Linux in Math and Science Classrooms

A number of high quality, free, math and science software applications, suitable for research and instruction, are available under the Linux operating system. Tools include high quality technical editing software, computer algebra systems, plotting, animation, data analysis applications, programming tools and compilers for a variety of languages, software for producing and displaying presentations, and technical drawing software. Recent advances in the quality of so-called ``live'' compact disks allow an entire Linux operating system including the technical software to be run from the CD ROM drive of a computer without the need to install anything to the computer hard drive. These CD's can be freely distributed to students in order to provide them with an essentially complete technical software suite. An overview and examples of the use of the existing software as well as brief instructions for obtaining the software will be given.