This book demonstrates the usefulness of personal computers and readily available software in social service practice. It emphasizes how students and professionals can use information technology to acquire, synthesize, enhance, and analyze information that is used in human services practice.

The text includes numerous illustrations, including screen shots, of software procedures and techniques, and examples to demonstrate the application of particular computing skills. Each chapter ends with individual and group exercises designed to reinforce concepts and skills.

The text demonstrates the use of spreadsheet software in the collection and analysis of data, including procedures for collecting and displaying single system practice evaluation data. It illustrates the creation and use of charts and graphs in spreadsheet, and describes how to use word processing software to produce smart case notes, interactive documents, mail merges, and Web pages. Chapter 9 is devoted to practice applications of the Internet, the Web, and E-mail. Chapter 10 discusses the ethics of personal computing in social service practice.