MRC 600 confocal system, automatically
>track the usage time, and calculate the total charge based on an hourly
>rate. Can any of you recommend a program that is relatively simple and
>straightforward? (Please provide the manufacturer/source, address, and
>phone number or web site).

Karen,

We used Direct Access for Windows on our Leica TCS-4D Confocal when we were
running Win 3.1, but Symantec is no longer supporting (or selling) this
software.  For Win 95 there's the WUGNet award winning shareware program
WinU (http://www.bardon.com) and for Win 95 and NT there's SecurDesk!
(http://www.cursorarts.com/).  These provide a secure front end with a
customizable interface and include accounting.

We're going to SecurDesk! on our new NT PC (we upgraded the PC on the
Leica).  I've created a generic user for our NT system that has a highly
restricted desktop and the only program users can run is SecurDesk!.  They
start SecurDesk!, which starts accounting for their time and takes them to
a custom desktop that we've created that gives them access to the Leica
Scanware software.  When they are done with SecurDesk! and the confocal
they exit back to the generic desktop.

If the Bio-Rad runs OS/2, I'm afraid I don't know what's available for that
operating system.

I have no financial interest in these companies.

Doug
.....................................................................
: Douglas W. Cromey, M.S.       Dept. of Cell Biology & Anatomy     :
: Sr. Research Specialist       University of Arizona               :
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