Re: Networking 3700 DNA Seq

Robert Lyons (boblyons@umich.edu)
Thu, 09 Dec 1999 08:25:50 -0500

Sheryl Christofferson wrote:
>
> Hello Millie!
> Sorry, I can't help you with PC Mac LAN, but I suggest that you spend the extra
> money and buy a Jaz drive or CD writer. I am using a 377, and the Zip disk only
> holds 1 or 2 runs (each run 40 - 60 MB). I'm sure for a 3700 the files would be
> much bigger. I am very pleased with the Jaz disks for storage.
>
> mcada002@mc.duke.edu wrote:
>
> > We would appreciate information from anyone who has been successful networking
> > their 3700 DNA Sequencer to allow information to be available to your customers.
> > If you wish to phone and fax information that would be fine also. We need
> > information for our computer consultants before we get in too deep with software
> > packages, etc.
> > Has 'PC Mac LAN' worked for anyone?
> > How successful are you with using a Zip Drive to back-up data?

Millie,

If the issue is simply to provide for file transfers between NT and Macs,
you might check out the Snap! Server, from Quantum. This is a device that
simply plugs into your Ethernet (10BaseT) and can be accessed by just about
any computer you own - Mac, NT, Win9X, Unix. I cannot verify the company's
claims, since I do not own one of these. As I recall, you can get info on
Snap! Servers from the following web site:

http://www.snapserver.com

I almost bought one, but chose a unix software package instead. I'm using
the TotalNet Advanced Server from Syntax, Inc (http://www.syntax.com), and
it seems to be working at least for Mac-to-Unix transfers (I don't have
a 3700 - yet). For a long time I used the Columbia Appletalk Package (CAP),
freeware available on the net. It works, but has some minor bugs. The
choice between a software package and a hardware device depends on how
much confidence you have in your computer support people.

For data archival storage, I recommend CD writers. All current data storage
technology will become obsolete eventually, but CD's are more likely to
last longer than others - both the survival life of the disks themselves,
and the likelihood of finding a drive that can read it in the future.

Bob Lyons
University of Michigan

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Robert Lyons, Ph.D.
Director, DNA Sequencing Core
University of Michigan
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