*** Please take the time to read this simple survey and respond... *** The Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, USDA-Agriculture Research Center, Tucson AZ has labs currently involved in developing hi-technology software for various simulation models. Some examples that you may have heard of include (but are not limited to) PC-BEEPOP for DOS which simulates life expectancy of colonies infected with tracheal mites and the impact of various treatments, PC-REDAPOL for DOS which simulates crop yields for apple farmers who use bees to pollinate their trees, and many more... <<if you would like more info on these or any other simulation models, please contact me personally! -- the USDA would be happy to send you a copy of any model free of charge with full on-line help and documentation!>> This particular survey involves determining what percent of the beekeeping community (commercial, hobbyist, or other) 1.) have personal computers and 2.) what type of PC they own and 3.) if it is an IBM/compatable--what platform they run--Windows/DOS or DOS only. This survey has personal importance due to the fact that I am currently developing simulation software which will be released as public domain on a very widespread basis--involving as many beekeepers as possible. The program will focus on the beekeeping business and the simple economics involved in beekeeping as a business including profit margin predicitions for up to 10 YEARS based on approximately 50 fully customizable variables (equipment, loans, insurance, wages, and many more...) I stongly urge the members of this List to get involved with the USDA-ARS and take advantage of the public domain software we have to offer! I will keep the List updated with my progress on my current Bee Economics model and I am always happy to answer personal questions. Please send them to my e-mail address (listed below) -- not to the List in general. Please take the time to answer my survey questions and take a poll of the people you know if you can:: 1.) Do you own/use a personal computer regularly? (yes/no) 2.) What kind (brand) of PC do you own/use? 3.) If you own an IBM/compatable--> Do you run WINDOWS/DOS or DOS-ONLY? Learning this information from as many people as possible will be an excellent help to my lab in chosing which platform to use for my program. A Macintosh version will be published. A Windows version will also be published--but most likely there will not be a DOS version to compliment. We have found that it takes at least twice as long to compose a program in Borland C++ for DOS and we feel that better than 75% of the computer-owning/using population in America has either switched to a Windows environment or purchased new computers which are seldom sold with Windows installed. ** AGAIN--I urge you to contact me and find out about all of the public domain resources at your finger tips from the USDA-ARS. PC-BEEPOP won world acclaim for its ease of use and user friendly interface. Our programs are developed with the intention of FULL PUBLIC ACCESS AND USE. We DO NOT develop programs soley for the use of other research facilities! If you have ideas or suggestions about future simulation models--PLEASE WRITE US! WE'RE DYING FOR MAIL OUT HERE! Your interaction with us is extremely valuable--after all--our research and development is for you! Please write to the following address for more information: Carl Hayden Bee Research Center USDA-ARS 2000 E. Allen Road Tucson, AZ 85719 %Mark Templin -OR- Write to my e-mail address: [log in to unmask] [University of Arizona CCIT] >> Your tax dollars working for you... << - --Mark!