A selection process for discrete event computer simulation (DECS) software is discussed from a theoretical perspective. A survey of practitioners is conducted to examine identified components of simulation software and identify which attributes are considered to be of primary importance in the software selection process. The results of the study indicate a numberoffactors relevant to a decision on which type of software might be selected to conduct a given project. Based on data obtainedfrom practitioners, a set of recommendations that are generalizable to a variety of DECS package evaluation procedures are made by the authors.