Windows-based scopes carry all of the responsibilities of laptops or PCs that increase greatly if the scope is connected to the net (anti-virus, service pack updates, spyware). Sanitization of memory is another issue if the scope is to be used in a secure area and then removed periodically for service or other applications. Some scope users don't like the time it takes to boot or have preferences that exclude Windows. But Windows-based scopes do enable a lot of functions and capabilities that add undeniable power and conveniences. Some examples are:
(1) Save waveform data directly to a network drive. Non-Windows scopes are not able to save data directly from the scope to a network drive.
(2) Connect any printer directly to the scope and it will work. Non-Windows scopes only support a limited list of printers.
(3) Read Adobe Acrobat files (such as manuals, datasheets, help files, etc.) directly on the scope. Non-Windows scopes are not able to open PDF files.
(4) View the scope display updating live using NetMeeting, PC Anywhere, GoToMyPC, WebEx, Remote Desktop, LogMeIn, VNC and any other Windows viewing program. Non-Windows scopes are not able to use any of these programs on the scope.
(5) Connect any USB input devices such as keyboards, optical mice, wireless trackballs, etc., to control the scope. Non-Windows scopes are not able to use input devices.
(6) Interface with -any- USB device such as external USB hard drives, CD/DVD burners, and it will work with the scope. Non-Windows scopes are not able to do this.
(7) Install free video capture software on the scope, record a live video of the waveform, and save it as a movie file that can be viewed by others. Non-Windows scopes do not have this capability.
(8) Compare previously-saved screen images (jpegs, bitmaps, etc) directly on the scope. Non-Windows scopes cannot view saved screen images.
(9) Install MS Word directly on the scope and create real-time reports without needed a separate computer. Non-Windows scopes cannot create reports using the scope.
(10) Dual Display Mode, in which a program (such as a generated report) can be viewed on one display while the scope screen is viewed on the other display without requiring a separate PC. Non-Windows scopes are not able to do this.
(11) Install MS Excel directly on the scope to process waveform data without needing a separate computer. Non-Windows scopes are not able to do this.
(12) Install MATLAB directly on the scope for advanced processing of waveform data without needed a separate computer. Non-Windows scopes are not able to do this.
(13) Design their own measurement algorithms. Non-Windows scopes are not able to do this.
(14) Design their user interfaces (on scopes with XDEV). Non-Windows scopes are not able to do this.
(15) Upgrade the firmware directly on the scope from website without using a separate computer. Non-Windows scopes are not able to do this.
(16) Lock the bios, lock out access to Windows, and lock out access to writing to the hard drive.
Most Windows-based scopes also have optional removable hard drives, further ensuring data
security.
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