RT PCR -- Beginning upgrade process

We are beginning the process of upgrading the ABI7500 real time thermocycler system from the computing standpoint. We would like to put the computer on the network, for several reasons, but the cost of getting the laptop imaged may not be worth it, especially since we would need to add RAM to the computer to be able to upgrade to the latest version of the software. Our ABI service rep said that the newest version of the software is very good, allowing for quick and easy export of data to Excel and PowerPoint, and with an improved interface. This upgrade is free if we download it, but we need to have enough RAM to run it.

So, Seprek (the CMN Core workstation computer) has been moved down to room T529 to be our experimental computer on which to try installing the upgrade and ensuring that the thermocycler software can complete runs without conflicts due to virus scanning. It has been reported that the software often has issues with Norton and other virus software, and with the computer on the network, we need to configure the virus scanning software (Symantec, in our case) to allow thermocycler software to run properly.

Ultimately, a different computer will run the software, either Quiberon, which we already have, a hand-me-down computer that has been de-commissioned from elsewhere in the building, the laptop (but upgraded and imaged), or perhaps a new computer. The laptop is still in the room, on top of the thermocycler (and connected to it), and we'll let users know how the upgrade process is going. Once the process is complete, all users will need to use Waisman logons to use the thermocycler. We will likely be changing to an hourly charge for thermocycler use at some point as well (probably July 1). Let me know if you have questions or concerns.