CONTENTS

Overview

Getting Started

Installing Random Sampler

Starting Random Sampler

Database Files

New Files

Navigating and Editing on the Data Page

Adding and Deleting Columns

Calculating Values Automatically

Recoding Values

Salience Analysis

What is Salience Analysis?

The Salience Analysis Procedure

Effect Size Analysis

What is Effect Size Analysis?

The Effect Size Analysis Procedure

Random Sample Generation

Random Integer Samples

Random Samples From Data

Random Case Samples

Auxilliary Statistical Procedures

Methods Included

Descriptive Statistics

Cross Tabulations

Breakdown

Correlation

Regression

Graphing Functions

Plotting Variable Statistics

Changing Graph Parameters

License, Ordering and Support

Copyright/ License /Warranty

Shareware License

Support and Questions

Ordering Information

ASP Ombudsman


Overview

Random Sampler is a program for conducting Monte Carlo analyses on sample continuous variable data that is subdivided according to a categorical variable.  Some examples are vehicle miles per gallon by manufacturer, time to learn a task by mode of training, frequency of appearance of a given type of artifact by geographic location, and disposition toward some object or behavior according to psychological type.  No assumptions are made about the distribution of scores on the continuous variable: they can be normal, multimodal, skewed, etc.  Two types of analysis are included in this version of Random Sampler: Salience Analysis and Effect Size Analysis.  In Salience Analysis, the empirically obtained values for mean, median, mode and variance for a subgroup are compared with values one obtains by taking a large number of random samples from the total pool of scores.  The probability value obtained indicates the degree to which the empirical sample stands out from the total group.  In Effect Size Analysis, a case is selected randomly from each category of cases. After a large number of such samples are drawn, the probability that a given category is greater than, less than or equal to each other category is computed as are the probabilities of the target category having the highest or lowest score.

In addition to the procedures mentioned above, Random Sampler includes some auxillary procedures that might be useful in order to decide how to carry out the analyses.  These include descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, breakdown, correlation and regression analysis.  Procedures are also included to generate random sets of integers and to take random samples from a set of data in a database with specifiable sample sizes and numbers of samples.  Graphing capabilities are provided for frequencies, means, medians, modes, variances and scatter plots.

Random Sampler will accomodate dBase, Paradox and Ascii files.  A routine is included to easily convert Ascii files to Paradox format.  Data for new cases may be added to database files and data for existing cases may be edited or deleted.  New variables may be added,  and existing variables may be deleted and edited in Random Sampler.  Residuals from regression analysis can be added to the database with a click of the mouse.

Random Sampler is a MDI (Multiple Document Interface) application which means that the user may work with more than one database on the screen at the same time.


Installing Random Sampler

Random Sampler and its installation program are both Windows applications, so Windows must be running in order to install Random Sampler.  The installation program creates directories and copies files from the distribution disk to your hard drive.

To install Random Sampler,

1.  Start Windows if it is not running on your computer.

2.  Insert the Random Sampler distribution disk into your floppy drive.

3.  Use Program Managers File| Run menu command or File Manager to run SETUP.EXE from the distribution disk.  In Windows 95, click Start and then Run...and use the browser to locate SETUP.EXE on your floppy disk.

4.  Follow the instructions presented by the installation program.

The installation program copies files as follows:

rs.exe	to	C:\random (or whatever directory you choose)

rs.ico	to

readme.txt	to

cars.txt	to 	C:\random\data

carstx~1.sch	to

stocks.db	to

talent.dbf	to

bivbx11.dll	to	C:\windows\system

bigauge.vbx	to

chart2fx.vbx	to

rshelp.hlp	to	C:\windows


Starting Random Sampler

1.  In Windows 95, click Start then Programs then the Random Sampler Icon.  In Windows 3.1, double click the Random Sampler Icon in Program Manager.  A information screen appears followed by the main Random Sampler window .

2.  Click the Files menu item or the Open File Icon on the toolbar to reveal an Open File Dialog Box from which you may select a file with which to work.  Files with the .db extension are Paradox files and those with the .dbf extension are dBase files.  Ascii files usually have a .txt extension although they may have some other extension (if so, rename the file using a .txt extension).  Ascii files require a Schema (*.sch) file in order to be converted to Paradox format  so they will work in Random Sampler.  This file is automatically created when you fill out the data definition page of the Convert Ascii Dialog Box.

