This technology relates to a software package called NIMH DAO Toolbox that uses multithreading and a unique buffer structure to shorten gaps in sample readouts. Data acquisition devices running in continuous sampling mode collect data samples at a given sampling rate. The samples are typically stored in a memory buffer and read out at a regular interval. If the sampling rate is short enough, there can be a gap between the time the first sample is acquired and the time that sample is available to the user. This gap is typically on the order of tens of milliseconds. However, the maximum delay tolerable when doing real-time monitoring in behavioral/physiological experiments is typically one millisecond or less. This technology enables real-time data monitoring during continuous sample acquisition. In addition, the NIMH DAO Toolbox also has high performance in analog output, digital 1/0, and supports data acquisition from devices that do not produce voltage output.