It may seem strange, but the book I'm about to review isn't about the Electron at all. It's written for three other micros.

However, when I tell you that one of these is the BBC Micro, then you might see why we're reviewing it in Electron User.

Most of what it says about the BBC Micro applies equally well to the Electron so it would be a pity not to mention it. After all, why should BBC Micro users have all the best books?

When I first saw The Friendly Computer Book and read the blurb on the back, I was against it straight away. I was convinced it would be one of those computer books which confuses being simple with being simplistic, and explaining in easily understood terms with talking down to people.

The fact that it had cartoons in it didn't help my prejudices, either.

Happily though, when I actually got down to reading the book as opposed to reacting to it I got a very pleasant surprise.

I found that it really was the friendly and simple introduction to Basic programming that the blurb claimed it to be.

The book starts with a general introduction to the world of computing and explains some of the jargon used. Nowhere does it go into things too deeply, but what it has to say is thorough and makes sense.

It gives the answers to the sort of questions beginners have but feel too daft to ask.

It then goes on to cover keyboard skills and, in the third chapter, starts on programming proper.

The remaining ten chapters deal with Basic programming in simple, clear terms. New concepts are introduced gradually and logically and thoroughly explored in some delightful little programs.

The novice is painlessly lead through the early keywords (LIST, RUN and so on), loops, decision-making, arrays and simple data handling onto simple sound, graphics and animation.

The presentation of the book is excellent. The listings are clear, the cartoons amusing and helpful, and "Chip's Workshop" at the end of each chapter adds a nice, friendly and educational touch to the main text.

Each chapter also carries a summary of what it contains.

The only reservation I have is that, as it's written to cover three micros (the BBC, RML380Z and the Spectrum), the programs don't make all that much use of the more advanced structures of BBC Basic.

Still, in what is meant to be a very elementary beginners' book, I can't see that's any real fault.

In fact, considering it covers three micros, each with different commands, the book is amazingly easy to follow, a tribute to whoever designed it.

So, all in all, an excellent little book that I would unhesitatingly recommend to those who find the more traditional type of textbook too daunting.

It may be a little too simple for some tastes but it's certainly one to bear in mind when buying a beginner's book for the young (and the not so young).

It is a very friendly guide to the basics of Basic and a gentle introduction to micros for newcomers, even if they have an Electron and the book was written for a different machine.

Peter Green