User documentation and control language I: Evaluation and comparison of statistical computer packages

Procedures for comparing and evaluating aspects of the user interface of statistical computer packages are described. These procedures are implemented in a study of three packages. SPSS. BMDP and Minitab, by a class of 21 students with some statistical background. It was found that most participants exhibited consistent personal preferences among the packages. In selecting packages to solve specific problems, however, their choice was determined more by issues of good statistical practice than by personal preference for overall package features.