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Children’s Publisher of the Year 2020
Usborne has been publishing award-winning computer books since the 1980s and our latest books on coding using Scratch and Python will give today's kids a clear understanding of computers and coding.
Many of today's IT professionals grew up with the Usborne 1980s computer books for the ZX81, BBC Micro, Commodore 64 etc. and we're happy to offer free pdfs of these books to download. Scroll down to find the links.
Scroll down to download free copies of the Usborne 1980s computer books. NB these programs don't work on modern computers.
A friendly beginner's guide to coding using Python – one of the most popular computer languages – with step-by-step instructions showing children how to create games and programs, from a virtual bomb trap to spy encryption programs.
A friendly guide to coding in Scratch, with step-by-step instructions showing absolute beginners how to use code to create games and animations, from racing cars to virtual pets.
Just what goes on behind the screen, beneath the keyboard and inside the electronic "brain" of a computer? A fun and informative introduction to a key UK curriculum topic for young children.
Whether you’re worried about oversharing on social media or coming across dangerous people, this guide gives you tips and tools to take control and stay safe online.
Many of today's tech professionals were inspired by the Usborne computing books they read as children. The books included program listings for such iconic computers as the ZX Spectrum, the BBC Micro and the Commodore 64, and are still used in some computer clubs today.
Here are the latest pdf versions of classic 1980s Usborne computer books
To download a pdf copy of any of the 1980s computer books, just click on a cover. Please read our copyright notice.
Tweet #usborne80s and spread the word!
These pdf copies of the original Usborne Computer Guides published in the 1980s are free to download for your own personal or educational use. The books and files are the copyright of Usborne Publishing. You can provide a link to the pdfs from your website, but you may not host or distribute the original files.
Please note
These books were written for 1980s computers such as the ZX Spectrum and BBC Micro. The programs will not run on modern computers. For any enquiries please use the Contact us form.
Adapting the programs
You may adapt any of the programs in these books to modern computer languages, and share the adaptations freely online. You may not use the adaptations for commercial purposes. Please credit the name of the Usborne book from which you adapted the program, and provide a link to this webpage.