Introduction

PlotIT 3.2 for Windows is software for technical graphics and data analysis that is simple and easy to use, yet has high-end capabilities that are sophisticated and comprehensive. The PlotIT worksheet is a data analysis tool that creates data files, which can then be used to create two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) graphs. Data files from other sources, as well as equations written in FORTRAN syntax, also can be used to create PlotIT graphs.

For a complete listing of PlotIT features, see Appendix A.

PlotIT takes advantage of a multiple document interface (MDI). This makes it possible to work with more than one worksheet, graph, or script document at the same time.

In addition, complete online help is available to define unfamiliar terms, explain options, and guide you to the results you want.

PlotIT was designed to operate consistently with Microsoft Windows in the use of the Menu Bar and dialog boxes.

The simplicity of the software for beginning graph and chart makers will be demonstrated in Quick and Simple Graphs.

Minimum Hardware Configurations

PlotIT is designed to run with the following hardware configuration:

IBM PS/2, PC AT, or 100% compatible (386SX or faster processor recommended)

4MB RAM (8MB recommended)

5MB available on hard disk (10MB for full install with examples)

Microsoft Windows

Graphics cards: VGA, Hercules, Super VGA, 8514/A and others

Any of the supported Windows output devices: plotters, laser printers, or matrix printers, including all commercially sold plotters; IBM, HP, Imagen, Postscript, QUIC (QMS), Xerox 2700, and other laser printers; and C-Itoh, NEC, Epson, HP Thinkjet, Okidata, Toshiba, and other dot matrix printers

Shorthand Notations Used in this Guide

In PlotIT, selecting a command such as Graph from the Menu Bar will open other menus or dialog boxes. When a second (or further) selection should be made from one of these follow-on menus or boxes, the second and third (if necessary) commands will be separated from the preceding with a backslash like this: Graph/Add Element or Graph/Add Element/OK.

When keyboard keys are to be pressed simultaneously, such as holding the Ctrl key down and pressing Enter while the Ctrl key remains depressed, that will be noted by the keys connected by a plus: Ctrl+Enter.