This buyer's guide is based upon more than 300 software reviews made by members of an educational consortium in Oregon, all of whom work with adult students. The guide represents the recommendations for a core program in adult basic education and is split into two parts: (1) an initial kit, which is designed for those who are just beginning to set up a computer-assisted instructional program and who have only a limited amount of funds; and (2) an advanced kit, which recommends more programs, including management systems that are more expensive. All the programs are being used currently in adult basic education, general educational development, and developmental education programs in the Northwest. The software catalog contains a curriculum guide, the listing of the software programs with annotations, price guidelines, and publishers' addresses. Curriculum areas covered by the programs listed include the following: computer literacy, English/grammar and usage, English/composition, mathematics, problem solving, reading, science, social science, spelling, teacher aids, vocabulary, and word processors. A sample blank rating form that the reviewers used to rate the software programs is included in the book. All programs reviewed are available for Apple Computers. (KC)