				LINREG2
				=======
				
	               (c) 2001 Paul F. Johnson
	               ========================
	               
What is LinReg2?
----------------

LinReg2 is the second version of LinReg. LinReg is short for Linear
Regression. In a nutshell, a linear regression gives the line of best fit
for a set of datapoints. The maths behind it is not very difficult, just
tedious - a simple solution is to use a spreadsheet or draw things by
hand.

LinReg2 (and LinReg) fills the void between drawing and having to pay for
one the three excellent RISC OS spreadsheets still under development
(Schema2, PipeDream4 and FireWorkzPro).

I already have a spreadsheet, why use LinReg2?
----------------------------------------------

It's quick, simple and very fast - it also small and gives a result without
having to sit and learn how to do it with your spreadsheet.

What are the differences between LinReg and LinReg2?
----------------------------------------------------

A lot. LinReg2 is a complete re-write with piles of added features. LinReg
was a basic WIMP version of my FORTRAN 77 Linest2 program which was written
using WimpBASIC2 from Clares Micro Supplies (a brilliant program).

Okay - here's what each has

			LinReg		LinReg2
Max points		20		768
Full analysis		Yes		Yes 
Partial analysis	Yes		Yes
Save/Load		No		Yes
Formula transforms	No		Yes
Formula editor		No		Yes
Intellegent regression	Yes		Yes
Intellegent data entry  No		Yes                
Convert axis		No		Yes
Additional datapoints	No		Yes (to max of 768)
Trig and Hyperbolic
             functions	No		Yes
Log and Ln transforms	No		Yes
1/axis, axis^2,
    square root(axis)	No		Yes
e^x			No		Yes
Interactive help	No		Yes
Website			No		Yes

As you can see, there's plenty of difference!!!!!

How do I use the software?
--------------------------

Load it up in the normal RISC OS way.....
Drag a CSV file to the main window OR onto the iconbar icon to load data.
OR
Click on the iconbar icon and type in your data. When an X value has been
entered, the corresponding Y value will ungrey. When the Y value has been
entered, the next X value will be ungreyed (and so on).

When you're happy, click on one of the regression analysis buttons. In the
blink of an eye, a new window will appear with the regression analysis
you've just requested.

To convert data, enter as normal. Click on the MENU mouse button and select
"Convert Axis". Move the mouse over this to the right, a new menu will open
which will allow you to apply to an axis. Select the axis (X or Y) and drag
the mouse across. This will open a further menu which will allow you to
perform the transforms.

: Types of transform 

1/axis
axis ^ 2
Square root (axis)
Log10 (axis)
Ln (axis)
Axis / Value (opens to a window)
Formula transform (selecting opens the formula window)
e^x (selecting opens the formula window)
Trig functions (opens a new menu : cos,sin,tan,acos,asin,atan)
Hyperbolic functions (opens a new menu : cosh, sinh, tanh)


: The formula window

If you've not used this application before, I suggest switching on the
interactive help......

The formula window allows you to apply a formula to the transformation such
as 4 Cos X^2 + 10 / Sin Y * Tan 34 (if you wanted!)

It's simple enough to use....

: Adding more data points

By default, this is 5. If you pull the mouse across, you will open a new
window which allows you to alter the number of points added (and displays
how many points are still available to be added). If you just want to add 5
data points, click on the menu option. Otherwise, change the value then
click on the menu option to execute.

FORTRAN VERSION
===============

This is possibly the simplest method of seeing how a regression analysis is
performed without having to fiddle around with a pile of nasty looking
formulae (they only look nasty, they're actually simple). There are plenty
of other Linear Regression source files out there, this is just my version.

Licence
=======

This software is released under the EducationWare licence. Basically, if
you're not in education, treat it as freeware. If you use this software in
any education environment, please contact me - this will entitle you to
have alterations made to the software so that it is personalised to
your needs. The alterations may be released in future public releases
(depending on what they are).

If you wish to use this software on a cover disc / CD, please contact me
first - there may be a newer version which has not yet been released....

Bugs
====

If you find any, please contact me - don't moan on the newsgroups that
something doesn't work, while I do read the ngs, I may miss the fault
report and so it goes un-noticed and unfixed.

Contacting me
=============

Email is best : paulf.johnson@ukonline.co.uk or
                paul@acornusers.org or
                p.f.johnson@salford.ac.uk
                
Post (if you've had this from a cover disc) 

Paul F. Johnson
77 Station Road
Haydock
St. Helens
Merseyside
WA11 0JL

======
ReadMe
PFJ
060301            

