CTRL

Software Support

Technology is a valuable tool for successful teaching and research. CTRL aims to support faculty, students and staff with key software programs and cutting-edge technology for enhanced teaching, research and learning. This page lists specific software programs grouped by type of research or instructional use; use Quick Links at the right to more quickly access details. Each software program includes support information such as AU licenses access, price to purchase a personal license, online tutorials, a direct link to the manufacturer's website and CTRL-created tutorials. All research software is supported through the Research Support Group. Teaching Learning Resources offers training for software that enhances teaching.


Quantitative Research

  • Eviews 7
    A software for time series analysis. Widely used in macroeconomic and financial analysis offering a friendly interface and ideal tool for studying time series properties.
    License: Eviews 7 Standard Edition Standalone License Package (only for AU Faculty and Students) - $90.
    Tutorials: Intro to Eviews (data file)
    Intermediate Eviews
  • GAMS 23.7
    GAMS is a high-level modeling system for mathematical programming and optimization. It consists of a language compiler and a stable of integrated high-performance solvers. GAMS is tailored for complex, large scale modeling applications, and allows you to build large maintainable models that can be adapted quickly to new situations.
    License: Single User Academic License - $640
    Tutorials:
  • Gauss 9.0
    GAUSS is a matrix programming language for mathematics and statistics. Its well suited for solution of numerical problems in statistics, econometrics, time-series, optimization and 2D- and 3D-visualization.
    License: Paid.
    Tutorials: Intro to GAUSS (pdf)
  • gretl
    Is a cross-platform software package for econometric analysis, written in the C programming language. It is free, open-source software. You may redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License (GPL) as published by the Free Software Foundation.
    License: Free and Open Source.
    Tutorials:
  • Limdep 9.0/ Nlogit 4.0
    Limdep is an econometric software that is well suited for limited dependent variable analysis.
    License: Single User Academic License (version 9.0) - $595
    Tutorials:
  • Matlab 7.6.0
    A numerical computing environment and a programming language. Excellent for matrix manipulations, plotting of functions and data, implementation of algorithms, creation of user interfaces, and interfacing with programs written in other languages, including C, C++, Java, and Fortran.
    License: Paid.
    Tutorials: Intro to Matlab (pdf) .
  • Mathematica 8.0
    Mathematica is a computational software program well suited for numerical analysis, graphical representation and functional analysis. It is capable of coding agent based models and running simulations.
    License: Student License - $139.95
    Tutorials:
  • Python (2.7 and 3.2)
    Python is a flexible programming enviornment with a large user community that develops and provides support for many statistical and econometric applications as well as numerical computing.
    License: Free and Open Source.
    Tutorials: Intro to Python (pdf) | Python Programming (pdf, data)
  • R 2.14.1
    R is an implementation of the S programming language and is a powerful software environment for statistical computing and graphics. It has a large user community which provides support and develops various R libraries for specialized analysis.
    License: Free and Open Source.
    Tutorials: Intro to R (pdf)
  • SAS 9.3
    Multifunctional statistical software with a wide array of applications including management of very large datasets. License: Paid.
    Tutorials: Intro to SAS (SAS Insight) (pdf, dataset)
    Intro to OLS with SAS (pdf, dataset)

Qualitative Research

GIS and Mapping

  • ArcGIS
    ArcGIS is a complete system for designing and managing solutions through the application of geographic knowledge. It enables you to perform deep analysis, gain a greater understanding of your data, and make more informed high-level decisions. ArcGIS for Desktop allows you to: perform spatial analysis, advanced editing, and geocoding; manage and share data; produce and customize high-quality maps; work with advanced imagery; integrate data from different geographic and projected coordinates systems.
    License: RSG has 2 licenses in the CTRL Lab (Hurst 202); multiple licenses in Anderson Lab. Purchase ArcView (basic level) for $100 12-month license; $1,500 for basic single use license; $7,000 for standard license single or concurrent use.
    Tutorials: Esri online training
  • Google Earth
  • Google Earth is a geographical information program that allows you to visualize maps on a virtual globe. Google Earth maps the Earth by using superimposed images obtained from satellite imagery and aerial photography. You can explore layers created by other Google Earth users or create your own layers to display data and other information on the Google Earth maps.
    License: Free online
    Tutorials: Google Earth Introduction Tutorial
    Beginner tutorial
    Advanced Tutorial

SPSS Statistics Essential Training

A practical visual and non-mathematical approach to the basics of statistical concepts and data analysis in SPSS, the statistical package for business, government, research, and academic organizations. 5 hours of training plus exercise files available online 24/7.

www.american.edu/lynda > AU login credentials > software > SPSS