3.  After a file is selected the screen changes to a tabbed notebook with the Data tab being the active screen.  (It may be necessary to elongate the window for the tabs to appear.)  This shows your database, which can be traversed using the navigation buttons at the top of the grid and the scrollbars.  Data for cases may be added, deleted or edited and whole columns can be added or deleted by clicking the appropriate speed buttons.

To move to another screen, click on the relevant tab on the bottom of the screen.


Database Files

Random Sampler will accomodate Paradox (.db) and dBase (.dbf) file formats.  Ascii  or text files must be converted to Paradox format using the Files|Convert Ascii... command on the main window menu or by clicking on the convert ascii icon on the toolbar.  The Ascii file must be a comma delimited file, i.e. one in which values are separated by a comma and each record must have a carrige return-linefeed marker at the end.  It must be a pure data file, i.e., the first lines must contain data values and not variable names or types.  There should be no spaces before the data, between data entries, or at the end of lines.  Missing data is entered as two commas side by side (no space between them).

When the Convert Ascii command is executed, a multi-page dialog box will appear.  The first page asks for the location and name of the Ascii file to be converted and the name you want to supply for the new Paradox file.  (If it is not the first page, click on the tab to make it first.)

The second page of the dialog box asks you to enter the column number, variable name, variable type, maximum number of digits and decimal places (for numerical data) or maximum number of characters (for categorical data). All numerical variables are treated as type Float.  If you have numerical variables that you want to treat as if they were categorical, define them as type Character.  The data definition information is entered for each column in the upper portion of the dialog page and automatically placed in a grid on the lower part of the page.  To erase a column, set the column indicator spin button to that column and click the erase button.

One must then go to the Schema page of the dialog box and generate the file with the .sch extension which will be used to generate the Paradox file.  If you are satisfied with the layout of the schema file which appears in the memo box, click on  the OK button to create the file.  It will be placed in the working directory.

A common problem in converting files is the absence of carriage return /line feed markers at the end of a line of data.  Use a text editor such as MS Word to reveal the hidden codes in the text and enter them if they are missing.  Check the results of the conversion to make sure that missing values are represented as empty cells in the data matrix.


New Files

New database files may be created in Random Sampler by clicking the File|New... menu item in the main window or by clicking the new file icon on the toolbar.  A two page dialog box will appear with one page devoted to file name and location information and the second page devoted to data definition.

On the first page, supply a name and directory location for the database. A new subdirectory under the current directory (displayed in the file directory box) may be created if one does not exist.

On the second page of the dialog box, for each variable, supply its column number, name, data type, maximum number of digits and number of decimal places (for numerical data) or number of characters (for categorical data).  Data definition information must be supplied for at least one variable.  The results will be automatically telegraphed to the grid on the lower part of the page.  When you are satisfied with the data definition for the new file, click on the OK button to generate the (empty) database.  When the file is loaded into Random Sampler, the data may be added and edited and new variables added or existing ones deleted.


Navigating and Editing on the Data Page

The Data Page of Random Sampler contains controls for navigating the database, and for adding, editing and deleting records.  It also has controls for adding, defining and deleting variables, and for calculating and recoding values .  Navigation controls include those for going to the first record, the prior record, the next record and the last record.  The + button will insert a new case and the - button will delete a case.  The edit button allows you to change values in a record but you also go into edit mode as soon as you enter (click on) a data field and leave edit mode (and post the result) when you tab to another data field.  However, posting and canceling an edit can be accomplished while still in the data field by clicking on the respective buttons.  The Refresh data button repaints the control.


Adding and Deleting Columns

A new column can be added to the database by clicking on the Add column speed button or selecting the Data | Add Column... menu item.  A dialog box will appear asking you to define the column by giving its name, data type, number of digits and decimal places (for numerical data) or number of characters (for categorical data).  Initial values for numerically defined variables are zeros; for categorical data the initial values are the letter z.  These values can be changed by editing using the navigation controls.

An existing column can be deleted by selecting its name in the combo box above the grid and clicking on the Delete column speed button or by selecting the Data | Delete Column... menu item.


