This book addresses the issues raised by the rapid advance of information technology (IT). IT is singularly pervasive: its applications affect people in all walks of life in a way that few other technologies do. The author's thesis is that it would be wise to become well informed about the capabilities and limitations of IT in order to make rational decisions on its use. The book gives a sufficient, non-technical, description of IT for non-specialist readers to appraise its potential and to evaluate critically proposals for new uses. The impact of IT in particular areas is examined and the influence on people and communities is soberly assessed. The book ends with an agenda for all concerned. Murray Laver is a well-known and respected commentator on topics concerning computers. He provides a realistic overview of IT, steering a middle course between rosy utopias and bleak apocalyptic nightmares.