Just bought this book. It would seem that being able to use the software is integral to being able to use the book. Unfortunately, all the software is dated 1994 and 1995 and in 2012 with Windows 7 - that is a problem. In short, the software won't run. I tried calling McGraw Hill - they could not help. I tried googling "Joseph E Bowles", unfortunately Joseph passed away in 2003. The phone numbers in the readme file are also disconnected. In short, I have to find a machine with Window 98 on it would seem.