What to Do Before Contacting Us

The statistical computing consultants will be better able to help you if you do the following:

  1. Be prepared to tell the statistical computing consultant which statistical package and what version of this package you are using. The version number is usually displayed when you invoke the software and on the top line of each page in the output.

  2. Be prepared to tell the consultant what computer you are using, e.g., an RS/6000 Unix machine (such as blue.unix), an IBM PC-compatible, a Macintosh, etc. Also be prepared to log into that account and demonstrate the problem.

  3. Bring a printed listing of the error you are getting. In SAS, you can get this by printing out the log file produced by your program; in SPSS, print out the listing file produced by the program. Telling the consultant that the error was "something like..." often does not give the consultant enough information to help you.

  4. Be prepared to show the consultant any relevant files, including any data files you are using as well as the original command file or a list of commands as you submitted them.

---

Go to the Statisical Computing Support Homepage

---

Research Computing Support Homepage

© 2008 by the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia.

The information contained on the University of Virginia’s Department of Information Technology and Communication (ITC) website is provided as a public service with the understanding that ITC makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of the information, including warrantees of title, non-infringement of copyright or patent rights of others. These pages are expected to represent the University of Virginia community and the State of Virginia in a professional manner in accordance with the University of Virginia’s Computing Policies.