Why does MATLAB 7.7 (R2008b) try to access the network when loading?

When I start MATLAB, my firewall tells me that MATLAB is requesting network access. I deny access, but I am still able to use MATLAB.

Answer 1

[MathWorks Support Team]

The Tab Completion feature in MATLAB uses the files $MATLABROOT\toolbox\local\TC.xml and $MATLABROOT\toolbox\local\TC.xsd, which reference HTTP network addresses in their headers.

As such, disabling MATLAB's network access will disable the Tab Completion feature, but allow other features to work without issues.