Featured Freeware: Graph

A potentially invaluable tool for math students or engineers, this tightly focused program draws and analyzes two-dimensional graphs. Within these limits, Graph offers most of the features any mathematically minded computer user could ask for.

Standard, parameter, and polar functions are supported. It includes a huge number of predefined functions, but new ones can be added. Tangents, normals, and derivatives can be drawn. Users can add relations and set constraints. The program can calculate the length or area of a selected function, or determine its first and second derivatives. From a cosmetic point of view, users can freely adjust axes, figure width and color, and shading.

The addition of three-dimensional graph support would be a great addition to the program, useful for displaying complex functions. Even with it missing, though, this is an elegant and well-designed tool for users who need to turn abstract equations or data points into their graphical equivalents.