To start matlab, just type
matlabFor a cleaner faster-over-the-net interface, type
matlab -nodesktop
The best way to find general information and names of available functions is to use the Mathworks helpdesk site.
Check out Getting Started with Matlab, which is listed in the course references.
An example function to get you started is here.
2005/03/17 Various updates 2011/02/19 Updated -nojvm flag is now -nodesktop 2017/02/23 Moved link to matlab scripts to top-level 281 page 2018/02/22 Minor updates 2018/03/11 Added transposes 2019/03/06 Clarified transposes, moved 281 material to another page