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 What is ASTEROID and what does it do?
Why would I want to use ASTEROID?
What kinds of data can ASTEROID handle?
Can I use ASTEROID with surveys not conducted by Roy Morgan Research?
How big a dataset can it handle?
Will ASTEROID run under Windows Vista?
Will ASTEROID run on a Macintosh?
Is ASTEROID easy to use?
What do I do if I need help?
Can ASTEROID be networked?
Are there restrictions on the number of users? Is there a license fee?
How much disk space does ASTEROID take up on my PC?
How do I access the ASTEROID software?
Are there upgrades available?
How do I check to see which version of ASTEROID I am using?
What are the minimum specifications my PC needs to run ASTEROID?
Can I export the output ASTEROID produces into other software packages?
Is a demonstration available?
Can I get training on how to use ASTEROID?
What new features have been added recently?
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Q: |
What is ASTEROID, and what does it do? |
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A: |
ASTEROID is a software system which allows you to analyse consumer survey data (and some similar kinds of data) interactively. It is very flexible, very easy to use and very, very fast. |
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Why would I want to use ASTEROID? |
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A: |
If you handle large amounts of consumer survey data, ASTEROID helps you use it more productively. It does away with a thick hard-copy tabular report (much of which you may never need, and which often does not contain the analysis you find you really want) and allows you to produce the analyses you really need, when you need them, in seconds. |
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What kinds of data can ASTEROID handle? |
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ASTEROID is primarily designed for consumer surveys. It uses unit record data, not aggregated figures and thus preserves the full detail of the data collected. The data is transformed into a unique database format which provides very high speed access, coupled with efficient compression and almost total flexibility of analysis. This means that very large data sets can be used.
ASTEROID can also handle similar databases (e.g. Human Resources databases) where the intention is to provide statistical summaries rather than to access or update individual records.
It is not designed to process text or accounting databases |
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Can I use ASTEROID with surveys not conducted by Roy Morgan Research? |
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A: |
An ASTEROID database has to be created, either by Roy Morgan Research or by a licensed service provider. Roy Morgan Research has a separate Services Division which does this for a number of outside organisations without compromising confidentiality.
If you are a very heavy user of survey data, or you conduct your own surveys extensively, you may wish to consider becoming a licensed service provider. Talk to us. |
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How big a dataset can it handle? |
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How big is your disk? Yes, there are limits, but they are unlikely to be a problem for anyone, and if they ever are, we'll increase them. |
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Will ASTEROID run under Windows Vista? |
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ASTEROID runs on most PC based operating systems including
Windows 98, Me, NT4, 2000, XP and Vista.
ASTEROID is also available for older PC operating systems (MS-DOS, Windows 3.1x, Windows 95) and DEC/Compaq/HP OpenVMS platforms on request. |
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Will ASTEROID run on a Macintosh? |
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ASTEROID will run on a Macintosh equipped with PC emulation hardware or software running a supported version of Windows. Talk to your Mac supplier about the range of options available for running Windows. For current Intel-based Macs, see www.parallels.com/en/products/desktop. |
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Is ASTEROID easy to use? |
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Very. ASTEROID has the standard Windows 'look-and-feel' and operation is consistent across all facets of the software. The data menus store the information in an organised, logical fashion. Together with the inbuilt search capabilities, this means that you can find what you are looking for in a matter of seconds. |
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What do I do if I need help? |
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ASTEROID has a comprehensive on-line Help manual with full searching capabilities. A hard-copy manual is also available.
For registered users of ASTEROID, there is a Help Desk available during business hours which can be contacted via telephone or fax or alternatively submit you question using our online support. |
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Can ASTEROID be networked? |
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Yes. A master copy of the ASTEROID software can be loaded onto a network server and deployed to any number of workstations.
Instructions are provided for deploying ASTEROID using Scripting or Windows Active Directory Group Policy. |
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Q: |
Are there restrictions on the number of users? Is there a license fee? |
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A: |
ASTEROID uses a unique database design which can be produced only by Roy Morgan Research or by an authorised agent. The fee for producing the database includes an unlimited-use license: there is no more to pay. Provision of an ASTEROID database includes free unlimited use of the software. You may make copies of programs and documentation for use within your organisation. A networked database may be accessed by any number of users simultaneously. |
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How much disk space does ASTEROID take up on my PC? |
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The ASTEROID software takes up less than 25 MB of disk space.
Space is also required for any databases you may have. How much depends on the individual database, but an ASTEROID database is usually a lot smaller than the data file it was created from. |
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How do I access the ASTEROID software? |
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ASTEROID is distributed with the databases. It can also be distributed separately on CD-ROM or updates can be downloaded here. Do not download the software unless you already have an ASTEROID database. |
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Are there upgrades available? |
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Roy Morgan Research are continuously updating and improving the ASTEROID software. Many improvements and new features have resulted from recommendations or suggestions from our clients.
Major upgrades of the software will be released frequently and minor updates or 'patches' will be available between major releases. These updates will be available for download via the Internet. |
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How do I check to see which version of ASTEROID I am using |
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Go to the 'Help' pull-down menu (not the toolbar button) and select 'About ASTEROID'. The current version is Version 4.5.04.590. |
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What are the minimum specifications my PC needs to run ASTEROID? |
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ASTEROID will run on any IBM compatible PC which is a Pentium or better. The minimum memory required is the minimum recommended by Microsoft for your operating system. |
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Can I export the output ASTEROID produces into other software packages? |
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Report results produced by ASTEROID can be used in other software packages by simply copying and pasting. Results can be copied into spreadsheets or saved in Excel XLS format for further analysis. Industry standard 'comma-separated-value' files are also generated. |
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Is a demonstration available? |
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An online demonstration of ASTEROID is available. The demonstration shows the basic features of ASTEROID and how to use them. |
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Can I get training on how to use ASTEROID? |
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If you are familiar with survey data and know how to read conventional survey tabulations, you will need very little training to use ASTEROID. The online demonstration is an excellent starting point and the comprehensive online manual outlines how to use all components of the software. Your database provider will normally arrange any further training needed. |
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What new features have been added recently? |
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See the What's New page for the latest enhancements. |