Calculating Values Automatically

Values for numerical type variables may be automatically calculated from an equation you can compose.  Click on the calculator Speed Button or click on the Data | Calculate Values... menu item.  A dialog box will appear that is divided into three sections.  The top section contains a combo box by which you select the variable (column) that will receive the results.  The middle section contains a Read Only edit box in which your equation will appear.  The equation is composed using the buttons in the bottom section which will echo to the equation window.  Keys are enabled or disabled depending upon what has been entered before.  You may delete the entries one at a time from the end using the Delete speed button or you may start over completely using the Clear All speed button.  When you are satisfied with the equation, click on the red Check button.  If the number of parentheses balance and you have left no dangling operators at the end of the equation, the OK button will be enabled and the calculations will be done.


Recoding Values

Existing numerical or character values for a variable may be recoded into either numbers or characters automatically.  First create a new variable to catch the results (see above).  Then click on the Recode speed button or on the Data | Recode... menu item.  A dialog box will appear asking you to identify the source variable (the original one that is to be recoded) and the destination variable (the one that will hold the recoded values).  Click the OK button (it is activated only after you have filled in both variable names) and a new dialog box will appear.  At the top are the names and data types of the two variables.  At the bottom is a two column grid with all of the alternative values of the source variable in the left column.  Fill in the values of the new variable with which you want to replace the old values in the right-hand column.  If you are converting to a numerical value and you enter a letter instead, an error message box will appear.  If you are converting to a categorical data type, any numbers entered will be treated as if they were character strings.  When you are finished entering the replacement values, click on the red Check button and the entries will be scanned to see if any cells are empty.  If not, the OK button will be enabled and the new values will be entered into the database.


What is Salience Analysis ?

SALIENCE ANALYSIS evaluates the value of a mean, variance, median and mode for a variable obtained for a particular subgroup (determined by status on some other variable) by taking random samples from the total set of scores and computing the mean, variance, median and mode for each sample.  Each random sample is without replacement, i.e., a given case may appear only once in a particular sample.  The size of the sample is determined by the size of the subgroup, e.g., if the subgroup contains 20 cases, each sample will contain 20 cases.  The percentage of means, variances, medians and modes in the distribution of random samples which fall above and below the mean, variance, median and mode of the subgroup indicate the probability of obtaining those particular results by chance.  That is, they represent significance levels.  Thus, if only 4% of the values for means obtained in the random samples exceed the value of the subgroup mean, then p = .04.  The results are independent of the particular form of the distribution.


The Salience Analysis Procedure
The SALIENCE ANALYSIS Procedure:

1.  On the Salience page, first choose the dependent variable. Place the cursor on the arrow box next to the Dependent Variable Combo Box, click the left mouse button, and you will be presented with a list of all the numerical variables in the database.  Select the name of the desired variable by moving the cursor to it and clicking the left mouse button.

2.  Choose the independent variable.  Click the arrow box next to the Independent Variable Combo Box to reveal all of the categorical variables in the database. Select the name of the desired variable by moving the cursor to it and clicking the left mouse button

3.  Choose the value of the independent variable (the Target Alternative) that you want to evaluate.  Click the arrow box next to the Target Alternative Combo Box to see a list of all the alternative values of the independent variable. Select the name of the desired alternative by moving the cursor to it and clicking the left mouse button.

4.  Select the number of random samples you desire (in increments of 100) by clicking the up-arrow or down arrow box next to the sample counter window.

5.  The Intervals box refers to the number of intervals between minimum and maximum values and is used in calculating the median and mode.  The default value is 20.

6.  Click the Calculate button to start the procedure.

7.  A percentage completion bar indicates the progress of the analysis.

8.  When the calculations are complete, the results are written in the grid on the lower left and a graph of the results is shown on the right side of the screen.  The graph size may be changed (within the limits of its container) by dragging and dropping when the cursor changes to a double headed arrow.

9.  To print the results table, click on the Print Speedbutton.  One or more print preview screens will appear.  Click Print to print the page or Cancel to skip that page. To clear the results table, click on the Clear Speedbutton.

10.  The appearance of the graph of the results may be altered using the tools on the three toolbars.  The graph may be printed or a snapshot of it can be moved to the clipboard.  See Changing Graph Parameters.


