I am tired of using Maple, I am going to switch over to Mathematica

[flyingpig]

Homework Statement

That's right, Maple is the dumbest program in existence. Everything I try to erase a line by hitting delete or backspace, it won't disappear. When I want to use an function, I have to load a package ex. "Student Linear Algebra" to use a certain command.

Sometimes the commands give you only one solution when you are trying to use a root finder.

Sometimes it switches to text mode on you when you are on math mode. Sometimes your text mode is red and an error message keeps poping up and you have no clue what's going on.

I could go on.

So the problem? I am going to switch to Mathematica

The Attempt at a Solution

http://www.wolfram.com/mathematica-home-edition/?src=google&129+[mathematica]&gclid=CMnb3PqK8KYCFQcKbAodrgcGEA

I am a college student and I have no idea which edition should I purchase, does a new version work better? Is it just like Microsoft word that they change the interface?

I use Wolfram from time to time and I have to say IT KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT I WANT. Not only does it show me the steps, it graphs, it does everything.

I also find the commands much easier to learn.

 

[Mentallic]

I'm with you on that, but I'm going to have to stick to Maple since that's what my course uses.

 

[JonMcLoone]

All editions of Mathematica are the same features and interface. The differencesare in the licensing. IE Who is allowed to use them.

If you are a college student then your cheapest option is the Student Edition.

 

[flyingpig]

All editions of Mathematica are the same features and interface. The differencesare in the licensing. IE Who is allowed to use them.

If you are a college student then your cheapest option is the Student Edition.

What does it mean then? The licensing?

 

[JonMcLoone]

What does it mean then? The licensing?

The main points are:

The Student Edition is only licensed for use by a full time student.
The Home Edition is only licensed for use by individuals (not organizations) on work for which you are not getting paid.

If you are not a student and are want to use Mathematica for your professional work, or the license will be owned by your employer or for installation on your employers computers, then you need to get the Professional License.

 

[flyingpig]

But will I get anything less or miss out on anything?

 

[Robert1986]

Threee things to consider:
1) Sometimes, students can get a free copy of Mathematica from their school's IT people (I got one as a student.)

2) Do the computers in your school's labs have Mathematica on it?

3) I don't know what your uses are going to be, but have you tried Wolfram|Alpha?

And I agree, Mathematica is WAY better than maple.

 

[flyingpig]

No, I am a Canadian so everyone pretty much all the Math professors have a Maple 14 shrine or something.

 

[JonMcLoone]

But will I get anything less or miss out on anything?

The student version has all of the features of the Professional license.