Science

Atomix is a little mind game where you have to create molecules out of atoms floating around in a maze. You can see on the side window what molecule you have to build, and how the atoms are supposed to be connected. However, getting them in the right position is tricky ! Requires Gtk.

Xplanets is a new, simple solar system simulator. You can fly a spaceship around, although not very easily. Since it behaves like an object in the solar system is supposed to, you will have to make sure you apply the right acceleration ... Requires Gtk.

LOGO is a wonderful tool for children to learn programming. They will like the little "turtle" that moves around on the screen according to their commands. There is a Unix version, developed by Brian Harvey. There are also versions for Windows and Mac, so LOGO source code can be used anywhere and shared among platforms. There is a Logo Foundation with tons of additional links. We got the Unix version from Harvey's site, but unfortunately it wouldn't compile on our system. The source will compile under Slackware, but RedHat users will have to modify a few lines of code, so we recommend you get the RPM package. Since there are packages that install without a hitch, and thanks to the author's great support for his code, LOGO gets an
We used rpmfind and found an RPM package for LOGO. It's the same Berkeley version, repackaged by somebody else.

HitchHicker, an "astronomy visualization program". I assume it is a reference to "The HitchHiker's guide to the Galaxy", which by the way is a great book. Now if I just could find time to get the telescope out of the garage ...

A solar system simulator called SSystem. It requires Mesa and Glut, so we haven't had a chance to test it yet, but the screen-shots look impressive. We'll get the Glut package as soon as possible and give you a review.

GPeriodic is a simple Periodic Table, with atomic weight, and melting and boiling temperatures.