If you want to open in SPSS for Unix your output generated in SPSS for Windows, you must first save the Windows output as a text file. SPSS for Unix can be run in either conventional batch mode or in the new X-Windows mode which emulates Windows. Output files can be transferred without conversion between SPSS for Mac and versions of SPSS for Windows prior to 7.5.x. Output files from SPSS for Mac can be opened in newer versions of SPSS for Windows, but they will be opened in a syntax window. In order to begin issuing SPSS syntax commands, you must have a Syntax Editor window open.
Most commands are accessible from the menus and dialog boxes.
However, some commands and options are available only by using the command language. The command language also allows you to save your jobs in a syntax file so that you can repeat your analysis at a later date. The slash before the first subcommand on a command is usually optional. Variable names must be spelled out fully. Text included within apostrophes or quotation marks must be contained on a single line.