Computing Environments for Data Analysis Part 1 : Introduction

This is the first in a series of papers on aspects of modem computing environments that are relevant to statistical data analysis. We argue that a network of graphics workstations is far superior to conventional batch or time-sharing computers as an environment for interactive data analysis. The first paper in the series provides a general introduction a&motivation for more detailed considerations of hardware and software in subsequent parts. Portions of this paper presented at the 17th Symposium on the Interface of Computer Science and Statistics, Lexington, Kentucky, March 17-19, 1985. l Work supported in part by the Department of Energy, contract D&AC03-76SF00515, by the NSF Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, by the Office of Naval Research contract NOOOl~83-K-0472 and grant NOOO14-83-G-0121, and by the U.S. Army Research Office contract DAAG2482-K-0056.