  We sketch how the R*-operation can be used to compute the pole terms of
Feynman diagrams. We identify computational difficulties when performing
five-loop calculations, and provide four solutions that drastically reduce the
number of terms that are generated. Using these methods, we have computed the
beta function for Yang-Mills theory with fermions, the R-ratio in
electron-positron annihilation, and Higgs decays to quarks and gluons at
five-loop accuracy. The results for the beta function and Higgs decay width to
gluons in the heavy-top limit are briefly discussed. There is no need for
six-loop extensions of these calculations in the near future.
