Limdep Overview

Limdep is statistical software.

Limdep Program Functionality:

Breadth of functionality: Good

LIMDEP is ideally suited to researchers doing cross section analysis. In addition, LIMDEP has extensive routines already written for a wide variety of commonly used limited dependent variable models. In fact, LIMDEP is an acronym for "Lim"ited "Dep"endent models. Some of the functionalities of LIMDEP include:

Data Transformations
Scatter Diagrams and Plotting, histograms
Crosstabulations
Classical Linbear Regression
Methods for handling Heteroskedasticity, and Autocorrelation in the 
 Linear Model
Fixed and Random Effects Linear Models
ARIMA, ARMAX and Distributed Lag Models
Box-Cox Regression Model
Nonlinear Regression Models
Seemingly Unrelated Regression equations (SURE)
Two Stage Least Squares
Three Stage Least Squares
Univariate and bivariate Probit Models
Binomial and Multinomial Logit Models
Discrete Choics and Nested Logit Models
Ordered Probability Models
Poisson and Negative Binomial Regression Models for Count Data
Tobit and Truncation Models
Sample Selection Models
Switching Regression Models
Stochastic Frontier Models
Nonparametric Analysis of Duration Data
Semiparametric and Proportional Hazard Models
Parametric Models of Duration

Reliability and Robustness: Fair

LIMDEP can encounter problems with bugs. LIMDEP has a limit of 200 variables, although the number of observations it can handle are essentially unlimited by using a scratch file.

State of the Art: Good

A number of advanced econometric routines have been coded into LIMDEP. The current release of LIMDEP is the version 8.0.

User Friendliness: Fair

LIMDEP is not a very friendly statistical package to use. Help functions are limited. The makers seem aware of this and try to answer common questions in the User's Manual.

Limdep Help Resources:

Network-based help: Fair

The Knowledge Base (KB) maintained by the UITS Support Center on the gopher server has answers to a few frequently asked LIMDEP questions. This KB may be searched using keywords (e.g., limdep). There is no local Limdep User's Group at IU.

Program's Help System: Fair

Help system offers only very brief explanations. Error message are usually less than 10 words.

Limdep Program Availability:

Limdep is available on UITS systems. For details, see the Statistics Software Availability page.

UITS may offer this software for personal and departmental purchases. See the Sales page for more information.

Limdep Training and Support:

Document Availability: Fair

LIMDEP documentation is available for reference at various Software Manual Locations -->. UITS Stat/Math Center (email statmath@iu.edu : 812/855-4724) also has also LIMDEP documentation for reference.

Training Availability: Poor

No training on the use of LIMDEP is available at the present time. Those who are interested in getting started with Limdep may contact UITS Stat/Math Center.

User Goup: None

There is no local LIMDEP User's Group at IU. However, users can subscribe to a limdep internet discussion by sending the message

         SUBSCRIBE LIMDEP-L

to the list server listserv@gsb.su.oz.au.

To communicate with the LIMDEP list subscribers, send mail to: limdep-l@gsb.su.oz.au. LIMDEP Questions can be posted to the group.

UITS Consulting Support: Limited Support

Limited consulting support is available from UITS Stat/Math Center for LIMDEP from 9 am to 5 pm (M-F) via phone, email, and for walkins. Appointment is recommended for walkin consulting. UITS Support Center, and STC consultants might answer very basic questions.

Other Consulting Support: Fair

Since UITS is providing only limited support for LIMDEP students using the software as part of their coursework should contact their instructors first for help. Registered LIMDEP users can contact the vendor directly for help. LIMDEP users can always turn to their colleagues who are familiar with the software for help.