Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 November 2022
1 Grafton, Carl and Permaloff, Anne, “Statistical Packages for Personal Computers,” PS: Political Science & Politics, Spring 1983, pp. 182–188.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
2 Available at Radio Shack computer centers, $39.95. For TRS-80 Models I, III, and 4.
3 SYLK (SYmbolic LinK), the MultiPlan format, may be read by a particular statistics package if it has the ability to separate systems information and data. The prospective purchaser of a statistics program should check with its manufacturer to determine whether it can read a SYLK file. The same applies for all other formats described here.
4 For an excellent series on dedicated project management programs see 1984 issues of PC, October 30, pp. 109–147, November 13, pp. 211–263, and forthcoming.
5 Axelrod, Robert (ed.), Structure of Decision (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1976)Google Scholar and Roberts, Nancy, et al. , Introduction to Computer Simulation (Reading: Addison-Wesley, 1983).Google Scholar Neither volume mentions spreadsheets, but the kinds of analyses done in both are greatly facilitated using a spreadsheet, especially one with iteration capabilities.
6 Douglass, Bruce, Numerical BASIC (Indianapolis: Howard W. Sams, 1983).Google Scholar This $1 2.95 volume is a treasure trove of numerical programs in Microsoft Basic dealing with calculus, vectors and matrices, approximation techniques, and simulation. Many of the techniques Douglass describes can be performed using a spreadsheet.
7 See Douglass, ibid., pp. 35–52, for various numerical equation solving techniques and BASIC programs that implement them.