For any recruit to computing the choice of books is most confusing.

Tim Hartnell's latest offering is clear, concise and will take you through programming step by step. In simple stages, you are gently led through the way the computer works and onto programming.

Some programs supplied are old favourites like Life and Dice, accompanied by explanation notes. The programs - which should work with most micros - are written in Basic, and in order to cope with various machines, a very basic Basic.

I was rather disappointed that more than 30 pages of the book were devoted to the history of computing. The information was useful but it didn't fit the general theme.

From a beginner's point of view, the book seems to stop when I was keen to continue. But the author's style was an example to manual writers, who could do worse than follow his plain English approach and ability to make the topic appealing.

The 'further reading' section was a disappointment since the emphasis is on American publishers.

Despite all this, the book would make a good starting point, though most beginners will soon outgrow it.

Peter Worlock