The main purpose of this book is to explain and clarify the document entitled “Model Form of Licence Agreement for the Use of Computer Software Products.” This form was developed by a working committee for the Institute of Purchasing and Supply in Great Britain. Since the author was part of this committee, he is quite qualified to explain its clauses and conditions.

The book begins by explaining the selection and buying of computer software and the problems that can occur during this process. Following this is a clause-by-clause explanation of the Model Form document. Since there are 26 clauses in the Model Form, this occupies most of the book. Each clause is shown as it appears in the Model Form, followed by the author’s comments and explanations. Included at the end are the “Model Form for the Trial of Computer Software Products,” also with the author’s comments, and an Appendix containing a paper on “Copyright and Computers.”

Although the author covers everything in a concise manner, without swamping the reader with unnecessary subject matter, this book is for the most part not particularly readable and should be considered more as a reference. The book is well written and easy to follow, but obviously has a very limited audience. It also seems to be aimed at the novice user, which limits its audience even more. For example, the author explains that “software packages contain programs.”

For beginners who are buying their first software package, or for buyers who are worried about legal implications or being misled by a software vendor, this book is a valuable reference guide. It is not recommended for other readers.