R is a programming language, and the name of a software system that implements the language. This book shows how to use the R software package for data analysis, statistical programming, and graphics. Coverage includes one-sample analysis and distribution diagnostics, regression, two-sample problems and comparison of distributions, and multivariate analysis, with examples and exercises demonstrating how R can be used to tackle statistical problems. An appendix provides a collection of R language elements and functions. Links for online help and online manuals for R are also included. The book is intended for use in a concise course, or for self-instruction, for students with basic knowledge of stochastics. An in-depth knowledge of statistics is not required; however, while the book does cover much of statistics, its emphasis is on computing aspects, and so the text is not a substitute for a general statistics course. Readers should be familiar with statistical features corresponding to notions such as distribution, function, quantile, expected value, and variance. Familiarity with classical and derived distributions is also assumed. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)