Maple on the Kent Math/CS Computer Network

Maple can be run on any Linux, UNIX, or Windows workstation/PC in our building on which it is properly installed and configured.  Look for a Desktop icon/shortcut or in the "applications" tree.  On Linux and UNIX machines, the execution script should be located in the subdirectory /local/bin/.  On Windows machines, try C:\Program Files\Maple 12\.  If Maple does not appear to be installed (or needs to be upgraded) on your machine, you can submit a request to systems.

Maple is also available to be run on any public-access host on the Math and CS networks through a 10-user floating network license.  In addition to the most recent version, Maple 12, 3 legacy versions are available at present:

Due to operating-system restrictions, not all versions run on all servers.  On each machine, the highest supported version is set as the default.  The most recent version, Maple 12, is also the version on the Windows PCs in labs 156 and 158.  Network servers can be accessed by using the Cygwin X-terminal application on the Windows PCs in labs 139, 160, and 162.  Servers include

Upon successfully logging in, a Linux or UNIX desktop will be displayed.  You need to open a terminal/console window in order to launch Maple or X-Maple.  On Linux machines, a terminal window can be opened from the Main Menu (extreme left button of the lower panel) under "System Tools / Terminal".  To open a terminal window on an HP machine, punch the terminal icon on the lower panel.

Usage

Linux/UNIX Server:

$ xmaple

$ ssh -X excalibur.math.kent.edu

To quit the program, either type (at the Maple prompt, ">")

> quit

A terminal-window version (good for quick calculations) is available by typing

$ maple

$ /vol/maple95/bin/[x]maple

$ /vol/maple10/bin/[x]maple

$ /vol/maple11/bin/[x]maple

Note that with the release of Maple 10, Maple introduced a new "Document Mode" as the default for Maple worksheets.  It differs from the older "Worksheet Mode" in that it combines text and Maple commands and outputs instead of separating them into distinct blocks.  To override this default on a case-by-case basis, use File/New/Worksheet Mode (vs Document Mode).  To change the default setting, use Tools/Options/Interface/Default format for new worksheets.

Once you are finished with (and have exited) your Maple session, you need to log out of the remote server.  You can log off a Linux host by right clicking anywhere on the open desktop area and selecting the "logout" (last) option in the menu you get.  On an HP machine, log out by simply punching the "EXIT" button on the lower panel.

Learning Maple

There are numerous on-line introductions and tutorials on Maple. These have been created by various individuals and are scattered about on the web. Because of the transient nature of much of this type of material, no attempt will be made to maintain any active/current links here. Instead we recommend that you consult the home page of Maplesoft, Inc., the company that owns, distributes, and supports the Maple software, where up-to-date information can be obtained.

Documentation and References

Maple has an extensive on-line help system. It is entered by selecting Help from the top menu bar. Help on an individual command or topic can be obtained by typing

> ?command-name

Numerous books have been written about learning and using Maple. Three that I've read and have seen referenced frequently are

Introduction to Maple, 3rd Edition
André Heck
Springer-Verlag, New York, 2003


Solving Problems in Scientific Computing Using Maple and MATLAB, 4th Edition
Walter Gander and Jirí Hrebícek
Springer-Verlag, New York, 2004


Maple: A Comprehensive Introduction
Roy A. Nicolaides and Noel J. Walkington
Cambridge University Press, 1996

Getting Help