Desk-top microcomputers and total parenteral nutrition grew up together, and in their early days there was considerable progress in both camps. Since that time, the power of computing devices has increased dramatically, as has their ability to share information both between individual systems and worldwide through facilities such as the Internet and e-mail. Although there are some signs of continuing progress, to date there appears to be little evidence in peer-reviewed journals that this increased power is being utilized or that the vision of the pioneers in this area has been realized.