Science

THE INTERNET FOR SCIENTISTS. Kevin O'Donnell and Larry Winger. Harwood Academic Publishers. Pounds 30.00 and Pounds 14.50. - ISBN 90 5702 221 4 and 90 5702 222 2.

Much more than a guide to scientific websites, this begins with the basics of how the Internet works and may leave you raring to construct that killer website. It treats scientists as intelligent and curious but not fully paid-up geeks. Is that why, though plenty of Mac and Windows software is described, Unix users seem to have been neglected? Dozens of newsgroups are reviewed, with indications of traffic volume and signal to noise ratio for the infoglut-averse. There are chapters on email and on real time chat places like BioMOO. All Internet books are out of date before they are published but the Net will bring you up to speed, and you could always go to the book's website for updates. Broad coverage of scientific disciplines makes this an excellent library purchase while good value for individual purchasers.