Designed for use in helping parents to become familiar with their children's microcomputer needs, this guide addresses two important questions: whether parents should provide a computer in the home to assist children in their reading development, and which computer they should purchase. The answer to the first question is a simple yes, but the second is more complicated, and it is recommended that the parents utilize a three phase approach to computer purchases: education in computer terminology, formulation of questions to ask a computer salesperson, and an understanding of the necessity for continual updating of their computer education. To aid in the development of computer literacy, a microcomputer terminology matching quiz provides 23 key computer terms. Phase two presents five important factors for parents to consider before a purchase is made: (1) the brand microcomputer available to the child in school; (2) the availablity of appropriate educational software; (3) cost; (4) warranty, service, and dealer helpfulness; and (5) versatility of the microcomputer. A concluding list of nine suggestions provides hints for keeping children abreast of the microcomputer revolution, including information on computer magazines and books, computer camps, and resources for software evaluation. (JB)