A microcomputer implementation was preferred because most neurobiologists have no or a limited access to workstations or mainframe computers. Microcomputers are now standard lab equipment and can be an acceptable solution to scientists who do not consider computer simulations as their main line of work. Nodus was implemented on Apple Macintosh computers because it is easy to make graphic oriented, user friendly software on these machines. A compartmental approach to neuronal modeling was chosen because it is intuitively easy to use and it makes accurate modeling of morphology and electrophysiology possible. Recently network functions have been added to the software.
Integration is implemented by explicit methods.
Though implicit integration methods are faster, they are harder to implement. Easy expandibility of the software to include new modeling features was considered more important than raw speed. This chapter describes Nodus version 3.1, which was developed for Macintosh II computers. Nodus version 2.3 is still available for use on Macintosh computers that do not use a 68020 or 68030 microprocessor. The program makes full use of the Macintosh interface with movable windows, drop down menus, popup menus, data entry in dialog boxes, file specific icons, etc.