This book titled "Software Reviews" is intended to serve as a collection of reviews on various features, pros and cons of various available Astronomical Software. It is not wholly dedicated to Desktop Planetariums and Night Sky simulators, but to a larger genre of software that are related to astronomy. The motive is to help the reader to choose the software that is best for his intended usage.
- Platform: Microsoft Windows
- System Requirements: Pretty slow on a Pentium II with 128 MB of RAM
- Plus Points: Eye Candy Graphics, Planner Feature listing bright objects visible during the night, Simulates the Night Sky from non-terrestrial locations, User Friendly, Ideal for a beginner in developing countries (Backyard Demo Version)
- Minus Points: Hogs system resources, Very limited database (in Backyard Demo version)
- License: Demo
- Website: http://www.starrynight.com/
- Reviewer's Rating: 4 / 10
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, Linux and other UNIX variant
- System Requirements: Minimal
- Plus Points: Extensive database covering several catalogs, Plug-in based, Additional Catalogs can be added, Low on system resources, Simple, Extensive object information, Fully configurable appearance, Capability to print finder charts, Can control telescopes, fit for the experienced amateur.
- Minus Points: Not very user friendly and somewhat complicated to use, Graphics are not good, Calculations don't seem very accurate.
- Website: http://www.stargazing.net/astropc/
- Reviewer's Rating: 9 / 10
- Platform: Linux and other UNIX variants. Apaprently supports Windows too. KDE Required.
- System Requirements: Requires about 160 MB of free RAM.
- Plus Points: Pretty stable, Observing Log feature, Conjunctions predictor, Simple and Fast, User friendly, Can control telescopes / observatories, Fully Open Source, Extremely Accurate, Links to external sources of information, inbuilt DSS / SIMBAD query feature, Additional Catalogs downloadable.
- Minus Points: Small database with only Hiparcos, NGC and IC catalogs, What's up tonight feature is not yet good, Very minimal information on objects, database may not be accurate. available.
- Website: http://edu.kde.org/kstars
- Reviewer's Rating: 7 / 10