PSPP is GNU software.You can obtain it the same way as with any GNU software. PSPP should work on most modern computers and most operating systems. Systems which have been known to work include: GNU/Hurd, GNU/Linux, Darwin (Mac OS X), OpenBSD, NetBSD, FreeBSD, and Windows. These are development versions, build from daily snapshots which are not fully tested. If you encounter a problem or have suggestions for improvement please report it in pspp-users@gnu.org. Don't forget to check the pspp-users list for answers. See known issues: PSPP-bugs.
PSPP is an open source program, the free alternative for IBM SPSS Statistics program. Both versions are very powerful tools for a statistician and can be used via graphical interface or via the command line, using almost the same syntax.
The problem is that IBM SPSS Statistics costs more than $1,000 (approximately €923). It has a lot of pricing models.
So, if you want to try out the free version, PSPP, you have a problem: there is no binary, there’s only the program source code. You could try to compile the program, but it might turn out to be an impossible task, with an infinity of dependencies that have to be installed, each requiring another dependency.
The good news is there is a simpler way, one that is easy to access by the average user and that implies using Macports.
Step-by-step installation
The entire process takes about an hour, depending on your internet connection. You will now understand why the direct compilation of the program is almost impossible.
Follow these steps and be careful not to skip any of them; otherwise, the whole process might be compromised. Get to the next step only after you’ve finished with the current one.
1. Download and install Macports from the official site and make sure you select your installed Mac OS version (packages are available all the way back to OS X 10.4 Tiger).
2. Download and install Xcode, Apple's own development environment. Note that for beta versions you will need to be registered as an Apple developer and have your Apple ID ready.
3. Install 'Command line developer tools'. For this you need to go to Terminal (after the install process of Xcode is complete) and enter this command:
xcode-select --install
4. Download and install Java JDK; you will need to create a free Oracle account to be able to perform this task.5. Download and install XQuartz and restart your Macto conclude the prerequisites portion of this guide.
6. Finally, install PSPP by using these commands in the Terminal app. The process will take about an hour, so go get yourself a cup of coffee.
sudo port selfupdate
sudo port install psppIn order to use PSPP from the command line, you need to type this command in Terminal:pspp
If you wish to open up the graphical interface, use this command in Terminal:How To Install Pspp On Mac
sudo psppire