Using SAS on VET
SAS is a powerful statistical program, but requires a knowledge of its syntax and programming structure. If you are a novice, your best bet is to begin by going through the Introduction to SAS link. This page will provide an indepth development of both the syntax and different elements required to run a SAS command file and produce the desired analysis.
Once having an understanding of the program, SAS can be employed in multiple ways on the VET server. Three will be highlighted here: Batch Mode, Interactive, and text-mode Interactive.
Batch Mode
Batch mode SAS uses a previously created command file or program and runs its in the background producing both a log file and an output file. On the VET system a number of editors are available to create command file programs, Pico, aXe, Gnuemacs--these are detailed on the previous page under VET applications. Once a command file is created and saved, the program can be run in SAS by simply typing sas and then the name of the program at the VET prompt. Using an example program entitled statistics, batch mode SAS would look like:
SAS would then run the program and produce two other files, statistics.log and statistics.lst. Here statistics.log reflects the log of the program statistics detailing how SAS reads the program and identifying any errors in the program. Statistics.lst reflects the output of the program statistics. Batch mode SAS is easily run through file listing type programs. By typing sas after the desired file, the SAS program will be envoked and the command file run.
Interactive
Interactive SAS is a graphically based version of the program which produces multiple screens: an editor screen, a log screen, and a listing or output screen all simultaneously. Here command files can be created in the editor and run immediately producing both a log and output files. Interactive SAS can be invoked by simply typing:
In order to run this graphical type of SAS, it is necessary to have an X window simulator or an X term simulator program. For IBMs and IBM compatable, X32 Win is recommended by Information Technology. For Macs, Mac X is recommended. These programs will allow the computer to employ the graphical elements of SAS.
Text-Mode Interactive
Text-mode Interactive is much like the Interactive SAS, but does not have the graphical capabilities. Consequently, this type of SAS does not have all the features that would be available in Graphical Interactive SAS, but it does not require an X window or an X window simulator program. This form is detailed in the following link: text-mode interactive.
SAS Information and Tips from the SCL
The following links focus on specific issues related to running SAS and running the program efficiently for everyone using the server. The FAQ developed by Kathy Russell addresses issues which are most commonly encountered by those new to Unix or SAS on Unix and serves as a good place to begin. The Compression links focus on managing the memory size by compressing the data being used by SAS.
SAS Links
The following links provide a wide breadth of information about using SAS, an introduction to SAS programming, sample command files for macros and programs, applications including SAS graphing techniques, technical notes concerning changes in the SAS program and solutions to bugs, and SAS user groups. A brief explanation is offered with each link.
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