Writing an introduction to any subject is challenging, especially a subject as broad and dynamic as personal computers. Moreover, the cover promises that this volume is a “Complete `How-to’ Manual for Computer Novices” covering IBM, Macintosh, and Apple hardware. These are impressive ambitions, even for a 500-page book. Murray fulfills these ambitions well, especially for people who are just getting involved with personal computing for their home, small business, or small nonprofit organization. The book will be of less use to people in larger organizations where specific, mature policies govern the use of personal computing and where personal computing is closely integrated with company-wide networks and information systems. For example, key large-organization applications such as electronic mail and bulletin boards are touched on only lightly.

The book is laid out and edited exceptionally well. The typography and illustrations are clear. The text has a good table of contents and index, so readers can either use it as a learning tool, reading it straight through, or use it for reference, searching for specific topics. Differences between the hardware of IBM and compatible computers, the Macintosh, and the Apple II are clearly marked; if you already know which type of hardware you will be using, you can easily focus on those sections that pertain to your equipment.

The book covers basic vocabulary like RAM, ROM, modems, and ports. It has chapters on such key applications as word processing, spreadsheets, and desktop publishing. It talks a little about operating systems, graphics, and communications. It talks about games and information services, including CompuServe and DIALOG (but leaves out Prodigy).

The book includes many references to other texts, especially those available from the same publisher. Its glossary is quite complete and readable. Even UNIX is mentioned in passing.

The dilemma of any introductory book is that, to be truly useful to the novice, it must discuss specific software and hardware. In the volatile world of personal computing, however, specifics change so fast that the book is obsolete by the time it shows up in the stores. This book comes down on the side of specifics; it even has the courage to publish prices for some of the equipment and software it mentions. So, less than a year old, it is already ancient. It makes no mention of the best-selling Macintosh Classic or LC. Microsoft Windows gets only about half a page. The newest people-friendly technology, pen-based computing, is not covered.

Those of you reading this review are probably far too knowledgeable to find this book useful. But when your nontechnical friends ask for advice on personal computing, this would be a good book to refer them to. Murray will have a full-time job keeping it updated.