Hundreds of books are now available to the computer enthusiast, some aimed at a particular micro, but others, like the Computer Hobbyist's Handbook reviewed here, are more general in nature. So what is in it for the Electron user?

The first chapter discusses the various microprocessors that have come and gone over the past fifteen years and tries to predict what the next ones will be like. Starting with the now ancient Intel 8080 chip, progressing via the 6800 to the Electron's MOS technology 8-bit 6502 and then on to the Archimedes 32-bit Risc chip briefly examining the Z80, 6809, 8086 and 68000 along the way. It's fascinating reading.

Chapter two moves on to interfaces, starting with the Electron's - and almost every other computer's - Centronics printer port. Next is the RS232 port, and although the Electron doesn't have one built in, several have been available from third party suppliers over the years.

A wiring diagram of the RGB socket is useful to anyone making up or repairing their own monitor lead. The analogue port wiring diagram will help those intending making simple interfacing projects for their Electron.

Moving on to languages in chapter three, machine code, assembly language, Basic, Logo and Pascal are all given equal space and there's a brief look at some of the lesser-known ones.

Anyone needing to brush up on their binary ones and twos complement, hexadecimal and all the other number bases will find a helping hand in chapter four.

Chapter five discusses operating system, though not the Electron's. However, it is still interesting. The following chapter on graphics talks only in general terms, not specifics so there's no problems there.

A glossary of technical terms makes up chapter seven and this is useful as it ignores the common ones you probably know already and concentrates on some of the latest buzzwords being used. Here you'll find explanations of blitter, CAD, co-processor, multi-tasking and object oriented, to name just a few.

While the book contains nothing specific to the Electron, it is a mine of useful general information. Ignore the illustration of the Amstrad PC on the cover - it's just as good for the Electron user.