<P> Simulation software is based on the process of modeling a real phenomenon with a set of mathematical formulas . It is, essentially, a program that allows the user to observe an operation through simulation without actually performing that operation . Simulation software is used widely to design equipment so that the final product will be as close to design specs as possible without expensive in process modification . Simulation software with real - time response is often used in gaming, but it also has important industrial applications . When the penalty for improper operation is costly, such as airplane pilots, nuclear power plant operators, or chemical plant operators, a mock up of the actual control panel is connected to a real - time simulation of the physical response, giving valuable training experience without fear of a disastrous outcome . </P> <P> Advanced computer programs can simulate power system behavior, weather conditions, electronic circuits, chemical reactions, mechatronics, heat pumps, feedback control systems, atomic reactions, even complex biological processes . In theory, any phenomena that can be reduced to mathematical data and equations can be simulated on a computer . Simulation can be difficult because most natural phenomena are subject to an almost infinite number of influences . One of the tricks to developing useful simulations is to determine which are the most important factors that affect the goals of the simulation . </P> <P> In addition to imitating processes to see how they behave under different conditions, simulations are also used to test new theories . After creating a theory of causal relationships, the theorist can codify the relationships in the form of a computer program . If the program then behaves in the same way as the real process, there is a good chance that the proposed relationships are correct . </P> <P> General simulation packages fall into two categories: discrete event and continuous simulation . Discrete event simulations are used to model statistical events such as customers arriving in queues at a bank . By properly correlating arrival probabilities with observed behavior, a model can determine optimal queue count to keep queue wait times at a specified level . Continuous simulators are used to model a wide variety of physical phenomena like ballistic trajectories, human respiration, electric motor response, radio frequency data communication, steam turbine power generation etc . Simulations are used in initial system design to optimize component selection and controller gains, as well as in Model Based Design systems to generate embedded control code . Real - time operation of continuous simulation is used for operator training and off - line controller tuning . </P>

2. name any two features that are relevant when selecting simulating simulation software