Document preparation in the sciences involves heavy use of formulae, mathematical and other symbols, graphics and tables. Specialized software such as TeX for the production of these documents is common. Social scientists collect primary data that is often analyzed using statistical software. Existing demographic data from the Census Bureau and other federal agencies is often needed for research. Geographers make use of satellite images, GPS systems, GIS software and produce graphics that must be displayed on special devices.
Programs written in audiology and psychology perform basic and applied human subject research.
Resulting experiments can involve interfacing laboratory equipment to computers. General purpose computers are often used in combination with discipline-specific software purchased or written for particular applications. Portable computers are often needed to perform primary data collection off campus. In the humanities, special computing needs often go unrecognized. But the language departments have unique needs to produce texts in a wide variety of languages other than English.