LabHelper is a software package that helps researchers manage their daily research and become more organized and productive. It let you organize and do everything in one place with one application. No more digging through folders trying to find the informations you need. It is a flexible, expandable and indispensable tool.
This software package contains the main engine LabHelper, the plug-in modules (PIM) and special fonts. The PIMs are organized into four categories: Data, Desk, Math, and Prep.
On-line help and System 7 balloon help are available in LabHelper and in each module. Select the first menu item "About..." from the "Util" menu to access the on-line help. WorldScript is supported. This means you can have mixed languages in the database. The whole package can be protected by one master password and/or each module can be protected with a different password to safe guard your sensitive research data.
Promotions:
1. Register your earlier version of LabHelper by September 1, 1994 and receive free upgrade to version 4.01. After the promotion date, you can either register for version 4.01 or register for earlier versions first and then just pay for the difference to become a registered user of version 4.01.
2. Register for version 4.01 by October 1, 1994 and receive the entire Restriction Enzyme (available 10/1/94) database free (a $7.00 value). See below for more information.
3. If you would design any icons or backdrops to be used with LabHelper package then for each icon or backdrop adapted, you would receive one database (e.g. Restriction Enzyme or future databases I develop) of your choice free (no expiration date). Please include ICN#, icl8, icl4, ics#, ics8, ics4 and the Masks for icons and backdrops in PICT format.
Features:
LabHelper main engine: This is the heart of the package. It keeps all the PIMs running and in collaboration. If you have been using other HyperCard programs, LabHelper supports them too. You can open HyperCard stacks from the "File" menu or you can change the Creator Type of your stacks to "TRJT" so you can double-click on them to open them with LabHelper.
Data: 9 PIMs in this category.
Culture Collection: Use this PIM to manage the bacterial strains used in your research. Names, genotypes, references, location, ATCC numbers and notes can be listed and fully searched.
Glossary: Use this PIM to manage the terms that you found interesting. Terms, descriptions, keywords, references can be listed and fully searched. There is also a graphic area where you can draw or paste graphics.
Order Form: Use this PIM to manage the daily purchase orders.
Periodic Table: This is a periodic table database.
Protocol Book: Use this PIM to manage the protocols used in your research. Import, export, superscript, subscript, search and replace are supported. Calculators for setting up optimal CIAP and T4 ligation reactions are included.
Recipe Book: Use this PIM to manage the recipes used in your research. The amount of chemicals you need is updated automatically.
Restriction Enzymes: Use this PIM to manage the restriction enzymes used in your research. All recognition sequence can be fully searched. You could obtain database for ~400 restriction enzymes. The name, recognition sequence, generated ends, source, heat sensitivity, dam sensitivity, dcm sensitivity, optimal temperature, buffer, isoschizomers, compatible ends and suppliers are provided. Informations on recleavable 5' filled-in overhangs, blunt ends and cohesive ends, etc. are also included. A must have for molecular biologists.
Samples: Use this PIM to manage the samples used or generated in your research.
Study: Use this PIM to help you keep track of your study.
Desk: 5 PIMs in this category.
3C Timer: A 3-channel stopwatch/timer with visual and audio feedback. Time is not disrupted enough when the computer has been shut down. New audio feedback can be recorded or deleted. Messages can be set for different events, and many more! See for yourself.
Address Book: Use this PIM to manage the contact informations. Great for personal use too.
Librarian: Use this PIM to manage the books and journals you checked out from libraries.
Notebook: Use this PIM to manage any informations you like. Has the same features as the Protocol Book.
Reminder: Use this PIM to manage your busy research schedule. A To Do manager is also built in.
Math: 3 PIMs in this category.
Calculator: This is a scientific calculator.
Nucleic Acid Concentration: Calculates you nucleic acid concentration from OD260 readings.
Radioisotope Decay: Calculates remaining activity of the radioisotopes used in your research.
Prep: 3 PIMs in this category.
Buffer Solution Prep: Use this PIM to manage the making of buffers in your research. You provides the pH, the volume and the concentration of the buffer you need and it calculates using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation and tells you how to make it.
