Forecast vs. Predict - what's the difference?

We get ask this frequently.

Fortunately, the team at PowerPivotPro has provided a nice write-up. So, rather than re-create the wheel, here it is:

The Difference Between Forecasting & Predictive Analytics

Test to see if your email account has been Breached

Use this site to see if your email has been breached:

haveibeenpwned.com

What tool to learn first - data science and statistics

Not sure which one to learn first? It is a fair question. And while there are many to choose from, the most commonly used are R, python and SAS. Personally, I'd suggest R first.  It is free, is easy to learn the basics, and is just a good tool to know for data science use. And we've outlined some great starting resources to get you started:  Data Science Resources at Realized Design

If you'd like to read a well written, fairly comprehensive comparison between R, python and SAS, check out this posting:  R, Python or SAS: Which one should you learn first?

Overview of R versions: CRAN, MRO, and R Server

Wondering just how the different versions of R compare?  And now doubt you have many of these questions:

1. Should I use: 
1. pure open source community supported CRAN version, 
2. enhanced Microsoft R Open, or 
3. R Server
2. Multi-threaded 
1. which R option, if any, supports multi-threading
3. In-memory constraint
1. which R option, if any, supports big data, and breaks out of the in-memory road block

Frank Banin has written up an excellent summary that compares the various R versions currently available. You can find it on SQLServerCentral:  Advanced Analytics with R & SQL: Part I - R Distributions

Book: R Programming for Data Science

Author and teacher Roger D. Peng has published R Programming for Data Science. You can find it here at Leanpub/rprogramming.  Mr. Peng has been using and teaching R since 1998 (almost 20 years) and his book provides not just a good book on R, but also thoughtful insight into just why R works the way it does, and how to take advantage of R.

Videos

OK, need another reason to consider getting this book?  All of the sections and chapters have embedded links to YouTube videos.