There was a time when virtually all computer books had titles like 100 Games For The something or other. I wonder what has happened to them. Has the editor decided to keep those ones for himself now?

If he has, then thanks for the favour! Now that one has slipped through his net it is interesting to look at one of the more recent types. Has the absence made my hard heart any fonder?

Personal Computer Weekly said, of the tape version of the book, "100 programs for just over £10 means that none of the programs are marvellous". This is so. The book price of £6.95 represents better value. Obviously the programs haven't improved any, the economics of the above are still as true; but if there is an advantage to loading programs laboriously from the keyboard rather than from tape it is that to new users there must be some educational spin off in seeing how others program. The programs are not marvellous - true; but they are technically sound and may well act as building blocks or inspiration for other programs.

So what classification can be given to these 100 technically sound programs? There are ten equal sized sections covering games, recreation, business, graphics, science, maths and school, data handling, home use and an introduction to the Spectrum's facilities. Some I thought were particularly worthwhile. Bubble and Shell sort are standards that can be used by themselves or as part of other programs. Simpson's rule and others in the maths section are likely to be as much use to most new Spectrum users as a degree in dishwashing. The home section turned up my pet hate; if I ever see a program for a Christmas Card List it will be too soon.

If your need is for a large number of programs, the 100 Programs For The ZX Spectrum should probably do you quite nicely. It is certainly an improvement on many earlier books of that ilk. The programs are all quite short - all suitable for the 16K - but high on technique and application. Aren't long programs made up after all from short ones? Personally I think that as programs some are more worthwhile than others, but as the authors point out, these are sample programs to show what a home computer can be used for.

As a guide to better programming alone I think 100 Programs For The ZX Spectrum is good value, with the added bonus of some useful programs too.

100 Programs For The ZX Spectrum is written by Ian McLean and John Gordon, published by Prentice Hall International and costs £6.95. ISBN 0-13-634766-6.