The Office of Technology Services (OTS) provides annual licensing for both PASW and SAS statistical software. PASW is provided at no charge to all computers on campus or on Virtual Workspace. SAS licensing is provided at a discounted price through the university, see details below.

PASW (formerly SPSS)

Predictive Analytics Software

Note: SPSS changes the name to PASW when SPSS version 17.02 is installed; for details see:

http://www.spss.com/software/product-name-guide/

1.  What is PASW?

PASW is a data management and analysis software package. It can perform a variety of data analysis and presentation functions, including statistical analyses and graphical presentation of data. The university license includes the following PASW modules: Base, Regression, Advanced, Categories, Conjoint, Tables, and Trends.   More information about PASW can be found at http://www.spss.com.

2.  How is PASW Licensed?

Towson University purchases an enterprise network license for PASW. Licenses are automatically distributed, maintained, and installed over the campus network to university Windows computers that are plugged into the TowsonU network. PASW licenses are automatically renewed each year on July 31.

IMPORTANT:

• PASW will not run without a valid license.
  
  
• To run or install PASW, a computer must be plugged into the wired campus network to receive a license (wireless connections will not work).
  
  
• Laptop computers can use the Commuter License option, for details see the How can I use PASW on laptop computers section below.
  
  

PASW Version Upgrades

Generally, PASW is upgraded to a newer version every other year at the university.

SPSS Name Changed to PASW in July 2009

 

The SPSS v. 17.02 update renames the SPSS application to PASW (redictive Analytics Software).

 

3.  How can I get PASW?

PASW is available two ways:

 

1. PASW is installed and available to faculty, staff, and students on
   Virtual Workspace.
   
   Macintosh computers can access PASW on Virtual Workspace.
   
   
2. PASW is available for faculty and staff (not students) to install on university-owned Windows computers; for details, see the PASW Installation section below

4.  How do I install PASW?

PASW is available to install and run on faculty and staff university-owned Windows desktop and laptop computers that are plugged into the TowsonU network (wireless connections will not work). To install PASW on desktop and laptop computers follow the instructions below.

1. Copy all old SPSS data files and output files that you have created to a safe location such as your H:\ drive, My documnets, CDs, etc. so that you can access the files after installing PASW v. 17.02
   
   
2. Uninstall older vesions of SPSS if they exist on the computer.  Administrator rights are required to uninstall SPSS; contact the Faculty and Staff Help Center at 410-704-5151, select options 2+2+2 to obtain temporary administrator rights if you need them
   
   
3. Go to the OTS Software Distribution web site
   
   
4. On the Software Distribution site, follow the: Instructions on how to install an Advertised Package on your computer.

The two advertised packages below are available to install:

• SPSS (PASW) 17.02 (installs SPSS 17, renames SPSS to PASW)

Note: If SPSS v. 17 is already installed the 17.02 package, will rename SPSS and install several new patches.

• SPSS Legacy Viewer - SPSS Legacy Viewer (installs SPSS Smart Viewer, required to view / edit older versions of SPSS output (.SPO) files

If the above installation packages do not appear in Advertised Programs on your computer; or you have questions regarding the PASW installation, contact: the Faculty and Staff Help Center at 410-704-5151, select options 2+2+2 or email helpcenter@towson.edu.

 

5.  How can I use PASW on laptop computers?

If you use a laptop and need to access PASW when not plugged into the campus network (at home, traveling, etc.), a Commuter License is required to run PASW. The PASW university enterprise version must be installed on your laptop for the Commuter License to work. This license will reside on your laptop and allow access to PASW for the time period granted. The Commuter License is only available to university-owned Windows laptops.For instructions on installing a Commuter License, see:
Installing PASW Commuter License on Laptops

If you want to run PASW on your personal laptop you can either access it on

Virtual Workspace or you will need to contact SPSS Inc. to purchase it.

6.  How do I obtain assistance with the PASW application?

PASW provides assistance for applications on their web site below.

Browse to the SPSS Student Resource Center below; this site has free video tutorials, suggested books, and links to a iTunesU statistics courses.

http://www.spss.com/academic/student/index.htm

Online training can be purchased by any department using a p-card; contact SPSS, Inc. for information.

 

7.  How can I use PASW at Home?

PASW is available on Virtual Workspace which allows you to use the software anywhere and anytime from the web. The university enterprise version of PASW cannot be installed on home computers due to the network licensing requirements.  To install PASW on a home computer, it would have to be purchased directly from SPSS,.Inc.

 

SAS

1.  What is SAS?

SAS is a scalable, integrated software environment that is specially designed for data access, transformation, and reporting. License cost:  $75

2.  How is SAS Installed?

If you would like to have the SAS installed, please contact the Faculty and Staff Help Center at 410-704-5151, option 2+2+2 or email helpcenter@towson.edu.

You will need to provide the following information.

• Names of the individuals who will be using the software
• Quantity of licenses
• Budget code to which the license(s) for that year should be charged
• The computer name of each machine requiring an SAS installation
• Location of each computer
• Operating system on each computer (e.g., Windows XP or Windows Vista)

Your request will be logged and a budget transfer will be initiated and the software will be installed.

If you have questions about PASW or SAS, please contact the Faculty and Staff Help Center at 410-704-5151, select option 2+2+2 or email helpcenter@towson.edu.