Mathematica is a system for doing mathematical computation that runs
on many kinds of computer. It is a general software system and
language which is intended for mathematical and other applications.
You can use Mathematica as:

1. A numerical and symbolic calculator.

2. A visualization system for functions and data.

3. A high level programming language.

4. A modelling and data analysis environment.

5. A system for reperesenting knowledge in scientific and technical
   fields.
6. A software platform on which you can run packages for specific
   applications. 

7. A way to create interactive documents that mix text, animated
   graphics and sound with active formulas.

8. A control language for external programs and processes.

9. An embedded system called from within other programs.

olh provides you with a fundamental knowledge of the Mathematica
software and answers some common questions you might face regarding
the software. If you are interested in learning more about
Mathematica, you may want to go to room 0123c of the Engineering
classroom building and checkout the Mathematica Manual.