> And diagnosing someone with Munchausen after a few minutes of internet argument -- that's scientific? Since when?

Since psychology began to masquerade as a science. Want to get better, fairer treatment? Visit a hospital instead of a computer science forum. But I suspect you've already been turned away from any number of hospitals.

You're the one who chose to post your rant on the least likely of forums, one that discusses computer science issues. So either stop complaining about your treatment by unsympathetic computer scientists, or choose another forum.

I came here to learn to program, so I can more effectively share what I know. It is a legitimate interest in HN. I was not ranting. Merely defending myself against rabid attacks, as often happens when I try to talk about this.

Seriously, why does my supposed "mental illness" have you so wrapped around the axle? Such a strong, persistent negative response is the sort of thing I usually see from people with CF or with a child with CF who feel personally threatened by my views.

Anyway, I am about to go to lunch. I will be gone for a bit.

Catch you later.

> I came here to learn to program, so I can more effectively share what I know.

Ah, yes, that would explain why you immediately asked about computer programming, instead of commencing your rant about your unfair treatment by doctors.

As to the legitimate topic, for analysis work and to avoid a lot of unnecessary minutiae, and to maximize your productivity, I recommend Python. There is lots online about Python, including a great number of analytical/scientific/technical libraries. There is even a free partial stand-in for Mathematica called "Sage" that can help you do some very sophisticated work in analysis, mostly written in Python:

http://www.sagemath.org/

My free Sage tutorial:

http://arachnoid.com/sage

> ... who feel personally threatened by my views.

You very clearly have no idea how you come across.

My first post, the day I joined four years ago: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=713015

Unfortunately, it didn't do much for me. Getting well took longer and was more arduous than I anticipated.

I have no doubt I am not at my best right now. But it takes two to communicate effectively and you have so far taken zero responsibility for your repeated ad hominems.

I am about to log off. I will check the links you posted some other time.

> But it takes two to communicate effectively ...

False. One will do nicely. But you're not it.

Your inability to comment on the computer science links I provided hasn't escaped my attention or that of anyone else.