Winpepi
Encyclopedia
WinPepi is a freeware
package of statistical programs for epidemiologists
, comprising seven programs with over 120 modules. WinPepi is not a complete compendium of statistical routines for epidemiologists but it provides a very wide range of procedures, including those most commonly used and many that are not easy to find elsewhere. This has repeatedly led reviewers to use a "Swiss army knife
" analogy. Each program has a comprehensive fully referenced manual.
WinPepi had its origins in 1983 in a book of programs for hand-held calculators,. In 1993, this was developed into a set of DOS-based computer programs by Paul M. Gahlinger
with the assistance of one of the original authors of calculator programs, Prof. JH Abramson that came to be called Pepi (an acronym for "Programs for EPIdemiologists") and evolved, after its fourth version in 2001, into WinPepi (Pepi-for-Windows). WinPepi is still a work in progress, and new expanded versions are issued at frequent intervals.
The programs are notable for their user-friendliness. A portal provides immediate access to all the programs and manuals, and to an alphabetical index that pinpoints the programs and modules to be used for specific purposes. Menus, buttons, on-screen instructions, help screens, pop-up hints, and built-in error traps make the programs easy to use. The programs are portable, and can be operated from a portable device such as a USB flash drive.
WinPepi does not provide data management facilities. With some exceptions, it requires the entry (at the keyboard or by pasting from a spreadsheet or text file) of data that have already been counted or summarized.
Freeware
Freeware is computer software that is available for use at no cost or for an optional fee, but usually with one or more restricted usage rights. Freeware is in contrast to commercial software, which is typically sold for profit, but might be distributed for a business or commercial purpose in the...
package of statistical programs for epidemiologists
Epidemiology
Epidemiology is the study of health-event, health-characteristic, or health-determinant patterns in a population. It is the cornerstone method of public health research, and helps inform policy decisions and evidence-based medicine by identifying risk factors for disease and targets for preventive...
, comprising seven programs with over 120 modules. WinPepi is not a complete compendium of statistical routines for epidemiologists but it provides a very wide range of procedures, including those most commonly used and many that are not easy to find elsewhere. This has repeatedly led reviewers to use a "Swiss army knife
Swiss Army knife
The Swiss Army knife is a brand of pocket knife or multi-tool manufactured by Victorinox AG and Wenger SA. The term "Swiss Army knife" was coined by US soldiers after World War II due to the difficulty they had in pronouncing the German name....
" analogy. Each program has a comprehensive fully referenced manual.
WinPepi had its origins in 1983 in a book of programs for hand-held calculators,. In 1993, this was developed into a set of DOS-based computer programs by Paul M. Gahlinger
Paul M. Gahlinger
Paul M. Gahlinger, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., FACOEM, is an American scientist, physician, and author. His books include Computer Programs for Epidemiologic Analysis , Northern Manitoba from Forest to Tundra, The Cockpit, Illegal Drugs, Health for Pilots, Drugs and Justice, and The Medical Tourism Travel...
with the assistance of one of the original authors of calculator programs, Prof. JH Abramson that came to be called Pepi (an acronym for "Programs for EPIdemiologists") and evolved, after its fourth version in 2001, into WinPepi (Pepi-for-Windows). WinPepi is still a work in progress, and new expanded versions are issued at frequent intervals.
The programs are notable for their user-friendliness. A portal provides immediate access to all the programs and manuals, and to an alphabetical index that pinpoints the programs and modules to be used for specific purposes. Menus, buttons, on-screen instructions, help screens, pop-up hints, and built-in error traps make the programs easy to use. The programs are portable, and can be operated from a portable device such as a USB flash drive.
WinPepi does not provide data management facilities. With some exceptions, it requires the entry (at the keyboard or by pasting from a spreadsheet or text file) of data that have already been counted or summarized.