Suggests factors to be considered in planning for the purchase of a microcomputer, including budgets, benefits, costs, and decisions. Major uses of a personal computer are described--word processing, financial analysis, file and database management, programming and computer literacy, education, entertainment, and thrill of high technology. (EJS)

The establishment of university microcomputer services for the public has at least two purposes: the promotion of the image of the institution with widely diverse groups and the maximization of the university's capital investment. The first step in planning to serve the public is to undertake a needs assessment by locating target populations…