What is Effect Size Analysis?

EFFECT SIZE computes probabilities that a member of one group will be greater than, equal to, and less than each other group; it also computes the probability that a member of one group will be higher than, or lower than, all other groups.

What the procedure does is to randomly select a case from each group to obtain one sample.  The members of the sample are compared with each other in pairwise fashion to determine their relationship (>,=,<) and the member that is highest and the member that is lowest are identified.  A specified number of samples are taken and the proportion of them in which the scores of members of one group exceed the scores of members of each other group are tallied.  Similarly, the proportion that have scores which are equal to those of the other group or that are less than the other group are tallied.  Results are presented in a table comparing the target group to all remaining groups.

The proportion of the time that a specified group is highest or lowest of all groups is written out and the gain or loss over expected probility values (assuming each group has an equal chance of being highest or lowest) is then computed.  The percent of the POSSIBLE gain or loss in probability that these values represent is also computed.  That is, if one has five groups one would expect a probability of .20 for each group if they had equal chances of being highest or lowest.  If the obtained probability for a group was .50, there would be a .30 increase in probability associated with that group and this would represent .30/.80 * 100 = 37.5% of the maximum probability it would be possible to obtain.  If the obtained probability were .10 there would be a loss of probability associated with the group in question.  Since it is only possible to lose .20 probability with 5 groups (all values fall between zero and 100), this represents a 50% reduction of the POSSIBLE loss in probability.


The Effect Size Procedure
The EFFECT SIZE Procedure:

1.  On the Effect page, choose the dependent variable. Place the cursor on the arrow box next to the Dependent Variable Combo Box, click the left mouse button, and you will be presented with a list of all the numerical variables in the database.  Select the name of the desired variable by moving the cursor to it and clicking the left mouse button.

2.  Choose the independent variable.  Click the arrow box next to the Independent Variable Combo Box to reveal all of the categorical variables in the database. Select the name of the desired variable by moving the cursor to it and clicking the left mouse button

3.  Choose the value of the independent variable (the Target Alternative) that you want to evaluate.  Click the arrow box next to the Target Alternative Combo Box to see a list of all the alternative values of the independent variable. Select the name of the desired alternative by moving the cursor to it and clicking the left mouse button.

4.  Choose the values of the Independent Variable that you want to compare with the Target Alternative.  Highlight the first value and then, holding down the Shift key, select the last value in a series; or use the Control key and the cursor to select non-sequential items.

5.  Select the number of random samples you desire (in increments of 100) by clicking the up-arrow or down-arrow boxes next to the sample counter window.

6.  The program will calculate probability values for each group compared to the Target group as well as the probability of  the Target being highest or lowest of all groups and the percentage of possible gain or loss in probability this represents.

7.  A percentage completion bar indicates the progress of the analysis.

8.  When the calculations are complete, results are written to the grid window and the six smaller windows below it. To print the results, click on the Print Speedbutton. One or more print preview screens will appear.  Click Print to print the page or Cancel to skip that page.  To clear the results, click on the Clear Speedbutton.


Random Integer Sample Generator

The random sample generator will create any number of random samples of integers, of any size you specify, from a total population size that you determine. Specify each of these three parameters in the appropriate spin edit boxes and click the compute icon.  Each sample is listed in the memo window as a set of numbers, separated by commas.  To print the results, click on the printer icon. One or more print preview screens will appear.  Click Print to print the page or Cancel to skip that page.  To save the results to an Ascii file, click on the floppy disk icon.  Clear the results and specifications by clicking on the eraser icon.


Random Data Samples

For any database variable, you may take any number of random samples of a size you determine.  Select the variable from the Variable Combo Box, specify the size of the samples and number of samples in the corresponding spin edit boxes, and click the compute icon to generate the samples in the memo window. To print the results, click on the printer icon. One or more print preview screens will appear.  Click Print to print the page or Cancel to skip that page.  To save the results to an Ascii file, click on the floppy disk icon.  Clear the results and specifications by clicking on the eraser icon.


