Scientific WorkPlace

Please note that our standard disclaimer applies to this document.

SWP Overview

  • Scientific WorkPlace (SWP) is a special purpose software package. It is an integrated TeX/LaTeX word processor, typesetter, and mathematical equation editor. It is designed to run alongside Maple to exchange data and evaluate expressions in human-readable form.
  • UITS offers partial support for this software. The UITS Stat/Math Center (812/855-4724 or email: statmath@indiana.edu) can answer questions concerning SWP.
  • SWP is currently available for purchase through the Stat/Math Sales program.

SWP Program Functionality:

  • Breadth of Functionality: Excellent
  • SWP is a what-you-see-is-what-you-get (WYSIWYG) TeX/LaTeX editor. You can edit TeX source code directly, create your own style sheets, preview the typeset layout, and import data from a variety of formats, including plain text, a variety of graphics formats, Maple worksheets, RTF word processor files, and calculators from Casio, TI, and HP.
  • If your document is in WordPerfect or Word format, try saving it as RTF, and then opening it in SWP.
  • Reliability and Robustness: Excellent
  • State of the Art: Good
  • The current release, version 4.0, has a modern interface with dockable toolbars and fast response time. The TeX/LaTeX engine is conformant to the June 1997 LaTeX standard and the 4.1E release of TrueTeX. The Maple engine (included with the software) is Maple V release 4, whereas the current standalone version of Maple is Maple V r5.1.
  • User Friendliness: Excellent
  • SWP comes with several excellent tutorials targeted at a wide variety of users in various technical fields. TeX experts and novices should both find it easy to use.

SWP Help Resources:

  • Network-based help: Fair
  • There is no local SWP User's Group at IU. Local online support is limited to this document. The TCISoft/MacKichan website offers a decent amount of support documents and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) lists. In addition, it offers several web-based user forums and a mailing list.
  • Program's Help System: Excellent
  • SWP includes several excellent tutorials, a searchable index, and help for topics ranging from the mundane to the obscure.

Availability

  • The Stat/Math Center offers individual licenses for students, faculty, and staff at all IU campuses. See the Buyer's Guide for more information.
  • SWP is currently not available in the STC's nor on the central systems. It may be deployed in the future, depending on user interest.

SWP Training and Support:

  • Document Availability: Poor
  • SWP includes a Users' Guide on the CD, as well as extensive online help from within the program. A hard copy is available at the UITS Stat/Math Center (email: statmath@indiana.edu,812/855-4724).
  • Training Availability: Poor
  • There is no UITS coordinated training available for SWP. Those who want to learn more about SWP may contact the UITS Stat/Math Center.
  • UITS Consulting Support: Minimal
  • Some consulting support is available from UITS Stat/Math Center from 9 am to 5 pm (M-F) via phone, email, and for walkins. An appointment is recommended for walkin consulting. UITS Support Center and Student Technology Center consultants might provide very basic support with home installation issues, but have not been trained for general support.