Changing default options on Describe>Summary Statistics

[sleretrano]

How is it that on SAS E.G. 5.1 I can change the select default options on Describe>Summary Statistics>Statistics>Basic?

My default options are as shown below.

[Reeza]

I don't think you can. If this is something you do frequently enough perhaps accustom task is in order. 

A basic macro would be easy to code. 

[sleretrano]

I had never heard of custom tasks. I read about it, but nowhere can I find how to create a custom task.
Can you please point me in the right direction?

[TomKari]

Our esteemed Communities manager, Chris Hemedinger, literally "wrote the book" on the topic!

https://support.sas.com/publishing/authors/extras/61874.pdf

[ChrisHemedinger · Accepted solution]

I think what you want to use is a Task Template -- so much easier than building a custom task!

First, select the options/stats that you want.  Then, drop down the Run button and select Create Template.

You'll specify a name for the template, then you'll have it available in your menu under Tasks->Task Templates.  It will also appear in the Task List/Browser.  Here's a screenshot from EG 6.1.  v7.1 looks a little different, but same idea.

Launch the task from the template and you'll have your customized "presets" all selected for you.

[sleretrano]

Close! It looks very promising, but it isn't 100% what I want because using this method one needs to feed the "Task roles" field with variables.
I'd like a template that doesn't depend on the variables, but let's me choose them whenever I want to run this template.
The only thing I want to always be the same are the options in the screen show on my post.

[ChrisHemedinger]

Actually, if I understand you correctly, I think a Task Template is exactly what you need.  Templates store most task settings except for variable assignments, which will vary based on the input data.  You might need to select some variables to seed the template (and create a "valid" task instance), but those vars won't become part of the template that appears on your menu.

[sleretrano]

You're right. The fact that you can't create the template before selecting the variables led me to think the variables were part of the template.
Thank you very much.

[TomKari]

No, No, do it the hard way, build the custom task! Imagine the feeling of accomplishment you'll have afterwards!

Besides, then you'll have to buy a copy of Chris's book, and he'll move up the bestseller lists!

Tom