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PSE Standard Software

The Padnos School has standardized on the following software packages. All our laboratory computers have this (and other) software installed. Students having their own machines are encouraged to have as much of this software as possible.

Working Model 2D - A very powerful software package for modeling the dynamics of two-dimensional mechanical systems. This software will allow you to simulate mechanical systems quickly and easily. It can import dxf files from AutoCAD for geometry, and export numerical output files to other packages, such as Excel. A tutorial guide is available, and students can purchase a student edition. There is also a free (but limited) demo version available that will basically allow practice and viewing of other working model files.

Mathcad - This package is used for symbolic and numerical analysis of mathematics. This package will also produce graphs. Each student is expected to be familiar with all aspects of this package. Students can purchase a student edition. The software includes an on-line tutorial. Manuals are available for reference. There is also a free (but limited) demo version available that will basically allow practice and viewing of other Mathcad files.

AutoCAD - This is a primary tool for generating drawings and geometry. It is available for producing drawings. (Note: Use dxf format for Working Model applications and gif format for web applications).

Netscape Communicator - This package from Netscape includes a web browser called Navigator, and a web editor called Composer that allows you to create and update HTML files. It also includes an email and newsgroup reader called Messanger. Netscape Communicator is available on-line at no cost and is the standard web interface package at GVSU because it works well with PC's, Mac's and unix systems. 

WS_FTP - This software will allow you to upload and download files to and from a web server. When updating a web page, you must download the 'html' file, edit it locally on your computer, and then upload it to the remote machine. WS_FTP is available on all GVSU's networked PCs. WS_FTP is available on-line at no cost.

Word - Part of Microsoft Office, this is the most widely used word processing application for creating electronic documents. 

PowerPoint - Part of Microsoft Office, this is the most widely used application for creating slide presentations. 

Excel - Part of Microsoft Office, this is the most widely used spreadsheet application for data analysis and financial calculations. It may also be used to produce good looking graphs and figures.
 

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