Mathcad software has a lot of history going back to 1988 with its first version that ran under MS-DOS. Today, Mathcad 14 runs under Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows XP. To this day, it's still the easiest program for a user to typeset a mathematical problem with automatic computation of that problem.
Mathcad Software
Mathcad's WYSIWYG interface is very intuitive. The user does not need any special programming skills to use the software. The symbols used look like math symbols (eg. matrices, integrals, etc.). Those who are used to using spreadsheets for complex mathematical calculations will be relieved to know that Mathcad uses a whiteboard like environment called a worksheet that works just like a word processor's blank document.
From Mathcad's worksheet, a user can easily put in a symbolic mathematical problem to be solved. Then a user can add text, graphics, and annotations to the worksheet. Mathcad is most commonly used to easily document mathematical and engineering calculations in an easy-to-read manner while being able to calculate automatically. In other words, Mathcad is a very powerful word processor for math that has good computation abilities.
Mathcad also excels at making unit conversions automatically to keep engineering units such as SI consistent and correct. For example, if Mathcad is calcuating Newton's second law equation:
F = ma
If the mass is 20g and acceleration is 9.81 m/s^2, then Mathcad will answer with:
F = 196.2 N
Matchad automatically included the units (Newtons) as part of the answer.
Mathcad Price
One key disadvantage is Mathcad's price. To buy Mathcad, the single workstation price of a node-locked full version is $1,095.. The single user license do not come with any updates such as bug fixes. A maintenance contract of $240 is required for updates and 24x7 tech support. Most people who buy Mathcad end up paying $1,335 for one node-locked license with a maintenance contract. There are other more expensive licensing methods such as floating licenses. Those who get a quote from Mathsoft to buy Mathcad may be able to pay less than list price.
Students using the Mathcad student version do not have to pay these high prices. The cost of Mathcad student version is $129.95.
Mathcad vs. Matlab and Octave
The second disadvantage is Mathcad's poor programming and scripting support. Matlab is much better with regards to programming and scripting. This also means there are more custom libraries and applications available with Matlab as well. Matlab interfaces well with other programming languages such as C and Java. If the nature of the work requires programming and custom libraries, Matlab is usually more appropriate than Mathcad.
Keep in mind that Matlab's single user license starts out at $1,900 although those who do not need to use a GUI could use the free, open source software Octave instead.
Although Mathcad's programming abilities and price leaves a little to be designed, Mathcad is still the easiest to use GUI-based math software to document and compute an engineering problem with mathematical notation.
Reference:
Mathcad version 14.
