Scilab provides an environment which uses matrices (both full and sparse) as it basic data type. Algorithms are available for the numerical solution of differential equations, optimisation problems, interpolation and quadrature. High quality fortran and C codes can be easily linked into Scilab. The package provides excellent 2 and 3 dimensional graphics which can be readily incorporated into reports and publications. Simple user interfaces can be built using Scilab. The package is also available for all standard machines, PC's, Macs, LINUX and Unix.

All these attributes (and more) lead us to use Scilab as the basic package for our computational science courses at the Australian National University. Indeed the ability for students to have access to the software on their home machines is the main reason for a choice of open software. We feel that Scilab provides the best compromise of free software and a sophisticated range of builtin facilities.