Math 181: Applied Mathematics Seminar

Computational Mathematics 

Project 1

One of the most amazing features about computing today is the range of good software that is available for free. In some cases the software was developed by government funded research. In others it was developed by volunteers. In still others, it is a free sample of a commercial project. The purpose of this exercise is to have you see how easy it is to take advantage of this embarrassment of riches.

Choose a substantial software aopplication or computing environment (either general purpose or special purpose) that available for free over the internet. There are many possible suggestions on the links page.

The software you choose should serve a scientific or mathematical purpose (i.e., not just a generic utility like winzip, ghostview, etc.) . It should be more than just an applet (since that need not be installed).

It must be software you have not used before (in any substantial way).

Please e-mail me your choice for approval before beginning.

Download the software and install it on some computer system (you can use one of the machines in the math department if necessary).

Run several substantial test problems.

Write a 3-5 page Software Review discussing:

  1. What is the software intended for and who are its likely users?
  2. How easy or difficult is it to get up and running?
  3. How easy or difficult is it to use?
  4. Does it seem to serve its intended purpose?
In doing this review, imagine you are reviewing the software for an employer: a company or lab involved in scientific computing.

The review should be in Word or a PDF file produced using LaTeX and posted to your public web site. Please also put a link there to the source of the software.

Your grade will be based on your choice of software, the problems you tested it on and the quality of your review.

Due March 26.