Random Case Samples

You may select all of the data associated with randomly drawn case samples.  Sample size may be set to any value less than the total number of cases and any number of samples may be drawn from the array of cases.  Specify the size of the samples and number of samples in the corresponding spin edit boxes, and click the compute icon to generate the samples in the memo window. To print the results, click on the printer icon. One or more print preview screens will appear.  Click Print to print the page or Cancel to skip that page.  To save the results to an Ascii file, click on the floppy disk icon.  Clear the results and specifications by clicking on the eraser icon.


Methods Included

Descriptive Statistics

 Descriptive statistics for continuous variables can be calculated on the Descriptive page.  The values calculated include the number of cases, mean, median, mode, variance, standard deviation, standard error, skewness, kurtosis, largest value, smallest value and range.

Cross Tabulations

From two to four variables may be cross-tabulated on the Cross Tabs page.  This procedure provides frequencies of co-ocurrances of each level of each variable with each level of the other variables, i.e., the frequency of each pattern of response is presented.

Breakdown

On the Breakdown page, one may compute descriptive statistics on one continuous variable for different levels (values) of another variable (either categorical or continuous treated as if it were categorical).  The same statistics are calculated as on the Descriptive page but broken down for levels of the categorical variable.

Correlations

A matrix of Pearson product-moment intercorrelations of  each continuous variable with every other continuous variable may be generated on the Correlations page.

Regression Analysis

The relationship between a dependent or criterion variable and one or more independent or predictor variables may be analysed on the Regression page.  It computes both standardized (Beta) and unstandardized (b) regression weights, the correlation (r) of each predictor variable with the criterion variable, the correlation of each predictor with the total set of predictors, the multiple correlation and squared multiple correlation (both adjusted and not adjusted) and the F value and significance level for the set of predictors.  Residualized scores  may be calculated  and saved to the database. Regression may be used to statistically eliminate the linear effects of one or more variables on another prior to doing Salience Analysis or Effect Size Analysis.


The Descriptive Procedure
The DESCRIPTIVE Procedure:

1.  Select the variables to be described.  The program will present a list of all numerical variables in the database.  Select those you want to describe by moving the cursor to the desired selection and pressing the left mouse button.The selection will be highlighted.  Select more than one contiguous variables by using the Shift key; select more than one non-contguous variables using the Ctrl key.  Set the Intervals value to control the number of intervals used between minimum and maximum values when calculating medians and modes.  The default value is 20.  When all selections have been made, click on the calculate icon to begin the calculations.

2.  Results are presented in the grid with variables as the columns and descriptive statistics as the rows.  Use the scroll bars to reveal additional variables or statistics.

3.  Click on the printer icon to have the results printed out.  One or more print preview screens will appear.  Click Print to print the page or Cancel to skip that page.  Click on the eraser icon to clear the display and selections.


The Crosstabs Procedure
The CROSSTABS Procedure:

1.  The program allows for crosstabulation on up to four variables.  Select the first pair of variables using the two topmost combo boxes.  One or two additional variables may be 	added to the crosstabulation with one or both of the two bottommost combo boxes.  In this procedure, all variables are considered as if they were categorical variables so even co-occurances of numerical values may be identified.

2.  Click the left mouse button while the cursor is on the calculate icon.  The results are displayed in the grid with the variable values listed in the column or row headers corresponding to the combo box labels.  Cell entries are frequencies of co-occurance of the specified values of the variables.  Use the scrollbars to reveal any additional columns or rows.

3.  Click on the printer icon to have the results printed out.  One or more print preview screens will appear.  Click Print to print the page or Cancel to skip that page.  Click on the eraser icon to clear the display and selections.


The Breakdown Procedure
The BREAKDOWN Procedure:

1.  The top combo box contains a list of all the continuous (numerical) variables in the database.  Select the one you want to describe by moving the cursor to the desired selection and clicking the left mouse button.

2.  The bottom combo box will contain a list of all the categorical variables in the database.  Select the one you want to use to subdivide the scores on the continuous variable selected in the upper combo box.

3.  Click on the calculate  button to start the procedure.  The statistics for each level of the categorical variable will be presented in the grid with values of the categorical variable represented in the column headings and descriptive statistics represented in the rows.   Use the scrollbars to reveal any additional columns and rows.

4.  Click on the printer icon to have the results printed out.  One or more print preview screens will appear.  Click Print to print the page or Cancel to skip that page.  Click on the eraser icon to clear the display and selections.


The Correlation Procedure
The CORRELATION Procedure:

1.  Select the variables to be described.  The list box on the left of the screen will present a,list of all numerical variables in the database.  Select those you want to correlate by moving the cursor to the desired selection and pressing the left mouse button.  The selection will be highlighted.  Select more than one contiguous variables by using the Shift key; select more than one non-contguous variables using the Ctrl key.  When all selections have been made, click on the calculate icon to begin the calculations.

2.  Results are presented on the screen in the form of a triangular matrix of intercorrelations of each variable with every other variable in the portion of the grid above the diagonal.  The significance levels and Ns upon which the correlation is based are in the lower triangle of the grid.  Use the scrollbars, if necessary, to reveal any additional columns or rows.  The columns can be resized by holding down the left mouse button while the cursor is on the border between two column headings (the cursor will change shape) and dragging the border.

3.  Click on the printer icon to have the results printed out. One or more print preview screens will appear.  Click Print to print the page or Cancel to skip that page.  Click on the eraser icon to clear the display and selections.


The Regression Procedure
The REGRESSION Procedure:

1.  Choose the dependent variable from the list of all numerical type variables in the combo box at the top-left of the screen.

2.  Select the independent variables. The list box on the left of the screen will present a list of all the remaining numerical variables in the database.  Select those you want to include in the regression analysis by moving the cursor to the desired selection and pressing the left mouse button.  The selection will be highlighted.  Select more than one contiguous variables by using the Shift key; select more than one non-contguous variables using the Ctrl key.  When all selections have been made, click on the calculate icon to begin the calculations.

3.  Results will be presented in the grid window that may be scrolled using the scrollbars.  The five smaller windows below the grid show the Y-intercept value or constant in the regression equation, the value of the multiple correlations coefficient, the proportion of variance in the dependent variable accounted for by the independent variables (Rsq), the value of the overall F-test for the regression equation, and the significance level of the F value.  If there is a problem in the data (such as multicolinearity), these small windows may be empty.

4.  Click on the printer icon to have the results printed out. One or more print preview screens will appear.  Click Print to print the page or Cancel to skip that page.  Click on the eraser icon to clear the display and selections.  Click on the save residuals icon to calculate and save the residual score values to the database in a new variable designated by the concantanation of R_ with the dependent variable name, i.e., R_<variable name>.


Plotting Variable Statistics

Random Sampler allows for automatic plotting of a variety of statistics for continuous (numerical) variables broken down by a categorical variable; for histograms of both continuous and categorical variables; and for scatter plots of two continuous variables.  To generate the plot, select the graphing function from the Graph | ... menu item or select the appropriate speed button on the left side of the screen.

For statistics, a dialog box will appear requesting that you specify all continuous variables you want to plot and the categorical variable by which you would like them broken down.  Just move the variable names from the left list box to the right list box by selecting them and clicking on the arrow buttons inbetween the boxes.  Click on OK and the results will appear.

For histograms, click on the freq speed button or select the Graph | Frequencies... menu item.  A dialog box with a combo box containing all the variables in the database will appear.  Select the variable for which you want a histogram and click on the OK button.  For continuous data, set the number of intervals to be used.

For X-Y scatter plots, click on the xy scat speed button or select the Graph | X-Y Scatter plot... item from the menu.  You will be presented with two combo boxes containing all of the continuous (numerical) variables in the database.  Select the one you want plotted against the X-axis and the one you want plotted against the Y-axis.  Click on the OK button and the results will appear.


Changing Graph Parameters

A number of controls at the top of the graph page and the salience page allow for changing the appearance of the plotted results.  The color bar and pattern bar can be used to change the color or pattern of the bars, lines or points in the graph as well as its background.  Simply click on the desired color or pattern, hold the left mouse button down while dragging the paint can cursor to the element you want to change.  Release the mouse button and the element will appear in the new color or pattern.

The graph may be resized within the limits of the containing window by placing the mouse cursor on the border of the graph where it becomes a double-headed arrow, and then clicking and dragging the border to the desired location.

The graph itself can be changed from bar to line, smoothed line or point by clicking the icons on the toolbar which represent those alternatives.

