The authors describe the EPI INFO system suitable for introducing on a personal computer, compatible with the standard IBM XT/AT. The system was elaborated by a group of workers from Centres of Disease Control in Alabama in 1988. The advantage of the system is in addition to ready availability (it is distributed on a non-commercial basis), in particular because it combines the advantages of the data base and statistical programme system. It makes it possible storage of data, their easy processing by classification and tabulation, evaluation by some statistical (parametric and non-parametric) tests and simple graphical presentation of results, e.g. in histograms or figures using columns. Moreover, it is possible to make in the EPI INFO system further modifications of the stored data and to combine groups of similar or different format. The system does not only create its own external data groups but makes also possible their conversion into other systems and conversely is able to create from external groups of data its own groups of data.

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