Veterinary epidemiology: popular statistical analysis packages

The following programs are commonly used for statistical analysis. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, dependant upon the analysis required:

• R (Very powerful statistical analysis software, based on the programming language S. As such, requires an understanding of programming language (although graphical interfaces are available)) http://www.r-project.org/
• EpiInfo (Software for data entry, manipulation and basic statistical analysis) http://wwwn.cdc.gov/epiinfo/
• OpenEpi (Web-based tool for basic statistical analysis) http://www.openepi.com/OE2.3/Menu/OpenEpiMenu.htm
• WinBUGS and OpenBUGS (Software for Bayesian analysis using Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods, with very broad functionality. Most development now takes place in OpenBUGS, but WinBUGS still available) http://www.mrc-bsu.cam.ac.uk/bugs/ http://www.openbugs.info/w/
• MLwiN (Statistical software for multilevel modelling (also known as mixed models or random effects models). Allows estimation using either maximum likelihood or MCMC methods. Free for UK academics, but otherwise must be purchased) http://www.bristol.ac.uk/cmm/software/mlwin/

Some commonly used programs which are available for a fee are:

• STATA http://www.stata.com/
• SPSS/PASW http://www-01.ibm.com/software/analytics/spss/products/statistics/
• SAS http://www.sas.com/technologies/analytics/statistics/stat/index.html