Derive 6.1 for Windows - free licensed download

[jonmoore]

This might be of interest to some. The other day, I was looking for the link for the DOS version of Derive that functions well on the HP 100/200LX; and I also came across the Windows version on the same website.

https://vetusware.com/download/Derive%20.../?id=11729

The serial number for the install is part of the archive filename but it's also listed on the Vetusware page.

The download is for the final version of Derive that Texas Instruments released but its functionality goes far beyond that of the TI-89, Voyage 200 (a person favourite of mine) or Nspire family of calculators. Much of this extended functionality is provided via the Utility File Library that was distributed with Derive over the years (much of it created by academia as Derive was the most popular CAS in academia for many years before TI got their grubby mitts on the IP).

The range of extended functionality covers combinatorics, linear algebra, tensor algebra, number theory, numerical analysis, complex analysis, probability theory, regression analysis, elliptic functions, ODE's etc, etc.

The great thing about this library for owners of TI CAS calculators is that it can serve as the basis of bespoke extended functions on said calculator hardware, as the core language is the same.

Derive in comparison to Maple or Mathematica will be found wanting, but Derive 6.1 is a great addon to XCAS, and as ever with computer algebra systems, having an alternative to your main CAS is always useful as they each have their own strengths and weaknesses and what results in a cul-de-sac in one can lead to a solution in another.

The UX is definitely dated but once you start working with its core key bindings it's comparable to Maple in terms of its speed in deriving solutions.

The included documentation is excellent but be sure to install the classic Windows help viewer (the Windows 10 help viewer won't work) and you can only access the help via the Windows Start menu. The only other gotcha of note is that you're best to install and run it in Windows XP (SP3) compatibility mode (via the right-click menu).