When reading documents, books and web pages describing SPSS Statistics/ (including these learning modules), you should be aware that the software is continuously developed and enhanced; new versions are published frequently. Although most functions are the same, unaware users might get confused by changes in the visual appearance of the software (modified menus, different options, icons, colours and so on).

As SPSS has been around since 1964, many documents (books, websites etc) you will find, do not refer to the most recent version, and show screen-shots that are not identical to what you might see on your screen. Usually the differences are minor.

• Some menu items may be missing in a particular SPSS version, named somewhat differently, or placed elsewhere. For instance with version 15, the menu has been completely reorganized, most of the older menu items are now found in the sub-menu. Icons and tools may also change over time.
• Occasionally new options are added to procedures, or options and menu items may only be present if a particular add-on module is installed.
• The general "look and feel" of dialog boxes, windows, etc may appear differently depending on the SPSS version, but also for other reasons, namely:
  • Different operating system or different versions of operating systems and with higher or lower screen resolutions, as well as with preferences set on the computer you are using.
  • User defined settings: SPSS has its own "Look and Feel" that can be modified; what you see on the screen, may be different, because SPSS has been set up differently ; in addition several user definable SPSS options affect dialog boxes and output style.
  • Menus and toolbars (buttons can be small or large) can be customized and many menu items may be added by so-called programmability extensions (these extensions usually show a icon.
  • This website and many documents will use the English language version of SPSS; other languages are available and by the user (if the various language options have been installed on your computer).

Name change: With release 17.0.2 (Spring 2009), SPSS Statistics was renamed PASW Statistics. In 2010 SPSS Inc. was acquired by IBM and the product re-renamed again and is now officially labelled IBM SPSS Statistics. With version 19 the name PASW Statistics has disappeared. Of course some papers, published books and web-pages using the PASW Statistics name will be around for some time, so just remember PASW Statistics, SPSS Statistics and IBM SPSS Statistics refer to the same product.

Versions 17.0.2 to 18.0.2 carry the PASW Statistics name (screens, messages, documentation).

The documents on this learning site use "SPSS Statistics" or "SPSS" for short, although you may occasionally come across a screenshot still carrying a PASW header.

There are now two different ways of using/selling SPSS.

• Traditional licence with new versions nearly every year (SPSS, 23, 25, 25... 28 (2021)
• Like with many other companies there is also a subscription model for software distribution and licensing; this version is regularly updated through the Internet, as long as you are a subscriber. [IBM does not really promote this version to academic institutions]