Quantian
Quantian was a specialized Linux distribution designed for quantitative analysis and data mining. It was essentially a scientific computing environment built on top of Debian Linux.
Overview
Quantian aimed to provide a comprehensive and readily available collection of software tools crucial for researchers, scientists, and analysts working with large datasets and complex models. Its core focus was on simplifying the setup and configuration of these tools, thereby allowing users to concentrate on their analytical tasks rather than system administration.
Key Features
- Pre-installed Software: Quantian included a wide range of software packages pre-installed and configured, catering specifically to quantitative analysis. This often encompassed statistical programming languages like R and Python with relevant libraries, data visualization tools, database management systems, and various scientific computing utilities.
- Debian-Based: Being based on Debian, Quantian benefited from Debian's stability, security updates, and extensive software repository.
- Live DVD: It was typically distributed as a Live DVD, enabling users to boot and run the operating system directly from the disc without needing to install it on a hard drive. This allowed for easy testing and demonstration of the available tools.
- Customization: While pre-configured, Quantian was still customizable. Users could install additional software packages and adjust settings to suit their specific needs.
Target Audience
Quantian was primarily intended for individuals working in fields such as:
- Statistics
- Data Science
- Finance
- Bioinformatics
- Scientific Research
- Engineering
Status
Quantian is no longer actively maintained. Its functionality has largely been superseded by more modern and broadly supported distributions and package management systems, like Anaconda for Python, which provide comparable functionality across a wider array of operating systems. While the underlying tools remain relevant, the specific Quantian distribution is considered obsolete.