This review of articles and facts about microcomputers focuses on the development of hardware and software and the use of microcomputers in education, particularly rural education. In addition to presenting a brief history of microcomputers, the review presents information regarding the costs and brands of microcomputers; the development, use, research, and success of computer-assisted instruction; classroom uses of microcomputers (scheduling, problem-solving, graphics, interactive instruction); computer literacy for teachers and students; microcomputer trends; software development and design; characteristics of good software; criteria for hardware selection; and implications of microcomputer development for the future. Among the many articles quoted are "Microcomputers in Today's Schools: An Administrator's Handbook," by the Northwest Regional Education Laboratory; "The Resource Approach to the Analysis of Educational Project Cost," by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; "Microcomputers in Education: The State of the Art," by Gerald T. Gleason; "Microcomputers in Schools: Promise and Practice," by Bruce Kelsh and John Lindelow; "Powerful Ideas," by Cindy Tursman; and "The Information Rich Economy: Exploiting an Infinite Resource," by Robert Hamrin. (SB)