A real-time, multichannel data acquisition system was constructed using readily available commercial hardware and software. This system can acquire and store information directly to disk. Use of such a configuration avoids the need for an expensive FM recorder. Since data are stored directly to disk, their subsequent transfer to the computer from an auxiliary storage device is unnecessary. Moreover, with direct computer access to acquired data, real-time calculations and analyses can be performed. This data acquisition system can be used with virtually any medical monitor having an analog output. Up to 16 differential inputs or 32 single-ended inputs can be handled during any given recording session. Prototype real-time data acquisition and analysis programs were also developed by the authors.