 |
 |
 |
 |
For more than 18 months now I am using XACT for OS/2. Previously I had been
using SigmaPlot (for DOS). XACT has been developed originally for the Atari
and has recently been 'ported' to OS/2. Current version is 3.2 with a greatly
enhanced version 4.0 out next (|) week. My brief description relates to v4.0
which I am using (as a betatester).
The data spreadsheets are virtually unlimited in size and you may easily
load histogram data for 250 facs plots in one table and you may have several
of those spreadsheets open at a time. Editing tables is pretty much standard
aided by context menues. You may also do data processing using REXX functions
or an API for C programmers.
On the graphic side, the program features a vector-based graphics engine with
many 'graphics-only' features eliminating the need to go for 'polishing' to
a separate program like powerpoint. Graphs can be created by (1) interactively
defining them via menus, (2) using templates or (3) by drag&drop. To do the
latter, copies of your existing graphs are displayed in a special folder
(as a lighttable) and you simply drag the graph you like onto a marked part
of a spreadsheet. Multiple graphs on a single page are supported as are data
links to spreadsheets (which are updated). All of the features you mentioned
are available with the exception of axis breaks (there must be a v4.1). All
graph settings are controlled by context menus. Modifications in graphs are
introduced with the graphic editor. Symbols, arrows, maps etc are added also
by drag&drop (from another lighttable). Since data files and graphs are WPS
objects you can print graphs just by dragging the file onto the printer.
The program is really fast, multithreaded, makes use of long file names and
just takes 2MB disk space for program code| (No need to say it doesn't crash).
To me, there is no way back to less performance. (for others it may even be
a reason to look at OS/2).
For those interested, there is a demo (printer & clipboard disabled) on
hobbes (ftp-os2.nmsu.edu) XACTUS.ZIP. Expect a demo of the new version
(English) in about two weeks. As to distributors and prices you may address
the developers at mprall@ibm.net (Michael Prall, SciLab GmbH, Hamburg).
Dr. Martin R. Hadam Hadam@DHVMHH1.Bitnet
Kinderklinik Hadam@VM.MHRZ.MH-Hannover.de
Medizinische Hochschule Hannover phone (49) 511 532 9009
D-30623 HANNOVER fax (49) 511 532 9016
|
|
|
|