The Cook Book
Recipe for the week of February 27 - March 5
Announcing WinCA Beta Release #2
- We are happy to announce that the second beta version of
WinCA, our Windows-based interactive platform for cellular
automaton experimentation, is available for downloading. Those interested
should get two files: winca.txt and winca_b2.exe from the
first link in the Kitchen Sink, or by anonymous ftp to psoup.math.wisc.edu or
excite.math.wisc.edu. The file winca.txt contains basic
info about system requirements and installation. Program documentation,
together with information about the current state of the beta, future
plans and CA resources, appears in the WinCA help file
(winca.hlp).
- This week's recipe thumbnail is the WinCA splash screen, and this
week's soup shows the program at startup. A Cyclic Particle System demo
experiment (cps.xpt) is displayed. Features evident include a
Parameter Panel, Button Bar, Control Panel and Status Bar. This
button-based interface permits easy and efficient 256-color dynamic
visualization of almost all of the cellular automaton rules that are
featured here in the Kitchen. Two dozen such demos and companion Notes
files are included with beta #2, providing a tutorial in basic WinCA
features and techniques.
- We are eager for feedback concerning the WinCA front end in this second
version of the program. Those who report back with bugs and suggestions
will be highest on our list for future updates that support and document
user-defined rule development. Feel free to pass along the software to
anyone you feel might be willing to participate in the beta testing. The
Cook's page of this Kitchen provides a convenient e-mail link.
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