In the past, computing facilities at the Open University in the United Kingdom have been provided through terminals and modems in local study centers. A new policy to implement home computer use will rely on student owned microcomputers. While this policy reflects a commitment to increasing the use of computers as distance education aids, it may have a deleterious effect on the university's female student population. Research shows that Open University female students are less likely to have access to a computer than male students. Also, women are less likely to register for courses that contain a compulsory computing component. Such inequality in the face of commitment to a sophisticated new technology may have serious ramifications on the success rates of women students. (7 references) (DB)