Computer Programming for the Compleat Idiot by Donald McCunn is a 1984 beginner’s guide to writing BASIC programs for the Commodore 64, Apple II/IIe, IBM PC/PCjr, TRS-80, and Microsoft BASIC-compatible computers. Written for readers with no technical background, it begins with computer hardware, keyboard use, loading BASIC, entering commands, and saving programs, then builds a practical payroll program to teach input, corrections, calculations, disk or cassette storage, printing, tax-table processing, documentation, and program modification. The final section shows how to plan and create original programs by combining reusable routines, making the book a practical introduction to both BASIC programming and real-world information processing.