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NI-488.2 2.1 - Windows 2000/98/98 Japanese/ME/XP

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Download Language: English; Japanese
Product Line: GPIB
Version: 2.1
Release date: 05-2003
Software type: Hardware Driver
Operating system: Windows 2000; Windows 98; Windows 98 Japanese; Windows ME; Windows XP

Description


NI-488.2 v2.1 is no longer available for download. Refer to the NI-488.2 current driver versions table for an appropriate driver for your hardware / operating system combination. If you require NI-488.2 v2.1, please visit the Legacy NI-488.2 Driver Request page.

NI-488.2 for Windows, Version 2.1, makes the migration path to other operating systems easier as it strives to make the NI-488.2 API uniform across platforms. Every attempt has been made to maintain backward compatibility with the installed base of existing NI-488.2 applications. Purchasing the Software
This driver is available for download but you must have a license in order to use it. For all GPIB hardware products listed above, the license is included with the hardware.

Firmware Update for GPIB-ENET/100
If you are using the GPIB-ENET/100, you must upgrade your firmware revision to Version B9 after you have installed the driver. To download the firmware image, please visit the Firmware page. Supported Interfaces
NI-488.2 for Windows, Version 2.1, supports the following hardware on Windows 2000/XP/ME/98.

  • GPIB-ENET/100
  • GPIB-USB-B
  • PCI-GPIB
  • PCI-GPIB/LP
  • PCI-GPIB+
  • PCI-8212
  • PMC-GPIB
  • PXI-GPIB
  • PXI-8212
  • PXI-8232
  • PCMCIA-GPIB
  • PCMCIA-GPIB+
Note that the GPIB-USB-A and GPIB-ENET are no longer shipping, but they can be used with NI-488.2 version 2.1. If you are interested in using some other GPIB interface, please see the NI-488.2 for Windows Version 2.0 driver page or the NI-488.2 for Windows Version 1.70 driver page to see if either fit your criteria.

Robust Multithreaded/Multiprocess Behavior
With NI-488.2 for Windows, Version 2.1, multithreaded behavior is consistent across platforms. Refer to Application Note 101, "Developing Multithreaded GPIB Applications using NI-488.2," for full information on the multithreaded/multiprocess behavior in NI-488.2, Version 2.1. This Application Note is available from our website, ni.com.

NI-488.2 Locking Functionality
NI-488.2 for Windows, Version 2.1, adds a locking mechanism for all supported platforms and interfaces. This mechanism is useful for preventing multiple threads/processes from corrupting each other. Refer to the IBLCK topic in the NI-488.2 online help for complete information.

Enhancements in Version 2.1
PCMCIA-GPIB - NI-488.2 for Windows, Version 2.1, adds support for the PCMCIA-GPIB interface. Following the precedent of Version 2.0 of the driver which unified the driver for the PCI, ENET, and USB interfaces, this version ensures that those interfaces along with the PCMCIA-GPIB can function simultaneously with the same driver.

Analyzer - NI-488.2 for Windows, Version 2.1, supports the GPIB analyzer portion of the PCI-GPIB+ and PCMCIA-GPIB+ on the Windows 2000 and XP operating systems. This support was previously only available on Windows NT, 98, and 95.

Win16 and DOS Support
NI-488.2 for Windows, Version 2.1, does not support Win16 applications for Windows ME/9x platforms. Win16 support is available under Windows 2000 and Windows XP. To use these applications under Windows 9x/ME, you must use a previous version of NI-488.2 for Windows.

DOS support is available on all operating systems supported by this driver.

Device Templates and DOS Applications for Windows ME/9x
Existing DOS-based NI-488.2 applications may use device templates to access GPIB devices. If you make changes to the device templates on a Windows ME/9x system, you must restart Windows before the changes are available to DOS applications.

Fast User Switching with Windows XP
NI-488.2 for Windows, Version 2.1, does not support Fast User Switching. Fast User Switching, a feature of Windows XP, makes it possible for you to quickly switch between users without actually logging off from the computer. Multiple users can share a computer and use it simultaneously, switching back and forth without closing the programs they are running. If any user has a handle open into NI-488.2 for Windows, all other users will receive an error message when attempting to use NI-488.2 for Windows.

New C/C++ Header File
NI-488.2 for Windows, Version 2.1, provides a new C/C++ header file, ni-488.h. This file is a direct replacement for decl-32.h. The header file, decl-32.h, is still usable, but should not be used for new programs. Use ni-488.h instead.

Related Manuals
NI-488.2 User Manual (370428A-01)
GPIB Hardware Guide (370426B-01)
NI-488.2 API Quick Reference (370497A-01)
Other GPIB Manuals

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