Microcomputers are now affordable tools for managing schools and school districts--and fast becoming essential. This digest, designed to help school administrators begin computerizing their offices, depicts tomorrow's computerized office, introduces computer applications in management, and outlines procedures for computerizing an office. A fictional principal in the first chapter uses his desktop computer--linked with others in a "local area network"--to communicate, to coordinate his staff, and to analyze information. Such networks can be developed with present technology. Accordingly, the second chapter explores the following computer applications: (1) database management systems, used to store and analyze a wide variety of records; (2) electronic spreadsheets, used to make budget projections and analyze expenditures; (3) word processing; (4) graphics; (5) communications and networking, particularly local area networks; and (6) others, including registration and class scheduling, support service management, energy management, and nonadministrative but related tasks. The final chapter describes and recommends a process for putting these technologies to work, modeled after professional systems development practices. The discussion includes independent school-based computerization, consulting services, systems analysis (evaluating needs and planning to meet them), systems development (creating detailed specifications and selecting technology), and system implementation. (MCG)