Overview

Matlab is an easy to use matrix computation package available via the WAM system in many computer labs around campus. To use the program via this system you will need to establish a computer account as described below. Note that the program is also available via the GLUE computer system and that there is a relatively inexpensive student version of the program which can be purchased for personal use.

No prior experience with Matlab is required for the successful completion of this course. The Matlab Primer provides a good introduction to the program. Please note, however, that a newer edition of this primer is available in paperback form.

Accessing Matlab

There are two basic ways of gaining access to Matlab: via computer labs around campus and the University's computer network, or through purchasing it for one's own personal computer. Most students will find that the first method is more economically prudent.


Matlab is available in the following WAM computer labs around campus


Hornbake Library, Rm 0300, 24 hours
Parking Garage II, Rm 0504, 24 hours
Engineering/Physical Sciences Library, Rm 2403, library hours
CSS Building, Rms 3330/2 and 4352, 7am-11pm, Mon-Fri
Worcester Hall, Rm 0111, 24 hours
Centerville Hall, Rm 0200, 24 hours

Computer Accounts

You do not need a computer account or password to use the PC or Macintosh machines. However, to use the SUN Unix workstations you need a WAM account. If you do not have an account already, you can obtain one at the AITS Consultant Lab, Room 1400 in the Computer and Space Sciences Building (CSS), during normal business hours (weekdays 8am-6pm). Please note that you will probably need your campus ID to activate your account. Also, while at the AITS Consultant Lab, you may consider picking up the handout Where to Go to Use a Computer at UMCP, as well as any other handouts on the hardware platforms that are available.

Printing

Regardless of the platform you use to run Matlab, you will need to set up an account to pay for printing charges. If you already have a Terrapin Express Account, simply go to the AITS Consultant Lab, CSS Room 1400, with a valid student ID and obtain a Printing Authorization Number. If you do not have a Terrapin Express Account, you can open one at the South Campus Dining Hall with a minimum deposit of $25, and then obtain the Printing Authorization Number there. The charge for printing is ten cents per page.

Getting Started

Here is the basic procedure for getting Matlab started on the SUN workstations in the WAM labs.

• login to your WAM unix account


• in the window in which you want to run Matlab issue the command tap matlab (this sets up the Matlab environment)


• run Matlab by issuing the command matlab (you should be able to run the program from any directory in your account)



It is usually a good idea to create a separate directory for each Matlab project and run the program from there. To exit Matlab just type exit or quit at the Matlab command prompt.

Saving Output

To save text that appears on the screen during a Matlab session use the command diary. For example, the command diary myfile opens a text file myfile and causes all subsequent terminal input and output (except for graphics) to be saved to this file. Text will continue to accumulate in this file until it is closed. The file can be closed by typing diary off, or by ending your Matlab session. Once closed, the file can be edited with any editor and printed.

Format for Matlab Assignments

When using Matlab to complete a given homework assignment or project you are expected to document its use for grading purposes. A good way to do this is by using the diary command as described above. Note that it is often not necessary to document every single command and the output it produces to show how a problem was solved. Hence, you should edit a diary file appropriately before handing it in with your assignment.