In contrast to the previous section, which might be titled, ``Why to use ePiX'', this section might be called, ``Why not to use ePiX'', depending on your operating system and available software.
Running ePiX requires, in decreasing order of importance, a C/C++ compiler, GNU bash or a similarly functional shell (``command line'') or scripting language, and an operating system that supports output redirection. For creating ePiX input files, a text editor (such as emacs or vim) that facilitates formatting C code is extremely useful. To incorporate ePiX figures in a document and preview the result, you will of course need LATEX itself--particularly the epic and eepic packages, but also the pstricks and/or color packages for color output--and a dvi or Postscript previewer. These components are standard GNU1 software, and should also be available on most Unix mainframes. If not, speak to your sysadmin.