In SPSS, what's the difference between the shared system and microcomputer versions?

SPSS on shared Unix systems (such as Indiana University's Libra) and SPSS for microcomputers (Windows and Mac) are very similar in syntax and output. However, each platform has certain advantages.

Both the Windows and Mac versions provide a user-friendly menu interface that lets you perform statistical analysis without typing a single line of command syntax. They make statistical analysis easier for all levels of users.

SPSS on the shared systems is somewhat more difficult to use since it runs in the command line mode, but it is much better able to accommodate complicated designs and very large data sets.

The current versions of SPSS are:

• SPSS 16.0 for Windows
• SPSS 16.0 for Mac
• SPSS 6.xx for shared systems

For more information about statistical and mathematical software, email the UITS Stat/Math Center, visit the center's web page, or phone 812-855-4724 (IUB) or 317-278-4740 (IUPUI). The center is located in Bloomington at 410 N. Park Avenue, and is open for consultation by appointment Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.

Also see:

• What statistical and mathematical software packages are available on IU's supercomputers?
• At IU, what software is available on the research computing systems, and how may I request that software be added?
• Finding help for statistical and mathematical computing at IU