This new edition updates the popular text to cover the latest version of the Visual Basic computer programming language, and expands and updates many sections of the book, drawing upon new material and lessons learned since the first edition. The book offers a single reference that collects together all of the essential material required by those interested in writing programs to control laboratory devices as well as acquiring, storing, analyzing and displaying data. The emphasis is on applications in analytical, environmental, pharmaceutical and biotechnology laboratories in academia, industry and the government.