The graph may be changed from 3D to 2D by clicking on the 3D button and greater depth for the background can be obtained by clicking on the button containing the cube and arrow.

Horizontal and vertical grid lines may be toggeled off and on by clicking on the buttons representing those aspects of the image.

Clicking on the button with the dog-eared pagewill toggle the appearance of a legend on the right side of the screen.

Titles may be edited by clicking on the button containing the letters a.b. and fonts and their colors may be changed by clicking on the button having the large A with a palette in the background.

The hammer button, when clicked, reveals a dialog box which allows you to control the appearance of the legend, the palette and pattern bars and provides access to a data editor.

The magnifying glass button allows change of some of the view options.

The camera button will send a copy of the graph to the Windows Clipboard when you click it and from there it may be used in other programs or saved as a bitmap.

The sissors button will send a copy of the data used to generate the graph to the Windows Clipboard.


Copyright / License / Warranty

Random Sampler Copyright © 1996 by Gerald D. Otis.  All rights reserved.

License Agreement

You should carefully read the following terms and conditions before using this software.  Unless you have a different license agreement signed by Gerald D. Otis your use of this software indicates your acceptance of this license agreement and warranty.  For information on distributing the shareware evaluation version of Random Sampler see the section titled Shareware License.

Registered Version

One registered copy of Random Sampler may either be used by a single person who uses the software personally on one or more computers, or installed on a single workstation used nonsimultaneously by multiple people, but not both.

You may access the registered version of Random Sampler through a network, provided that you have obtained individual licenses for the software covering all workstations that will access the software through the network.  For example, if 5 different workstations will access Random Sampler on the network, each workstation must have its own Random Sampler license, regardless of whether they use Random Sampler at different times or concurrently.

Governing Law

This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Oregon.

Disclaimer of Warranty

THIS SOFTWARE AND THE ACCOMPANYING FILES ARE SOLD "AS IS" AND WITHOUT WARRANTIES AS TO PERFORMANCE OF MERCHANTABILITY OR ANY OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED.

Because of the various hardware and software environments into which Random Sampler may be put, NO WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE IS OFFERED.

Any program should be thoroughly tested with non-critical data before relying on it.  The user must assume the entire risk of using the program.  ANY LIABILITY OF THE SELLER WILL BE LIMITED EXCLUSIVELY TO PRODUCT REPLACEMENT OR REFUND OF PURCHASE PRICE.


Shareware License

CONDITIONS OF USE

Random Sampler is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge to the user for evaluation.  Feel free to share it with your friends, but please do not give it away altered or as part of another system.  The essence of "user-supported" software is to provide personal computer users with quality software without high prices, and yet to provide incentive for programmers to continue to develop new products.  If you find this program useful and find that you are using Random Sampler and continue to use Random Sampler after a reasonable trial period, you must make a registration payment of $30 to Gerald D. Otis at 2632 Wilkshire Dr., Medford, OR 97504.  The $30 registration fee will license one copy for use on any one computer at any one time.  You must treat this software just like a book.  An example is that this software may be used by any number of people and may be freely moved from one computer location to another, so long as there is no possibility of it being used at one location while it's being used at another. Just as a book cannot be read by two different persons at the same time.

Commercial users of Random Sampler must register and pay for their copies of Random Sampler within 30 days of first use or their license is withdrawn.  Site-License arrangements may be made by contacting Gerald D. Otis.

Anyone distributing Random Sampler for any kind of remuneration must first contact Gerald D. Otis at 2632 Wilkshire Dr., Medford, OR 97504 for authorization. This authorization will be automatically granted to distributors recognized by the (ASP) as adhering to its guidelines for shareware distributors, and such distributors may begin offering Random Sampler immediately (However Gerald D. Otis must still be advised so that the distributor can be kept up-to-date with the latest version of Random Sampler.).

You are encouraged to pass a copy of Random Sampler along to your friends for evaluation.  Please encourage them to register their copy if they find that they can use it.  All registered users will receive a copy of the latest version of the Random Sampler system.


Support and Questions

Technical support is available at no charge by sending electronic mail to 102571,3351@compuserve.com on the Internet, to 102571,3351on CompuServe, or by sending postal mail to Gerald D. Otis, 2632 Wilkshire Dr., Medford, OR 97504.

