This book provides a popularized, somewhat simplistic, introduction to the use of personal computers for the neophyte who is presumed to have no prior experience in the use of such computers. There is an attempt to cover all of the current major applications of personal computers: word processing, accounting, spreadsheeting, graphics, data banks, electronic mail, databases, and networking. In addition, the use of the personal computer in both small and large businesses, and some criteria for selecting and purchasing a personal computer, are covered. The book incorporates a buying guide which includes short, stylized descriptions of a large variety of personal computers and associated printers, as well as a small number of programs and supplies, and a large index of addresses of hardware, software, and accessory suppliers.

Although the coverage attempts to be very comprehensive, the text provides very little indepth coverage of any subject. The material presented is sufficient for the audience to which it is addressed, but is of minimal use for any other audience. The author specializes in writing and publishing popularized texts on personal computers and related subjects. His style generally makes the book easily readable, but too often the pendulum of readability swings to the point where the entry in the address index for a magazine publisher located on a street named Disk Drive is followed by the parenthetical expression “(cute, huh?).” That expression characterizes much of the author’s writing style.

McWilliams has developed some useful reference material, including the buying guide and the index of addresses, which take over 46 percent of the book’s total page count. However, these are included without having been edited for their relevancy to the particular topic of this book. For example, the buying guide includes a section on home computers which even the author acknowledges are inappropriate for business use. Similarly, the book is liberally illustrated. However, the illustrations, almost all of which are pen and ink drawings in Victorian, medieval, or Renaissance styles, were either selected or prepared because they were “cute” and generally do not contribute to a better or fuller understanding of the subject with which they are associated.

The book also suffers from a problem which the author identifies. The general subject matter, the hardware, and the software are being developed so dynamically that the information presented is somewhat inaccurate and incomplete. This is particularly true for the buying guide.

In summary, this book is worthwhile for its intended audience: personal computer neophytes interested in primarily small business applications. It would significantly conserve the time of that audience if the material had been more succinctly written, tightly edited, and appropriately illustrated.