FAQ

Installation Questions

Q: Why doesn't DNASIS for Windows work after I upgrade to Windows 95?
A: If you have upgraded your operating system recently then you must reinstall DNASIS inorder for it to work properly. Make sure you have version 2.1 of DNASIS. If you are a registered user of version 2.0, you automatically received your upgrade. When you begin the installation, you will see a dialog box. Check the box next to "Windows 95" and click "Go." You will be prompted to choose a directory for this installation. The installation should use disks 1,2, and 4. Disk 3 is only for installation under Windows 3.1. If you do not have version 2.1, please call us to inquire about upgrading.

Q: We just got a new printer. Why won't my DNASIS program start?
A: Some printers will interfere with the DNASIS copy protection key. This happens mainly when the new printer is put in line, but the power is turned off. The solution is to make sure that the printer power is turned on.

Q: How can I run DNASIS on several computers in my lab without having to move the copy protection key all the time?
A: Call us to inquire about DNASIS for Networks. We have network compatible programs for both Macintosh and PC environments. Only one copy protection key is needed and it can be placed on any computer on your network. The key server program monitors the number of users running the DNASIS program across the network and allows users to run DNASIS if there are unused licenses available on the key.

Q: Why do I get an error message every time I close a window in DNASIS?
A: There is an incompatibility between the NT4.0 video drivers and the DNASIS program. You must set the number of colors displayed to any number but 256. You can change this by choosing Display from your Control Panel, then click on the Settings tab. Change the number of colors on the Color Palette drop-down menu.

General Questions

Q: Is DNASIS compatible with Windows 95 and 98?
A:Yes.

Q: Is DNASIS compatible with Windows NT 3.5X, 4.X?
A:Yes.

Q: How much memory (RAM) do I need on my computer?
A: 16 MB minimum, 32 MB optimum

Q: How big is the program?
A: 10 MB

Q: Is DNASIS copy protected?
A: Yes, DNASIS uses a sentinel key or dongle for copy protection.

Q: Is there a network version?
A: Yes, Network DNASIS.

Q: How does the Network DNASIS work?
A: Network DNASIS is a keyserver configured package, allowing a set number of user licenses, or nodes, to be purchased.

Q: Can I search GenBank with DNASIS?
A: Yes, DNASIS' on-line BLAST search tool allows direct access to NCBI on-line via the internet. Also, genetic database searching is available on CD-ROM.

Q: How do I import GenBank DNA sequences into DNASIS?
A: 1.Check GenBank sequences for proper formatting by opening each GenBank sequence in a word processor.
2. Check the sequence to make sure there is no extraneous information (not even an extra space or return). The DNA sequence should start with "LOCUS" and end with "//".
3. Save the sequence as a plain text file with the name "myseq.dna" where myseq is the name of the sequence.
4. Open the sequence "myseq.dna" in DNASIS.
If the sequence was properly imported, you should see only nucleotide letters in the edit window and the additional GenBank information can be viewed by choosing Result, Show Information.

Q: Can I import files from an automated sequencer?
A: Yes, DNASIS accepts imported sequence files from most automated sequencers.

Q: How can I enter manual sequence data into DNASIS?
A: Manual sequencing data can be entered by Hitachi's Easy Reader backlit electromagnetic digitizer. Easy Reader and DNASIS, when purchased together, are available at a substantial savings.

Q: Can I import data into DNASIS?
A: Yes, DNASIS is compatible with text, GenBank, and FastA file formats. In addition, with DNASIS' file converter function, file formats from other genetic analysis packages can easily be converted and utilized.

Q: Can I export DNASIS files into my word processing or drawing program?
A: Yes, DNASIS' output, including graphs, can be exported to any popular word processing or publication programs.

Q: Can I use DNASIS to predict secondary structures?
A: Yes, DNASIS can be used to predict RNA and protein secondary structures.

Q: What if I have a technical question about DNASIS?
A: Hitachi maintains a dedicated technical support staff to answer questions about DNASIS.

Q: How can I evaluate DNASIS?
A: DNASIS demo is available, allowing functional evaluations on both the Macintosh and PC platforms.

Q: Does the demo expire?
A: No, the MacDNASIS demo is not timed and can be used to evaluate the program indefinitely.

Q: How can I get a demo or price quote?
A: Call or email one of our technical representatives at 800-747-4362 or get it online.