This conference presentation outlines some of the important factors for teachers to consider when selecting software and hardware to be used as teaching tools in the vocational education classroom and as a means for teaching about the occupational applications of microcomputers. Addressed in a discussion of methods and criteria for evaluating hardware are central processing units, external memory, interfacing capability, monitors, and printers. The second half of the guide contains general guidelines for evaluating software; an examination of software costs; and a discussion of criteria for assessing the characteristics, documentation, user friendliness, and replicability of business and instructional software. (MN)