If you're the sort of the person who likes to type in listings, but also likes a detailed description of their workings, this book is for you. The Bishops are noted authors and contributors to computing and electronics magazines, so when they say all programs are listed from a debugged and working Amstrad program, I think we can take them as accurate even if Collins are the publishers. Certainly I was unable to find any errors in programs or text.

Furthermore the Bishops take great pains to describe the most probable typing errors you'll make, such as mistaking lower case I, capital I and the number 1 for each other. If the programs don't work, it's probably your fault.

There's a pretty broad spectrum of programs here, 14 in all, and aimed at practical and serious, though simple, applications. Statistics feature prominently, with a Pools program, trend analysis, statistical deviation and decision analysis. Home owners can type in listings for planning space layouts, checking cashflow with a simple spreadsheet, doing accounts and watching the call charges accumulate while making phone calls.

There are several varieties of database, and a Supersound program that makes it easier to develop sounds using the complex Amstrad SOUND command.