The ability to paste waveform graphics directly into a report from your word processor provides yet another outlet for using PC-based data to its fullest potential. From the instant the application is opened, it's acquiring and displaying data. Your only task is to configure a specific measurement protocol by accessing dialog boxes from pull-down menus. In the spirit of Windows' common user interface, if you can use a word processor, you can acquire data. Further, your decision to program or use a preprogrammed approach need not be mutually exclusive.
Examples are any repetitive application where the measurement is specific and well defined.
Even less defined applications are candidates assuming you have the time to write and debug a program. At least as common, though, are applications with unknown measurement requirements and where time is of the essence. You'll find them especially in the maintenance and troubleshooting applications we've discussed. You'll also find them in design qualification, quality, process monitoring, and a variety of other situations. This is the domain of the preprogrammed solution.