As part of a study to test the feasibility of expanding computer use within the Montana business community, computer systems were field tested in four Montana small businesses. The four businesses were a newspaper, an advertising agency, a sheep and cattle ranch, and a private investment company. The companies employed from 3 to 20 persons. Three of the businesses purchased IBM PCs or XTs, while the fourth business leased its computer. Three of the businesses are using floppy disks for data storage. The software needs of the four businesses were identified through interviews with employees and managers. Based on specifications of the businesses, a literature search was conducted to determine the types of available software that would be suitable, and software packages were examined at computer stores to determine software compatibility with and suitability for the precise needs of each business. Employees were trained and each software system was field tested. The study showed that canned programs could be used for most needs of small businesses, thus keeping costs to a minimum. It was also found that persons who are not specially trained in the use of computers could be adequately trained to operate the systems through a short but intensive hands-on training period. However, the study also concluded that, although persons without former computer knowledge could operate the systems, a computer specialist was necessary in the early phases of adoption of a computer system. It was recommended that a computer specialist be consulted to assist a given business in determining the computer system that best suits the specific needs of that business. (KC)