Software chromatographer would want to modify. Because of this, however, a casual user or technician may be overwhelmed by the choices available for examining plots, reanalyzing data, and checking calibration curves, to name a few. Installation requires a reasonable knowledge of PCs. Installation and configuration of the data acquisition card, the activator, and the software took about two hours. When the PC is booted, background data collection software and the foreground main program are loaded. From here, you can either leave Chrom Perfect while still collecting data or remain in the program to analyze data. An advantage of this software is that chromatography data acquisition is performed in the background as aTSR (terminate and stay resident) application and does not interfere with other DOS operations, including network drivers. There were no problems when data were collected while using applications on a PCLAN (Novell NetWare 3.31). Chromatograms from disks can later be analyzed when the foreground program is operating. This allows the PC user to run other programs without dedicating the PC to data acquisition. The main program, Direct, includes building and updating methods and calibration, creating and modifying sequences for automated processing, and generating data reports. As stated before, the auxiliary modules are essential. Some inter-
esting features beyond the rudimentary chromatography minimums include the ability to graphically reintegrate chromatograms by hand with exacting baseline placement—the chromatograms are then saved as annotated manual net peak area; to bind the raw data, the collection method, the integrated peak area tables, and the calibration data; to use a full complement of timed events for difficult baseline integration; to numerically autosequence the raw data files; and to choose from extensive calibration options such as multiple external standards, updates from mixed multicomponent standards, multiple curve types, and source file tracking for each point. For the package to be better integrated into a multiple-vendor lab, it would be helpful if it were available for Windows. Like any non-Windows software package, Chrom Perfect lacks a standard interface. Therefore, simple tasks such as rescaling graphs, retrievingfiles,calling up menu bars, selecting and customizing multiple windows, using hot keys, designating available printer drivers, and applying DDE links to other software are unique to Chrom Perfect and must be learned to use the software effectively. For lab workers who do not want to learn unique commands or deal with a new interface, this would be viewed as a liability. (Editor's note: A Windows version of the software is now available.) Justice Innovations has made a major
effort to be GLP-compliant with password protection; read-only protection; and binding of raw data, methods, and report formats. Also, there are system suitability reports as well as audit trails for all data acquired and for changes to methods, calibration, and sequences. Although standalone PC software is tamper-resistant, these measures ensure GLP compliance. Reviewed by Andrew Papas, Polaroid Corp., Waltham, MA
SOFTWARE RELEASED Origin Microcal Software 1 Roundhouse Plaza Northampton, MA 01060 800-969-7720, 413-586-2013, 413-5850126 (fax) Version 3.5; $495
Origin, a Windows-based software package, is designed to acquire, manipulate, and present data for scientific and engineering applications and incorporates a point-and-click interface. The built-in scripting language, Lab Talk, has been extended with object-oriented sets. One improvement over earlier versions of the program is the enhancement of the curve fitter to handle multiple independent variables. The object edit palette allows users to align, size, and group multiple objects. Three new modules are available: real time, peak fitting, and file utilities. HAZOP-PC Primatech 445 Hutchinson Ave. Suite 200 Columbus, OH 43235 614-841-9800, 614-841-9805 (fax) Version 3; $2500
Chromatograms can be plotted with labeled peak names, retention times, and baselines. A section of the chromatogram can be expanded by using a mouse to draw a box. 926 A Analytical Chemistry, Vol. 66, No. 18, September 15, 1994
HAZOP-PC software is designed for hazard and operability (HAZOP) studies. The software incorporates a menu-driven approach that guides the analyst in performing a study. The software supports traditional and procedural HAZOP studies and can be used to copy an entire worksheet of information from one project to another, number worksheet items using the cascade number format, accommodate up to 30,000 lines of text per worksheet, and save user-defined reports. The program supports PostScript printers and features enhanced report filtering for customized reports.
