| Q: |
How much of Mathematica CalcCenter do I need to know how
to operate before starting to use it? |
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Very little. All functions can be accessed through menus and in
other ways, so it's easy to browse what's available. Then, with
Mathematica CalcCenter's unique InstantCalculators, you are guided
through what you want to use.
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| Q: |
If I know the name of a calculation or formula I want to use,
can I easily get Mathematica CalcCenter to use it? |
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Yes. You can use Mathematica CalcCenter's help like a search engine.
Mathematica CalcCenter will check out 10,500 entries and give you a
list of possible functions for task. For each of these functions,
InstantCalculators will then lead you through inputting your parameters
and getting the right answer.
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| Q: |
How does Mathematica CalcCenter compare to Excel? |
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Excel's background of accounting calculations have locked it into
design decisions inappropriate for scientists and engineers. Its lack
of support for typesetting mathematical formulas makes them very hard
to read. It does not support symbolic computation, so it can only
perform calculations where one knows, or guesses, every input
variable. In addition, its decision to hide every calculation invisibly
behind the cells makes it hard to see how calculations have been
performed, to debug them or audit them.
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| Q: |
How does Mathematica CalcCenter compare to
Mathcad? |
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Mathematica CalcCenter is built on the industrial-strength
algorithms created for Mathematica Professional, making it
capable of handling very large data sets. Symbolic capabilities are
integrated into every function of Mathematica CalcCenter,
rather than being a separate library covering only a subset of
functions. Mathematica notebooks are structured documents with
a collapsable outlining system, making large documents easier to
navigate--one could hide a large collection of input data, or verbose
intermediate results. In Mathcad's flat document, one must either
discard such data or present it in full, making documents many pages
longer than necessary.
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| Q: |
Why does Mathematica CalcCenter cost less than Mathcad
or Maple? |
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It has been possible to offer Mathematica CalcCenter for a
lower price than Mathcad and Maple because it was developed much more
efficiently. Mathematica CalcCenter benefits automatically from
algorithm developments made for Mathematica
Professional. Conversely, the makers of both Mathcad and Maple have
been unable to develop many of their algorithms in-house and must pay
royalties to third parties for components of their software.
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| Q: |
Mathematica CalcCenter also does symbolic
calculations. What are they, and why do I want them? |
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Symbolic calculations are those in which you work with symbols rather
than with numbers--for example, when doing algebra. There are several
advantages of symbolic calculations, including accuracy, reduced
computation time, and the ability to look at the general solution to a
problem and not just the solution at a specific point. Usually numerical
or graphical end results are needed for calculations, so symbolic
calculations are useful only if tightly integrated with the rest of the
system. Mathematica CalcCenter and other Wolfram Research products
feature the most tightly integrated symbolics available today.
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| Q: |
Can I work with data from other applications in
Mathematica CalcCenter? |
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Yes, in a variety of ways. You can import and export standard data, image,
and sound formats.
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| Q: |
Can I use Mathematica CalcCenter as a word processor for
technical documents? |
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Yes, very much so. Mix text, graphics, input, output, and mathematical
formulas in one document. Swap documents with your colleagues
electronically or on paper. Like other .nb document-based
systems, Mathematica CalcCenter provides one of the best environments
for handling technical documents.
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| Q: |
What does compatibility with the .nb standard
mean? |
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Mathematica CalcCenter uses the same .nb document format
already used by millions of technical professionals worldwide.
Pioneered in Mathematica Professional and used in all Wolfram Research
products, .nb documents can be exported in a number of formats
including HTML and the MathML standard for representing mathematical
notation on the web.
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| Q: |
What documentation comes with Mathematica CalcCenter? |
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Getting Started and fully searchable references to each function are
available online. In addition, every function comes with its own
customized controller, which helps you to use the function.
Getting Started is also included in paper form.
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| Q: |
Is Mathematica CalcCenter thoroughly tested? |
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Yes, on two counts. First, Mathematica CalcCenter has been
built using technology developed for Mathematica Professional,
renowned as the highest quality technical computing software
available, and gives the most accurate answers. Second, the same
industry-leading testing procedures used for Mathematica Professional and
other Wolfram Research products have been used
for Mathematica CalcCenter. Check out "How
can I be assured that Mathematica's answers are accurate?"
for more information.
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| Q: |
Should I purchase Mathematica Professional instead
of Mathematica CalcCenter? |
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That depends on the scope of your work and how extensively you want to
use your technical software. Mathematica CalcCenter is
optimized for performing calculations of up to a few lines long with
minimum time spent in learning the system. By
contrast, Mathematica Professional is engineered for working
with all complexities of problems, has a vast range of functions, and
is fully programmable. Those who need a fully customizable system
should choose Mathematica Professional. Those who want to get
up and running as quickly as possible should choose Mathematica
CalcCenter. Note, however, that there are many similarities
between these two systems. For example, they both have .nb
documents, quality assurance, and use of the Mathematica-based
calculation engine. More comparison
information is available.
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| Q: |
Can I run Mathematica Professional application
packages with Mathematica CalcCenter? |
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No, you can't. Mathematica CalcCenter does not currently support these
programs.
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| Q: |
If I get Mathematica CalcCenter now, can I upgrade
to Mathematica Professional in the future? |
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Yes, you can. One of the benefits of Mathematica CalcCenter is that,
unlike its competitors, there are no barriers to moving up to
Mathematica Professional, the world's most sophisticated
technical computing system, easily and cost effectively. All of your
notebooks will be compatible, and much of your experience
with Mathematica CalcCenter will be instantly applicable to
using Mathematica Professional. Wolfram Research also offers
special upgrade plans so that you won't lose financially.
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| Q: |
Where can I get hold of my Mathematica CalcCenter? |
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Buy online from anywhere in the world through our online store.
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| Q: |
What proof of student status is required to purchase
Mathematica CalcCenter for Students? |
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A valid student ID, paid registration receipt, letter from your school, or
report card will prove your student status. Instructions for providing
proof of student status will be given at the time of purchase.
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