ABSTRACT
During the past few years a tremendous amount of computer software has been developed to support statistical computing requirements. One significant feature of the software which has evolved over the years is its ever-improving quality in terms of capability, efficiency, and reliability. Much of this improvement can be traced to the development of better numerical methods, algorithms, and programming techniques along with an awareness of the characteristics of computer floating-point arithmetic. The chapter also provides an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book. The book presents selected computational methods, algorithms, and other subject matter which is important to the effective use of the given methods and algorithms in the computer. It is designed for use by readers who have background in statistics equivalent to undergraduate training in statistical methods and theory; mathematical training in elementary calculus, matrix algebra, and numerical analysis; and a familiarity with the FORTRAN computer-programming language.
