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MATLAB HelpDesk

For many scientists and engineers, MATLAB is an all too familiar software package. At the ECN, the current version of MATLAB is 5.1. Even though MATLAB 5.1 has a help option, sometimes users have questions which MATLAB's help cannot answer. The ECN now offers three ways to access the \fIMATLAB Help Desk\fR.

1. Type helpdesk at the MATLAB prompt.
2. Type matlabdoc at the UNIX prompt.
3. Point your browser to the following URL

        http://www.ecn.purdue.edu/ECN/FAQ/
   

   • Then select the major category \fCmathematical_software/\fR.
   • Next select the option for \fCMatlab\fR followed by \fCMatlab_Help_Desk\fR.

On the left of the menu that will appear, users should see a list of MATLAB topics including:

• 5.1 New Features--information on upgrades, graphics, and new data analysis
• Getting Started--discusses how to input problems,
  M-files, and online help
• MATLAB Functions--provides help with C and Fortran
• Handling Graphics Objects--gives details on properties
• Application Program--extensive listing of applications
• MATLAB Environment--deals with Macintosh and Unix environmental options
• MATLAB Index Search--instructions for use provided

The right side of the Main Menu provides information on other MATLAB products as well as a link to the Mathworks web site. If you want to learn more about MATLAB 5.1 or if you are thinking of purchasing it, the MATLAB Help Desk can answer questions on installation, functions, and other programming features.

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