This is the first in a quarterly series of columns about netlib. Never heard of it? Then read: Jack J. Dongarra and Eric Grosse, ``Distribution of mathematical software via electronic mail'', Communications of the ACM (1987) 30, 403-407.
Or, if that's too much trouble, just send e-mail containing the line ``help'' to the Internet address netlib@research.att.com or uucp address uunet!research!netlib. A few minutes later, assuming you have speedy mail connections, you will receive information on how to use netlib and an overview of the many mathematical software libraries and databases in the collection.
Each column in this series will start with a background discussion of how netlib is run, applications in other fields, security horror stories, and so on. The second half of column will briefly describe recent additions to the collection and important updates of old codes. If there are specific topics you would like to see addressed in future issues, let me know.
Strictly speaking, this column only applies to the netlib running at Bell Labs in New Jersey. If you're accessing the copy at Oak Ridge, or Oslo, or Wollongong, or perhaps elsewhere, then the files should either be there already or will show up shortly when our semi-automatic procedures resynchronize the collections.
This first column provides a nice opportunity to publicly thank our sponsors. The U.S. National Science Foundation provided an early grant to help get us started, and implicitly helps by funding the national network. AT&T has donated machine resources, communication facilities, and my time. Sequent generously loaned a machine, operated by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, to support netlib. The Norwegian government, through a grant to Petter Bjørstad, purchased a machine to provide service to Europe. The ACM agreed to redistribution of its Collected Algorithms, and Algorithms Editor R. J. Renka arranged for prompt updates. SIAM contributed its membership database. To all these groups and the many others who contribute, the community owes thanks.
Naturally, this thanks should not be expressed in the form of a lawsuit if you're unhappy with some piece of software. None of the organizations had anything to do with the content, and even the editors make no claims about the suitability of the software for any purpose. That's the meaning of the disclaimer ``Anything free comes with no guarantee.''
On the other hand, don't be completely frightened off by this warning. The mathematical algorithms in netlib include some of the most sophisticated and robust methods to be found anywhere. Just remember that a healthy skepticism is appropriate when you get software from any source.