Shopping for a micro can be a big headache. That's where this book, and others like it, can help.

'Try before you buy,' warns the author. 'Don't buy any micro through mail order unless you have been able to inspect the machine beforehand,' he adds.

There are 13 chapters in all. They skim over a wide span of subjects: hardware, software, technology, programming and other relevant matters to give a general feel of the micro market. A glossary of computer jargon rounds everything off.

Although supposed to be aimed at both home and business users, the book tends to favour business. In the last chapter, for instance, the home user loses out when a list of business packages is given.

Another problem which besets all books of this nature is that they can get out-of-date quickly.

But if you need some rough guidelines before reaching for your chequebook, Choosing A Microcomputer isn't bad value.

Wendie Pearson