If you are in trepidation about splashing out on your first micro, then Choosing And Using A Microcomputer will help give you the confidence to make the final plunge.

Newcomers are advised to think carefully what they want the computer for, whether the right software is available, if the system is expandable and whether or not the keyboard and screen are comfortable to use, among many other considerations.

The authors advise buyers to do a little detective work on the dealer to make sure he or she has a reasonable knowledge of computers and to find what back-up services are available. They stress the importance of a "hands on" test, and a buyer's sample test is included for shop trials.

To give a general understanding of the hardware, the book includes short descriptions of the main components of a computer, with each section emphasising the aspects that might be important to first time buyers. Printers are considered an extra and are not included.

There's help too, for using a micro at home, such as a plan of an ideal working area, and instructions on how to set it up.

At the end there are useful charts and checklists, plus a questionnaire to indicate which model best suits your needs. These are followed by 18 programs ranging from the obscure (the distance travelled by a bouncing ball) to the useful (mortgage and compound interest).

Nickie Robinson