Comment 0 for bug 272264

Binary package hint: scilab

Ubuntu has very old, not user-friendly Scilab version, 5.0.1 was released on 2008-09

Main Changes Scilab 4.X -> 5.0 you can see here:
http://www.scilab.org/download/index_download.php?page=CHANGES_5.0.1

Licence and user interface got major improvements:

License:
========
 - License changed to CeCILL (fully compatible with the GPL v2, see http://www.cecill.info/index.en.html)
    Therefore, Scilab is now a 100% free software.

Graphical User Interface:
=========================
 - Advanced docking system
 - Follow the Tango Desktop Project http://tango.freedesktop.org/
 - GUI re-written in Java Swing: Same GUI for all OS (Menubars, toolbars...)

According to debbug 483682 Sylvestre Ledru <email address hidden> has made a prototype package of Scilab 5 at 30 May 2008, at September 2008 he wrote:
> Unfortunately, Scilab 5 won't make it for Lenny. It is a major release with new packages. It is now free (ie, Scilab has to go to NEW again for these two reasons)