Statistical Computing Software Reviews

Abstract

This section is similar in organization to a book-review section in other journals; however, software of interest to statisticians is the subject of review here. Emphasis is on software for microcomputers. Programs that operate only in larger mainframe computers will seldom receive review. Normally, producers of programs make a copy of their product available to the section editor, who then selects one or more persons to test the product and prepare a review. Producers of computer software who wish to have their product reviewed are invited to contact Section Editor Richard Goldstein, Qualitas, Inc., 37 Kirkwood Road, Brighton, MA 02135. Readers are encouraged to send to the Section Editor copies of reviews of statistical software appearing outside of the general statistical literature-for example, reviews appearing in journals such as Journal of Applied Econometrics or Computer Applications in the Biosciences . Readers are invited to make two types of submissions to the “Editor’s Notes” area of this Section: (1) specific software features that are currently unusual implementations; this must not be controversial and should have general appeal; examples appear in the November 1991 and February 1992 issues; please send a brief explanation of the statistic, a brief statement of its importance, and a small number of citations; and (2) views regarding general attributes or design issues for statistical software; an example appears in the November 1991 issue; other issues include: documentation, user interface, test data sets, forms of data editing allowed, output format control, speed, and so forth. Both types of submissions should be made directly to the Section Editor, Richard Goldstein, and are subject to extensive rewriting. Findings and opinions expressed in every review are solely those of the author. They should not be construed as reflecting endorsement of the product, or opinions held, by the American Statistical Association, nor is any warranty implied about any product reviewed.