Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
This topic is written to be compatible with the current version of MATLAB,
namelyversion6(alsoknownasRelease12).ThevastmajorityoftheMATLAB
commands we describe, as well as many features of the MATLAB interface
(M-files, diary files, M-books, etc.), are valid for version 5.3 (Release 11), and
even earlier versions in some cases. We also note that the differences between
the Professional Version and the Student Version (not the Student Edition)
of MATLAB are rather minor and virtually unnoticeable to the new, or even
mid-level, user. Again, in the few instances where we describe a MATLAB
feature that is only available in the Professional Version, we highlight that
fact clearly.
Installation and Location
If you intend to run MATLAB on a PC, especially the Student Version, it is
quitepossiblethatyouwillhavetoinstallityourself.Youcaneasilyaccomplish
this using the product CDs. Follow the installation instructions as you would
withany new software you install. At some point in the installation you may
be asked which
toolboxes
you wishto include in your installation. Unless you
have severe space limitations, we suggest that you install any that seem of
interest to you or that you think you might use at some point in the future. We
ask only that you be sure to include the
Symbolic Math Toolbox
among those
you install. If possible, we also encourage you to install SIMULINK, which is
described in Chapter 8.
Depending on your version you may also be asked whether you want to
specify certain directory (i.e., folder) locations associated withMicrosoft Word.
If you do, you will be able to run the
M-book
interface that is described in
Chapter 6. If your computer has Microsoft Word, we strongly urge you to
include these directory locations during installation.
If you allow the default settings during installation, then MATLAB will
likelybefoundinadirectorywithanamesuchas
matlabR12
or
matlab SR12
or
MATLAB
— you may have to hunt around to find it. The subdirectory
bin
\
win32
, or perhaps the subdirectory
bin
, will contain the executable file
matlab.exe
that runs the program, while the current working directory will
probably be set to
matlabR12
\
work
.
Starting MATLAB
You start MATLAB as you would any other software application. On a PC you
access it via the
Start
menu, in
Programs
under a folder suchas
MatlabR12
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