Editors' Review
GNU XaoS 3.5 is a free, open source fractal generator and "zoomer" that offers smooth, fluid navigational movement as you zoom in or out of a fractal. It includes 24 well-known fractal formulas with many possible variations in effects and appearance, but you can also use it to generate your own fractals. It offers effects like a starfield generator, embossing, motion blur, pseudo 3D mode, and even a text display.
The program's 32-bit installation executable includes the 64-bit version for recent editions of Windows like Vista and 7, both of which we used for testing. The simple, efficient, dialog-based interface opens with the iconic Mandelbrot set, the first-ever fractal, displayed in the main window. Mouse buttons control the zoom; left clicks zoom in; right clicks zoom out. There are no other controls as such, only file menus, including a Help file that offers animated tutorials explaining what fractals are, how the program works, and its many configuration options. These include menus for choosing fractals, setting their mathematical calculations, applying filters, and controlling the program's motion. However, the simplest and best way to get acquainted with Xaos is to click on a part of the fractal and start zooming in. If your mind isn't blown in seconds, give it time: Fractals are amazing, astounding, beautiful. and gigantic fun.
We've used fractal software for many years, and it's always been fun and fascinating, not to mention educational, even when it came on a floppy and ran in Windows 95. XaoS is a sure keeper.
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| Category | |
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| Category | Educational Software |
| Subcategory | Math Software |
Publisher's Description
XaoS allows you to zoom in or out of a fractal in a fluid, continuous motion. This capability makes XaoS great for exploring fractals, and its just plain fun. Fractals are incredibly complex and beautiful images that are created from simple mathematical formulas. If you don't anything about fractals, don't worry. XaoS includes many animated tutorials that make learning about fractals fun and easy. These tutorials are also a great introduction to all of XaoSs features.
XaoS can display many different fractal types, including Mandelbrot, Barnsley, Newton, Phoenix, and many more. Fractals can be rendered using various coloring methods and planes for an almost endless variety of images. XaoS also supports switching between Julia and Mandelbrot sets for each formula. Version 3.5 improved GUI appearance with modern fonts and controls on XP and Vista.