How to Report Problems

When reporting problems, please include the following information:

1)  Is the problem reproducible?  If so, how?

2)  What version of Windows are you running?  For example, Windows 95, Windows 3.1, Windows for Workgroups, Windows NT, etc.

3)  What version of Random Sampler are you running?  Select About Random Sampler from the Random Sampler Help pull-down menu.

Please include the entire "version" line in your problem report.

4)  If a dialog box with an error message was displayed, please include the full text of the dialog box, including the text in the title bar.

5)  If the problem involves an external program, what version of the failing program are you using?

Thank you!.


Ordering Information

Random Sampler 1.5

All orders are subject to the Random Sampler License Agreement.

Order Form

Ordering by check

Credit Card Ordering

Compuserve Registration

Purchase Orders

Outside the U.S.

Site licenses


Order Form

Random Sampler version 1.5

All orders are subject to the Random Sampler License Agreement.

Random Sampler is shipped on 3.5 inch disks only.  Prices include shipping by postal mail (airmail outside USA).  Prices guaranteed through July, 1997.

Random Sampler Single Copy            copies at $30 each = ________

Random Sampler Site License

                   2 to   9 computers:      computers at $22 each = ________

                10 to  24 computers:      computers at $17 each = ________

                25 to  49 computers:      computers at $14 each = ________

                50 to  99 computers:      computers at $10 each = ________

              100 to 199 computers:      computers at $7  each = ________

                                                                    Total payment     ________

Method of Payment: Check [ ]   Money Order [ ]   Credit Card [ ]   Purchase Order [ ]   Other [ ]

Name: _________________________________Date: _____________

Company:_________________________________________________

Address:__________________________________________________

              __________________________________________________

City, State, Zip:_____________________________________________

Country:__________________________________________________

Day Phone:____________________________Eve: __________________

Electronic Mail address: _______________________________________

How did you hear about Random Sampler?_________________________

Comments:_______________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


Ordering By Check

To order by check send this order form and a check to Gerald D. Otis, 2632 Wilkshire Dr., Medford, OR 97504.  To print this order form, click on Print Topic in the File pull-down menu.  Payment must be in US dollars drawn on a US bank, or you can send international postal money orders in US dollars.


Credit Card Ordering

MasterCard, Visa and Discover credit card orders will be accepted by phone or mail.

For phone orders, call (541) 770-2904

Credit card orders can be mailed to Gerald D. Otis, 2632 Wilkshire Dr., Medford, OR 97504 USA.

The following information is needed for credit card orders:

Credit Card [ ] MasterCard [ ] VISA [ ] Discover

Credit Card Number: _________________________________

Expiration Date: _____________________________________

Name On Card:______________________________________

Billing Address:______________________________________

                         ______________________________________

                         ______________________________________

Any questions about the status of the shipment of an order, refunds, registration options, product details, technical support, volume discounts, dealer pricing, site licenses, etc., must be directed to Gerald D. Otis, 2632 Wilkshire Dr. or by email to 102571,3351 on CompuServe or 102571,3351@compuserve.com on Internet.


CompuServe Registration

To have the registration fee added to your CompuServe bill use the CompuServe command GO SWREG and follow the menus.  Random Sampler's registration id is 13258.


Purchase Orders

Purchase orders (net 30 days) are accepted only from government and accredited educational institutions and major corporations, provided that they are submitted on purchase order forms with a purchase order number.  Please be sure to include the standard Random Sampler order form with a purchase order.  Due to the extra work involved in processing purchase orders you are encouraged to use a credit card, CompuServe's SWREG registration service, petty cash, or an expense account when possible for small orders.


Ordering options outside the USA and Canada

In addition to the aforementioned registration options you can contact the following distributors for local registration and support.  Dealer prices may vary.

[Not supported at this time.]

If you purchase Random Sampler directly from Gerald D. Otis. as described above be sure to contact Gerald D. Otis. for support, not your local reseller.


Site licenses

A site license for Random Sampler entitles an organization to receive one copy of the distribution package and duplicate the distribution disks for the specified number of copies.


ASP Ombudsman

This program is produced by a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442-9427 USA, FAX 616-788-2765 or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.