Gas chromatography is widely used in numerous application areas ranging from air analysis to the characterisation of polymeric materials. Good instrumentation including good columns are crucial to obtain reliable results, but even more important is a good background in the fundamentals of GC. Here we try to help the user in developing this knowledge and understanding. Becoming an expert is never easy and will always require many years of hard work, but as always it is quickest if you are close to experienced experts from whom you can learn. You are invited to send me feedback.