Written by Ray Hammond and published by Fontana, this book claims to supply all the information required to connect your humble micro to the outsie world, and I can honestly say that it does live up to its claim. When I received the bundle of books, I first of all had a quick thumb through all of them. On picking this one up, much like a good thriller, I just could not put it down.

The reader is initially introduced to what is meant by the term 'going on-line' and how easy this is. The advantages of doing so are also heavily emphasised (perhaps the author has the controlling interest in Telecom shares!). The book then progresses to show what is needed, whether using a ZX80 or an IBM PC to go on-line. Various technicalities are explained, from the basics of the ASCII character set to the modem and interface operation and, if armed with a soldering iron, even how to wire up an RS232 cable (Wow!). The explanation of how data is sent across a telephone line is also included and is very interesting.

The remainder of the book then shows how to log on to various computer Bulletin boards, Prestel, Micronet and various useful Databases. Some of the above methods need passwords and up-front payment, and the reader is fully instructed on how to go about this. Many examples of the author's on-line experience, showing what happens when you actually go on-line are also given.

This book is a must for anyone who has the slightest interest in communications and at the mere price of £4.95, it is a great buy. This book will be taking pride of place on my bookshelf for quite a time. One last note - the book does not tread onto the path of the so-called 'hacker' and is totally legitimate.