Thomas wrote:

Has anyone taken this course using 4NEC2 by Arie?

I did.

Is it reasonable to take this course using software other than that
recommended?

If you can master the basic use of 4nec2 I don't think you'll have any
trouble translating the exercises in the course to Arie's excellent
program. I enjoyed using 4nec2 with the course, but a friend who is not
as computer savvy had a hard time learning 4nec2 and finally gave up and
purchased EZNEC.

73, John NU3E