| Mathematica (by Wolfram) is one of several extremely useful software programs that is useful for simple visualization of functions, computer-aided algebra, and is also a vehicle for very sophisticated programming. I highly recommend you use it for classwork, for research and for fun. As long as you are an OSU student, you are permitted a [[https://is.oregonstate.edu/service/software/mathematica|free copy for use on your own computer]]. [[http://www.physics.oregonstate.edu/~tate/COURSES/ph424/Mathematica_info.html|Here]] is a link to a page I wrote for my PH424 physics class describing how to get access, how to use Wolfram's extensive documentation and tutorials, and I added a few simple templates. | Mathematica (by Wolfram) is one of several extremely powerful software programs that is useful for simple visualization of functions, computer-aided algebra, and is also a vehicle for very sophisticated programming. I highly recommend you use it for classwork, for research and for fun. As long as you are an OSU student, you are permitted a [[https://is.oregonstate.edu/service/software/mathematica|free copy for use on your own computer]]. Wolfram has extensive [[http://www.wolfram.com/broadcast/c?c=86|documentation and tutorials]]. Try something very basic like "the first 10 minutes with Mathematica" - you don't need much more. |
