this file was named Readme.txt and was in 377119.zip

NI-488.2 for Windows, Version 2.0
Copyright 2002 National Instruments Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.


This file contains release notes, patent information, and 
last-minute information for NI-488.2 for Windows. Information in 
this file is too recent to be included in the official 
documentation set.


Release Notes
-------------
NI-488.2 for Windows, Version 2.0, is the latest driver offering
from National Instruments.  This new release 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.


Supported Interfaces
--------------------
NI-488.2 for Windows, Version 2.0, supports the following hardware on
Windows 2000/XP/Me/98. Any special requirements or conditions are
stated below the list in the Notes section.

GPIB-ENET        
GPIB-ENET/100
GPIB-USB-A       
GPIB-USB-B
PCI-GPIB
PCI-8212
PMC-GPIB
PXI-GPIB
PXI-8212

Notes:
   1) Neither the Controller nor Analyzer functionality of the
      PCI-GPIB+ interface is supported in Version 2.0.
   2) The GPIB-ENET product is obsolete. The interface is supported
      in Version 2.0, but it should not be used for future
      designs. Use the GPIB-ENET/100 instead.


Robust Multithreaded/Multiprocess Behavior
------------------------------------------
With NI-488.2 for Windows, Version 2.0, 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 2.0. This Application Note is available from our
website, ni.com.


NI-488.2 Locking Functionality
------------------------------
NI-488.2 for Windows, Version 2.0, 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 2.0
---------------------------
Installer - NI-488.2 for Windows, Version 2.0, improves the 
installation experience for the user.

Windows XP/2000 - In the past, there were separate drivers for 
plug-in interface boards (PCI-GPIB, etc.), the GPIB-ENET family, 
and the GPIB-USB-A. Only one of these three could be installed and 
used at any one time. NI-488.2 for Windows, Version 2.0, removes 
this restriction. All supported interfaces function simultaneously
with the same driver.

Windows XP/2000 - NI-488.2 for Windows, Version 2.0, resolves the 
issue that prevents users running the software in USER mode (as 
opposed to ADMINISTRATOR mode).

Internationalized Software Support - NI-488.2 for Windows, Version 
2.0, offers an improved localized solution in Japanese.


Win16 and DOS Support 
---------------------
NI-488.2 for Windows, Version 2.0, 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 2.0, 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.


Suspend, Hibernate, and Standby Modes
-------------------------------------
NI-488.2 for Windows, Version 2.0, does not support the power
saving Suspend, Hibernate, or Standby Modes. 


New C/C++ Header File
---------------------
NI-488.2 for Windows, Version 2.0, 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.


Patent Information
------------------
For patents covering National Instruments products, refer to the 
appropriate location: Help»Patents in your software, the 
patents.txt file on your CD, or ni.com/patents.