Designed to answer basic questions educators have about microcomputer hardware and software and their applications in teaching, this paper describes the revolution in computer technology that has resulted from the development of the microchip processor and provides information on the major computer components; i.e.; input, central processing unit, memory, auxiliary storage, and output. The cost and timesaving advantages of a microcomputer purchase are discussed, as well as the instructional advantages, and the various types of teaching strategies used with a computer are explained. The paper also includes a discussion of hardware selection criteria, software selection sources, and organizations which can provide the novice computer user with helpful information. (LLS)