Common Questions

What are the system requirements for Epi Info™ 7?

• Microsoft Windows XP or above.
• Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 or above.
• Recommended - 1 GHz processor
• Recommended - 256 MB RAM

Should I upgrade from Epi Info™ 3.5.4?

Users do not need to choose between Epi Info™ 7 and Epi Info™ 3.5.4 because the two versions can coexist on the same machine.  Epi Info™ 7 provides new capabilities that are designed to make it easier for epidemiologists to rapidly create complex forms, collect large amounts of data, and quickly analyze data to gain situational awareness.  However, it is also a brand new platform that is expected to grow over time.  Training videos, sample databases, and form templates are currently being developed to help users make the most of the new capabilities in Epi Info™ 7.  On the other hand, Epi Info™ 3.5.4 is currently being downloaded worldwide and is already providing value to public health today.  If Epi Info™ 3.5.4 is currently meeting your needs then we encourage you to continue using it.  Epi Info™ 3.5.4 and Epi Info™ 6.04d will continue to be available for download and CDC is committed to continue providing technical support for these versions.

What can Epi Info™ 7 do that Epi Info™ 3.5.4 cannot?

Epi Info™ 7 provides new capabilities that are designed to make it easier for epidemiologists to rapidly create complex forms, collect large amounts of data, and quickly analyze data to gain situational awareness.  Specifically, users will now be able to:

• Distribute, deploy, and use Epi Info™ 7 during emergencies without ever requiring elevated privileges on a machine.
• Quickly create event-specific forms by dragging and dropping templates.
• Create complex questionnaire templates in advance that can be distributed and rapidly customized during emergencies.
• Use new "Check Code" logic on forms such as Geocode, ZScore, EpiWeek, Enable, Disable, and Highlight.
• Create forms that have more than 255 fields.
• Store data either on a SQL Server when a network infrastructure is available or on local MS Access-compatible files when disasters disrupt network connectivity.
• Collect data concurrently in a multi-user environment.
• Link records together to create exposure relationships.
• Visualize data on case-based cluster maps, social network analysis graphs, and a powerful new Visual Dashboard.
• Create surveillance systems that leverage Early Aberration Reporting System (EARS) algorithms.
• Perform nutritional anthropometry using up to date CDC and WHO standards.
• Receive updates when new features, templates, and fixes become available.

Which download is right for me?

Epi Info™ 7 - ZIP

• Can be downloaded to most user desktops and run without requiring administrative or elevated privileges.
• Can be extracted to and run from any folder that the user has read/write/execute privileges on (including thumb drives).
• Assumes that the machine already has Microsoft .NET 3.5 and other prerequisites installed.
• Recommended for disconnected laptops and other emergency use when IT support or infrastructure is not readily available.

Epi Info™ 7 - Setup

• Traditional setup mechanism that deploys Epi Info™ 7 to the location required by IT policy.
• Allows network administrators to centrally manage and push Epi Info™ 7, including updates and patches, to users using Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager.
• Ensures that the machine's configuration matches the minimum requirements of the software.
• Pre-compiles and registers Epi Info™ 7 components on the machine which causes certain components to run faster.
• Requires administrative or elevated privileges during installation.
• Recommended for centrally managed IT environments.

How will Epi Info™ 7 be updated?

Epi Info™ 7 is a brand new platform that will grow over time.  However, users do not have to wait for all of the features to be added to the platform. Users can begin taking advantage of the features that are available today.  Epi Info™ 7 has an updating feature that is similar to Microsoft’s Windows Update.  This allows the application to notify users whenever updates are available and gives users the ability to apply the updates without requiring a full reinstallation.

What are some of the upcoming features?

In Epi Info™ 7, users may notice the absence of Epi Report and the inclusion of a new module called the Visual Dashboard.  In fact, the vision for the Visual Dashboard is for it to replace Epi Report as the core report designing and generating tool in Epi Info™.  There are currently a few capabilities that Epi Report provides which are not yet available in the Visual Dashboard.  Users should expect updates in the near future that address these missing features.

Users may also notice two new menu options in the Form Designer that refer to the ability to publish Epi Info™ 7 forms on the web and on mobile devices.  These features are currently disabled but are expected to become available this year.  More information will be provided as development of these new features completes.