For several Statistics modules, you will need access to the R programming language and an integrated development environment (IDE) for creating R programs (just as for other modules you will need access to the Python programming language and an IDE for creating Python programs). The best IDE for R, and the one you will use at Durham, is called RStudio.
You can access these applications from a University computer directly, by installing a local copy of the programs on your own computer, or using the University’s AppsAnywhere to access University software without installing it yourself.
Please read the instruction below to explain how to access these programs depending on the method you choose.
You’ll find RStudio in the AppHub on all University computers. Open the AppHub (the purple university logo), and look for it in the list of applications or use the search box to filter the available apps.
If multiple different versions of RStudio are available, it doesn’t really matter which you choose (go for the most recent, just in case).
Note: It may take a little time for the application to load for the first time (anywhere from a few seconds, up to several minutes).
You may also need access to the durham R library, which
contains many data sets used in our modules. If you’re on a University
computer, then the package should be installed on the network but you
need to complete the following steps to make sure you can access it:
Note: You will only need to do this once, and you will not need to do this if you are running R on your own computer.
Access to the online university software is via AppsAnywhere. For more info about the AppsAnywhere environment visit:
In general, we would recommend either using a University computer to access the programs directly or making a local installation on your own computer will work better and faster. Local installations also work in the absence of an internet connection, so we advise you to install them even if you plan to use AppsAnywhere as your first choice.
To launch AppsAnywhere, go to
This will direct you to a window asking you to enter your CIS username and password. Do this and then click the sign-in button below. You will be then directed to a new window where in the main area you will see several thumbnails, each of them corresponding to a different app.
To launch Rstudio:
In this section, we explain how to install:
R: a programming language particularly adapted to statistical analysis;
RStudio: an IDE that facilitates the creation, debugging, and running of R programs;
Please note that these instructions are provided for guidance only. We are not responsible for any issues that may arise due to the installation; if you have questions, please ask.
Most of the time, you will need to work in the RStudio environment, while in the background RStudio will run your code in R.
R is a programming language suitable for statistical computing and graphics. Almost all modern statistics requires the use of computers in order to perform statistical procedures that cannot practically be performed by hand.
RStudio can be accessed from the links below. We will use the Free version of RStudio Desktop.
You may also check out this video:
For computer practicals on Statistics courses, you may need data sets
and libraries from the R package called durham. The easiest
way to download the package to your own computer is by making use of the
remotes R package. Run the following commands in the
RStudio console:
install.packages( "remotes")
remotes::install_github( "louisaslett/durham-Rpkg")If you get an error, or would like further information look here: