Reviewed are two computer software packages for Macintosh microcomputers including "Phase Portraits," an exploratory graphics tool for studying first-order planar systems; and "MacMath," a set of programs for exploring differential equations, linear algebra, and other mathematical topics. Features, ease of use, cost, availability, and hardware…

Suggested are features which should be considered before selecting a specific interactive graphics package. Features that allow for accurate estimates of roots of functions and solutions to systems of equations are illustrated. Six graphics packages are compared including display, tabular options, misleading graphics, printing options, functions…