This paper describes the results of a study of the microcomputer use patterns reflected by more than 13,000 users' records from the microcomputer laboratory at Western Kentucky University for 1983 to 1986. The data analyzed focused on: (1) numbers of users; (2) frequent user groups; (3) sex differences; (4) prime time usage; (5) the use of software in various academic areas and use of general programs and utilities; (6) length of time students used the computer; and (7) whether the computer programs used were developed in-house or came from publishers. Major findings indicated that: (1) the most frequent users were freshmen and seniors; (2) prime times for use were between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.; (3) 65% used computer-assisted instruction (CAI) programs, 20% used utility programs, and 9% used the computers as a tool; (4) 38% used in-house programs and 62% used publisher programs; (5) the mean usage time was 83.79 minutes; and (6) 55% of the users were male and 45% were female. It was also found that users in science were the most numerous (49%), followed by users of general programs and utilities such as word processing, examination preparation, and computer literacy programs (31%). The third most frequently used field was computer science (10%), and the number of users in the humanities was 4%. The paper concludes with suggestions for classroom teachers and curriculum designers for improving computer programs. (DJR)