ABSTRACT
164Computer software entirely devoted to meta-analysis has increasingly become available, and meta-analytic procedures have also been introduced in general statistical software packages. The public domain software is freely downloadable along with user manual. Majority of software under this category are DOS based and provide basic meta-analytical procedures. The portability of data as well as graphics produced is less flexible with this software. The public domain meta-analysis software is compared based on their utility, suitability, portability, ease in operation, graphical representation of results, and scope for upgradation. The commercial software has to be procured at appropriate cost. The main advantage of this software is that, most of them are Window based and allow easy transfer of data, results, and graphics from one platform to another.
