A study sought to determine the effect of computer-based text editing on the revision strategies of inexperienced writers. Four subjects, none of whom had experience with computers or word processors, were selected from an introductory college composition course and required to master the basic terminal functions that would be necessary for designing and revising a text page. Subjects gave the instructor an original, handwritten copy of an assigned essay with the topic, purpose, audience, and context defined. Subjects revised their essays on an AES-20 terminal with text editing keyboard and attached CRT unit and printer. During two of the sessions, the subjects were asked to revise as they provided a thinking-aloud protocol, while during the last session, the terminal screen was videotaped. Analysis of the strategies revealed during the revision sessions indicated that the use of the computer-based text editor increased the number and complexity of revision operations and encouraged greater manipulation of material at the word and phrase/clause domains, although this did not appear to affect the overall quality of the essays. The subject with the strongest writing skills excelled at the use of the computer for revision, while the subject with the weakest writing skills preferred more conventional methods of revision. (HTH)