This book is a step-by-step guide showing how to use the Locomotive BASIC 2 language on the Amstrad PC and other IBM compatible computers. It is not intended to replace the excellent manual supplied by Locomotive Software with the BASIC 2 system, but presents a rather less terse introduction to the BASIC 2 language. The author"s intention is to present a clear and readable account of the essential elements of BASIC 2, accenting the differences between BASIC 2 and the more traditional implementations of the BASIC programming language that the reader may be used to. Knowledge of simple BASIC programming will be useful for the intending reader of this book, but it is by no means essential. BASIC 2 is a GEM-based version of BASIC. GEM, or Graphics Environment Manager, is an adjunct to the Operating System of the computer on which it is running. It gives the computer the ability to use the WIMP (Windows, Icon, Mouse and Pointer) facilities. A BASIC running on a computer with GEM would be rather inadequate if it did not allow the programmer to use the WIMP facilities from within BASIC. BASIC 2 is the first version of BASIC that allows you to use WIMPs on an IBM compatible computer.