BU Linux 5.3 release includes the statistics application R, along with many popular R packages. R is a complete open source replacement to the proprietary S-Plus statistical package. And, if you’re currently using a spreadsheet for numerical analysis, you may find R to be a more powerful and more reliable choice.

“R is a language and environment for statistical computing and graphics. R provides a wide variety of statistical (linear and nonlinear modelling, classical statistical tests, time-series analysis, classification, clustering, …) and graphical techniques, and is highly extensible. The S language is often the vehicle of choice for research in statistical methodology, and R provides an Open Source route to participation in that activity.”

— The R FAQ, Hornik (2005) ISBN 3-900051-08-9

“R is a very comprehensive software providing state-of-the-art statistical tools. The well documented manuals and reports available on line make the use of the software relatively easy even for beginners.”

— a recent PhD graduate from the BU Department of Geography and Environment

Since R is open source and is compatible with the S language, a large group of developers and scientists have created an amazing collection of R packages. An R package is similar to a module, or plugin. To learn more about R go to The R Project web site. To find out more about the R packages that are available visit CRAN�— the Comprehensive R Archive Network. The R project web site also contains an excellent Introduction to R and other documentation, including translations into other languages.

The BU Linux Team has made approximately 30 R packages available through the package management tool Yum (try yum list ‘R-*’ to see the current list). If a package you would like to use is not yet in BU Linux please let us know. The BU Linux Team will be happy to try and build the package and make it part of the BU Linux scientific and engineering application suite.