If you're a biomedical student or serious scientists then you'll have to perform some pretty complex linear and non linear calculations.
R is an attempt to provide a wide variety of statistical analysing - namely linear and nonlinear modelling, classical statistical tests, time-series analysis, classification, clustering methods and graphical techniques. The developers have chosen the S language as what they call the "vehicle of choice" for research in statistical methodology. The main strength of the program is that it can produce high quality, well defined plots including mathematical symbols and formulae. The aim has been to put control in the hands of the user although it has to be said, the user needs to know exactly what they are doing with such complex tools to get any real benefit out of it other than drawing pretty graphs. Since it's open source however, it's very open to customisation by it's users so if there's something you don't like, you can access the source code easily.
A very professional analytical tool that's strictly for experienced or Phd level scientists - beginners stay well away.
Pros
Handles highly complex calculations
Well defined lots and graphs
Cons
Doesn't offer many instructions for beginners
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R is a language and environment for statistical computing and graphics. It is a GNU project which is similar to the S language and environment which was developed at Bell Laboratories (formerly AT&T, now Lucent Technologies) by John Chambers and colleagues.
R can be considered as a different implementation of S. There are some important differences, but much code written for S runs unaltered under R.
Laws concerning the use of this software vary from country to country. We do not encourage or condone the use of this program if it is in violation of these laws.