This study was conducted to investigate the microcomputer experience of female preservice teachers. A questionnaire developed to evaluate prior computer experiences of teacher education students enrolled in an educational technology and media course was administered during the first week of class. The sample included 40 males and 215 females. During the weeks that followed, informal interviews adddressed items on the questionnaire, and responses were recorded in writing. Findings suggest that the majority of female preservice teachers lack extensive prior experience with computing, reflecting a dearth of opportunity in elementary and secondary education. This implies that equitable access to computers and classes is critical; support for females to enter technical careers that require computing must be given before college; buying computers for females is essential; incorporating activities into the classrooms that appeal to females as well as males will encourage computer use by females; using E-mail, spreadsheets, creating mailing lists and mail merge with a database demonstrate practical activities that are meaningful to males and females. If opportunities for females are not provided, the gap between male and female computing experience will widen. (Contains 14 annotated references.) (LL)