Since their invention about fifteen years ago, personal computers have proved useful in architectural practice, at first for helping in secretarial and clerical tasks, and then in replacing the apparatus of manual drawing by computer-aided draughting (CAD). These machines have now become indispensable, and so powerful that future developments may alter the way in which information is originated by and communicated between members of the building team. This book provides a concise introducing for small and medium sized architectural practices considering introducing computers or using them more widely, and it will be invaluable for students who wish to learn how computers are used in practice. Jargon is avoided so far as possible, necessary technical term are explained, and key ideas illustrated with figures and diagrams.