Software/Tools for Undergraduate Research: R, Octave, Latex & More

[Ashuron]

I am not sure whether I have posted in the right section.

As the title says, I want to know which software/technology I need to be familiar with for making a research paper.
I am planning to take an undergraduate research program in my university.
It is required for us to make a report in format similar to those in journals.

Which statistical softwares are appropriate for this purpose? when doing the data analysis
How about the graphing software? that produce journal quality graphs
Will Latex take too long to learn?


I prefer free/open source programs, so I can install them in my computer.
Also if anyone have good online tutorial for learning them, please post here.

Comparison will also be useful, like how R vs Octave for statistical purpose..

 

[fss]

It depends to a large degree what subject you are studying and what you are writing about. Different areas gravitate towards different software suites with some personal preference involved. If you're doing high energy you'll probably be using root, for example.

Learn LaTeX though- that's fairly universal.

 

[Ashuron]

I always think the choice of statistical software you are using is independent of the subject..
their job is to analyze data, isn't it?

 

[fss]

I always think the choice of statistical software you are using is independent of the subject..

Well then, you're in for some eye-opening experiences when you get to your undergraduate institution.

 

[jhae2.718]

Definitely learn $\LaTeX$.

For graphing, for OSS I'd go with either Octave, gnuplot, or matplotlib.

 

[Ashuron]

ok..thx a lot