The reviewer's task is to evaluate whether the author's promise in the preface, namely, ‘to provide the tools needed for effective use of computers in clinical psychiatry’, is fulfilled by the book. We shall see shortly. This book is a multi-author effort, condensing 222 pages of text and illustrative diagrams into 15 orderly chapters. The reader is gently taken from the very basic material such as choosing a computer, to gradually more meaty concepts.

The initial chapters introduce the reader to basic principles such as components, different types of computers, operating systems and the main considerations in purchasing a computer. Chapters 3 to 6 offer extensive instruction in the use of the common software packages that a psychiatrist might use to support their work producing letters/reports, clinical presentations, compiling and managing databases and producing audit reports, among others. Chapters 7 and 8 deal with the use of statistical programs and organisational tools and would make helpful reading for anyone interested in research.

Chapters 10 and 11 discuss internet use and electronic communication and are detailed enough without being too technical. They provide useful links to various web resources for finding, using and disseminating clinically useful information. The next two chapters discuss important legal and security issues to prevent these useful professional tools turning into a legal and disciplinary nightmare. Chapter 14 is a very interesting description of health information systems, a very topical issue indeed with the current debate about the National Health Service-wide patient information system. Psychiatrists need to be aware of these issues because of our direct role in using these systems and providing feedback to developers and administrators.

Any gripes? The introductory chapters assume prior technical knowledge without which terms such as modem and ISP could flummox the novice. An introduction, a glossary and a discussion of other operating systems was required. Chapter 2 is too brief and omits specifics such as connectivity and the weighting one should give to hardware components in buying a computer. For example, it would be helpful to have a suggestion of the minimum RAM required for the efficient running of the common software packages.

Overall, this is a very good and useful book, well-written in a light, discursive style and amply illustrated with useful diagrams and screenshots. It should be a useful addition to any psychiatrist's library (and that of other clinicians too!) and we would heartily recommend it