| Feature | Lite Version | Full Version | |---------|--------------|---------------| | Observations per series | 100 max | Unlimited | | Total objects per workfile | 15 max | Unlimited | | Panel data estimation | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | | VAR / VECM | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | | ARCH/GARCH models | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | | Model solve / simulation | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | | Programming (EViews commands, loops) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | | Saving workfiles | ✅ Yes (lite format) | ✅ Yes (full format) |
| Software | Cost | Max Observations | Time Series Focus | Learning Curve | |----------|------|----------------|--------------------|----------------| | EViews 11 Student Lite | Free | 3,000 | High | Moderate | | gretl | Free | Unlimited | High | Moderate | | R + packages (forecast, tseries) | Free | Unlimited | High | Steep | | Stata/BE (Student) | ~$100/yr | Unlimited | Medium | Moderate | | EViews Full | $1,000+ | Unlimited | Very high | Moderate | eviews 11 student version lite
Verdict: EViews Lite is easier than R but more restrictive than gretl. If you need no limits and don't mind a different interface, gretl is the best free alternative. | Feature | Lite Version | Full Version
Despite being "Lite," this software is no toy. It handles the heavy lifting required for 90% of standard academic assignments. Here is what is typically included: | Software | Cost | Max Observations |
wfcreate(wf=wf1) m 2000 2020
read(t=excel) data.xlsx
series lnY = log(Y)
equation eq1.ls lnY c lnX
freeze(table1) eq1.output