User manual

Chapter 1 Introduction to NI-DAQ

NI-DAQ Language Support

NI-DAQ supplies header files, examples, and instructions on how to use

an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for one of the following

languages under Windows 2000/NT/98/95:

• Microsoft Visual C++ 4.X,5.0,or6.0

• Visual Basic 4.0 (32-bit), 5.0, or 6.0

• Borland C++ 5.X

NI-DAQ also provides an NI-DAQ function prototype file for use with

Borland Delphi 2 (32-bit), 3, and 4.

Most of the files on the release media are compressed. Always run the

NI-DAQ installation utilities to extract the files you want. For a brief

description of the directories produced by the install programs and

the names and purposes of the uncompressed files, consult the NI-DAQ

Readme File (Start»Programs»National Instruments DAQ»NI-DAQ

Readme File).

Device Configuration

Before you begin your NI-DAQ application development, you must

configure your National Instruments DAQ devices, which can be plug-in

devices, PC cards (PCMCIA), or external devices you connect to the

parallel port of your computer. NI-DAQ needs the device configuration

information to program your hardware properly.

Using Measurement & Automation Explorer

Measurement & Automation Explorer is a Windows-based application that

you use to configure and view National Instruments DAQ device settings

under Windows 2000/NT/98/95.

Note

To use Measurement & Automation Explorer, quit any applications that are

performing DAQ operations.

Double-click the Measurement & Automation icon on your desktop to

run Measurement & Automation Explorer. Refer to the Measurement &

Automation Explorer online help for more information and detailed

instructions.