I have seen books of practical programs before, and they often prove a laborious means of performing the trivial. This book, I am pleased to report, is of a considerably higher calibre, and the listings could be genuinely useful.

There are fourteen listings, which works out at a very modest 42.5p per program, and most Electron users will find plenty to interest them here.

The range of subjects is as wide as the Electron's capabilities, and include graphicsm sound and spreadsheet programs.

As usual with Granada, their listings are computer dumped, so that there is little likelihood of an error creeping in.

There is also a section on errors which might appear when tired fingers hit the wrong keys, and this shows a helpful and well thought-out attitude to the users of the book.

I found no errors in the listings, although I do confess to a few creeping in via my typing.

Each program is clearly annotated with helpful explanations of the routines used, and their are copious notes on alterations which might be tried. An interesting note is that the programs will be compatible with discs when we all upgrade.

Info File on its own would be worth the cost of this book, being a very adaptable datafile program. Certain other ones appear less useful, such as the one to plan a room such as a kitchen.

Supersound tames the Sound and Envelope commands of the Electron, and allows sounds and sound effects to be designed, adapted and played around with.

Cashflow was fascinating, producing a spreadsheet of one's finances - again this will be of use to many.

Overall it is a book which contains 14 useful listings, but more than that it will allow the user to gain familiarity with the micro so that one's own programming more closely resembles the well-structured approach of the Bishops.

Phil Tayler