Guidelines for the planning and purchase of microcomputer systems are presented in outline form. These guidelines are directed to educators in developmental education, special education, and learning center environments; however, they are applicable to all educators intending to use microcomputers. First, a discussion of hardware considerations is presented. Guidelines for selecting a computer are offered, focusing on business/office and educational uses and the computer configuration. Information on chip type, stand-alone and mainframe terminals, and shared storage and communication is included. Suggestions are also outlined related to the following: maintenance, supplies, security, furniture, cables, and construction. A discussion of peripherals is presented, including input devices, such as the keyboard, numeric key pad, disk drive, tape recorder, game paddle, graphics tablet, touch screen, light pen, scientific instruments, optical mark reader, and microphone; output devices, such as the screen, printer, and speaker; communication devices, such as the multiplexer and modem; and interface boards. Next, considerations in software selection are addressed, including the learning characteristics of developmental students, the unique properties of the computer, and conditions of learning. Finally, a planned approach to using microcomputers in the learning center is outlined. (LAL)