Book excerpt: The Reviews in Computational Chemistry series brings together leading authorities in the field to teach the newcomer and update the expert on topics centered on molecular modeling. • Provides background and theory, strategies for using the methods correctly, pitfalls to avoid, applications, and references • Contains updated and comprehensive compendiums of molecular modeling software that list hundreds of programs, services, suppliers and other information that every chemist will find useful • Includes detailed indices on each volume help the reader to quickly discover particular topics • Uses a tutorial manner and non-mathematical style, allowing students and researchers to access computational methods outside their immediate area of expertise