Release 4.2 was the latest version of the mathematical software package Mathematica published by Wolfram Research (WR). It competed directly with the then only other currently marketed high end integrated computer algebra system (CAS) Maple 8. I shall concentrate in this review on highlighting the new features concerned with optimization which I think have most relevance to the teaching/learning applications. Although there are very many improvements and new features in Mathematica 4.2 just as for the last upgrade not many will have immediate impact in the classroom. In fact WR have introduced a number of related products including CalculationCenter The Mathematical Explorer webMathematica and Mathematica: Teacher’s Edition aimed more directly at the teaching and fun sector.
