The data reported in this paper gives depth to the picture of computers in society, in work, and in schools. The prices have dropped but computer corporations sell to schools, as they do to any other customer, to increase profits for themselves. Computerizing is a vehicle for social stratification. Computers are not easy to use and are hard to learn to use well. Schools play an important role in transmitting knowledge about how to use computers and by that increase sales and the rate of adoption. Workers and teachers object to the innovation in part because of design problems; computers do not always work well, are not always useful and can be a hindrance to getting things done. Some schools may be squandering money on computers instead of spending it on needed supplies. Where the quality of education was once rated on the ratio of teachers to students, it is now rated on the ratio of computers to students. (19 references) (BBM)