FORDISC
Personal Computer Forensic Discriminant Functions
A new web-based version of FORDISC is now available.
What carries forward?
FORDISC 4.0 retains the familiar core analytical approach, established osteometric measurements, and FDB and Howells reference comparisons. Analyses use discriminant function analysis for two-group comparisons and canonical variate analysis for comparisons involving three or more groups.
What is new?
FORDISC 4.0 provides a streamlined, case-based interface that:
- Runs in a current web browser on Windows and Mac computers, tablets, etc, with no local installation required.
- Includes separate FDB, Howells, International Crania, Postcranial Classification, and Stature Estimation workflows.
- Adds International Crania reference comparisons for Pro and Institution subscribers for analysis of modern samples outside the US.
- Provides modern results tables, graphs, saved cases, and expanded reporting tools.
- Offers several viewing modes.
- Receives application updates automatically. Significant changes are summarized in the public FORDISC release notes.
Try the no-cost Fordisc Demo to explore the new interface using built-in FDB, Howells, and Postcranial Demo Cases. The Demo provides Results and Graphs but does not permit measurement entry, case storage, or report export.
Annual subscription options
Fordisc Student — $30/year
Designed for currently enrolled students using a verified .edu or other approved institutional email address.
Includes FDB and Postcranial Classification and Stature Estimation, measurement entry, Results, Graphs, and saved case files. It does not include Howells, International Crania, Analysis Options, Extended Results, Notes/Run Log, in-app Help, FD3 case import, or report export.
Includes one named-user account. Credentials may not be shared.
Fordisc Pro — $100/year
Provides one named user with full access to the current FORDISC 4.0 application, including:
- FDB, Howells, International Crania, Postcranial Classification, and Stature Estimation
- Measurement entry and saved cases
- Analysis Options, Results, Extended Results, and Graphs
- Notes and complete Run Log
- Case Report and Run Log PDF export
- In-app Help, Howells Reference Group Map, and supported FD3 case import
Credentials may not be shared.
Fordisc Institution — $600/year
Provides the same complete feature set as Fordisc Pro for up to 15 named users within one institution or laboratory.
One designated institution administrator manages the account and assigns the remaining 14 seats. Each user receives an individual account; shared credentials are not permitted.
Purchase and activation
Each subscription provides one year of access beginning when the account is activated.
After the purchase has been verified, the purchaser will receive a FORDISC account-activation email with instructions for creating a password. Please allow up to 24 hours for account setup. The subscriptions are valid from the time of first login. Once purchased, you will receive an email within 72 hours with your account login.
FORDISC is a statistical comparison and decision-support tool. Its results are not, by themselves, an identification and must be interpreted by appropriately trained users in light of the selected reference groups, available data, and case context.
If you still have Fordisc 3.0 as a USB or downloaded on your PC, it will continue to function however you will not receive new updates. The site licenses have stopped working and are no longer renewable. If you have a site license that is still active, please email Giovanna Vidoli at [email protected] and send her your latest purchase receipt for the site license in order to either provide a refund or a discount on Fordisc 4.0.
FORDISC on a USB
FORDISC USB runs on a USB that is provided. It is the only version that does not require an active internet connection because the program is already set up to run.
Cost: US $395; International orders cost an extra $10 for shipping.
You can pay by credit card or request a replacement USB by visiting the FORDISC 3.1 USB Version page.