Dilution Calculator: Turns tedious calculations into a simple point-and-click so you can concentrate on more important research. It never gets too tired to think.
Molar Solution Prep: A lot of reagents to prepare? No problem! Use this PIM to manage all the solution preparation for you. It maintains a list of chemicals or solutions that are used in you research. Select from the list the chemicals or solutions you need to prepare and type in the concentration and volume you need and it does all the calculations for you.
Fonts: Screen fonts Digits 12, 16, 24 and LabHelper 9 and 12 are provided. LabHelper TrueType, PostScript Type 1 and PostScript Type 3 are provided.
System Requirement:
System 6.05 or later with at least 1000 kb RAM to run in B&W mode and at least 1300 kb RAM for 16-color mode or 1400 kb for 256-color mode. Hard drive is recommended.
Installation:
1. Make a backup copy of the archive.
2. Expend the compressed archive onto your hard drive. It should contain:
LabHelper Folder: Data Folder
Desk Folder
LabHelper 4.01
Math Folder
Prep Folder
LabHelper Fonts
Document Folder: About the Author
LabHelper Font Layout
Read Me First
Registered Uses Read Me
Registration Form
3. Install the fonts:
System 6.0x: Install the fonts into the System File by using Font/DA Mover.
System 7.x: Double-Click on the Font Suitcase and drag the fonts into the unopened System Folder.
4. If you are a registered user, you can use the registration code to register your copy of LabHelper. Make sure that you keep the registration code in a safe place. You will need this code to register future upgrades.
5. All earlier PIMs should be replaced with the newer PIMs. You should select "Import Other..." from the "Util" menu within the newer PIMs and locate the earlier PIMs you want to import from to import all the informations stored in the earlier PIMs to the newer PIMs.
Cost:
For all the works that it will do for you, it costs only 30.00 US dollars per copy or 60.00 US dollars per laboratory. If you need the entire Restriction Enzymes database, just pay an additional 7.00 US dollars per copy. If you wish to receive the package on disks, please add 3.00 US dollars shipping and handling per order. There will be no shipping and handling charges for orders sent through e-mail.
Registered users will receive a registration code to unleash the full power of LabHelper. Registered users will also receive technical supports plus the chance to receive all future upgrades free of charge no matter how much the future upgrades cost. So act now to start organizing and managing your research more effectively.
LabHelper version 4.0 is a major upgrade from its earlier versions and is still FREE to all previously registered users, but the registration code has been changed. If you are a registered user of LabHelper and have not received the new code from me, please feel free to contact me. Thanks for your supports.
Ñ You can now modify the default font for each button and field through the "Font Preference" menu.
Ñ Study PIM and Librarian PIM modules added to the package.
Bug Fixed:
Ñ One bug in the Buffer Solution Prep PIM which prevents the concentration unit to be changed was fixed.
Modifications:
Ñ Various modifications done to take advantage of the new outline font.
4.0
A major upgrade from its earlier versions.
Future Plan:
Ñ Make detailed user manual available.
Ñ Keep improving the performance of LabHelper.
Ñ Expand current modules' capabilities.
Ñ Develop more modules:
* chemical inventory
* reference manager
* electronic log book
* personal information manager
* Revise "Buffer Solution Prep" module and provide more standard buffer recipes.
* Revise "Statistical Analysis" module and put it back into the package.
* Revise "Order Form" module to provide better integration and automation.
* Add the ability to select suitable buffer for double digest to the "Restriction Enzymes" module.
* more databases
This is the current plan I have in mind. I am open for any ideas and suggestions. Please think about what you would like to see in these future modules or current modules.
For bug-reports, questions, or suggestions, the author can be reached at:
20 A Hunter St.
Clemson, SC 29631
U.S.A.
E-mail: Internet:
ttzeng@hubcap.clemson.edu
Disclaimer:
LabHelper is provided "as is" with no warranty of any kind. The author will not be responsible for any damages caused by the use of this package.
You are encouraged to distribute the unregistered copy of LabHelper package to your friends and colleagues or put it on any servers, provided that the software and its documentation are not modified in any way. This software may not be sold or distributed for profit without authorization from the author.
All registered trade marks belong to their rightful owners.
