[pdm55]

Simple explanation of the basics:

http://www.intmath.com/matrices-determinants/matrix-determin... - matrices

http://www.intmath.com/vectors/vectors-intro.php - vectors

Linear Algebra using Python:

https://www.coursera.org/course/matrix - Coursera: Coding the Matrix

http://codingthematrix.com/ - Website: Coding the Matrix

The simplest software for linear algebra would be GeoGebra, http://www.geogebra.org/. For instance, to enter a matrix just have the spreadsheet view open, enter the numbers, highlight the cells, then choose the option "Create Matrix". To enter a vector start writing "vec" in the input bar at the bottom and intellisense gives you the option to choose "Vector[<Start Point>, <End Point>]". Choose this. Fill it in, for example, "Vector[(-3, 4), (1, 2)]" (Hint: Use Tab to move between options in the input formula, here to move between "<Start Point>" and "<End Point>]".) Voila the vector is drawn! You can even draw a vector with just two clicks in Graphics view, if you first select the "Vectors" tab at the top (the symbol is a line with an arrowhead). The GeoGebra software is really incredible for learning/doing Linear Algebra, Calculus and Statistics. A real godsend.