When matched for achievement level and educational objectives, computer technology can be particularly effective with at-risk students. Computer-assisted instructional software is the most widely available type of software. An exciting development pertinent to literacy education is the development of the "electronic book" (also called "interactive text"). Another important development is the introduction of interactive multimedia materials. The increased use of voice synthesis has revolutionized computer-based word recognition software. One of the most useful peripheral devices for young children and their emerging literacy is an alphabetic keyboard in which letters are displayed in alphabetic order. Drill and practice software is easy to create and popular with schools, while software designed for authentic literacy activities is sometimes more difficult to use but more flexible and useful. Another important type of emergent literacy software is language experience approach story creation software. An increasing number of publishers have begun to target the market for bilingual and English-as-a-Second-Language software. Availability of high quality, motivational software for comprehension is still somewhat limited. Many high-interest software simulations involve students in large amounts of time-on-task in active reading. In addition to now-familiar standard word processing operation, computer writing software can provide guidance for writers in terms of topic and structure, offering a framework to support writing. Word processors specifically designed for children's use have increased in sophistication over the years. (Contains 5 references and 32 computer software references.) (RS)