This book expounds the virtues of self-help, encouraging users to do many simple repairs themselves. The authors start with the premise that all micros will break down or need servicing, and that much of this maintenance does not require specialist (and therefore expensive) attention.

The first three chapters detail equipment available in the US (since this is an American based book), and how to service it. The next two give an interesting background to servicing, including preventative maintenance, safety and instruments you might need.

The book goes on to the practicalities of servicing and then covers the specific parts of a computer system, chapter by chapter, including disk drives, printers, the computer and its keyboard, smaller peripherals and power supplies.

Appendices include an excellent trouble-shooting chart with a simple diagnostic reference guide.

This book is particularly useful to someone who wants to learn about the insides of micros, and how to analyse and solve problems. Although expensive at more than £15, it could save much more in reduced servicing bills.