Mathematica journey

A software package I always had interest in on NeXT is Mathematica.  I began with a cube 18 months ago running Openstep 4.2 with original Mathematica 2.02 floppies but no installed Mathematica (requires a Passcode to activate).

The software required activation.  I contacted Wolfram, and supplied a license and host ID.  They kindly attempted to generate a Math password activation code, given the software has little commercial value, but unfortunately their code didn't work.  I didnt expect further support from Wolfram given the software's age.  I attempted Internet TAR downloads, no luck.  I have read Rob's posts trying to resurrect Mathematica3.x but that still seems underway.

Recently on eBay there is a listing for SUN external SCSI drives with Nextstep 1.0, which included Mathematica.

I obtained this external HD, copied the Mathematica.app file to NextApps directory and so far seem to have a running copy!   I have two cubes, one with 3.3 and the other with 4.2.  This early copy of Mathematica seems stable in 3.3 but does not seem to load in 4.2.  It does also run when booting off the eternal HD with OS 1.0.  I have loaded and solved a few equations and so far, so good.  Very interesting to solve for the first 1000 digits of Pi!

Anyhow, that is my journey so far with this beautiful software package.  Have others with similar interest found other ways to preserve or run NeXT Mathematica?

A couple screen shots:

I got a copy of version 2.2 but required serial and password, I would like to have this running on my cube NS 3.3

I guess OpenStep 4.2 will not work dus that is a diferent code system than NS .3.3

I will send you a PM

even though I own a legitimate set of V 2.0.2 floppies, license etc. I never was able to obtain an activation code. I never heard back from wolfram. today I was able to get my hands on NeXTstep 1.0a which contains mathematica 1.0. copied it over to my cube running NeXTSTEP 2.2. mathematica 1.0 runs just fine on the turbo cube.

I did try to run the same version on NS 3.3 and it didn't work :( has anyone got this to run

Thanks

I have mathamatica installed and running on my NS 3.3 cube. It's been a few years since I last ran it but I remember downloading a few random old workbooks and playing with them. Since then I came across an entire (and thick) book from Wolfram that went over Mathamatica in detail with many fun examples. I've just about wore out the binding on the book from reading it.

@NeXTnewbe:

to verify this, I copied mathematica 1.0 over to another machine (turbo cube) which has NeXTSTEP 3.3 installed and it runs flawless.

Mikeboss I had send you a PM

Thanks

Thanks Mikeboss, for all your help

I think my copy of M 1.0 is now working, although it seems unstable i will keep checking and tyring

I will need to get delivered the old 1988 book to finally work on this SW


Thanks to all

I found this a good book, and enjoyed appying its examples on my cube

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mathematica-A-Practical-Approach-Blachman-Williams-Mathematics-Software-/190800875643?pt=US_Nonfiction_Book&hash=item2c6c9e507b

today I was playing around with Mathematica 1.0  8)

Mathematica turned 25 (years) recently -> http://www.mathematica25.com