An assessment was conducted in 1983 of the skills, knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of California sixth and twelfth grade students in the area of computer technology. Cognitive test questions were written to conform to a set of objectives used in the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) curriculum; attitude questions were obtained from the National Assessment of Educational Progress; and background questions were designed to assess relevant prior knowledge of and experience with computers. The questionnaire was administered to approximately 23,400 twelfth grade and 293,700 sixth grade students. Boys reported having more experience with computers than girls did, and this experience was associated with higher test scores. Nearly all groups studied showed a low level of understanding of the basic concepts of computer technology. A majority of students did exhibit awareness of certain basic concepts and hold positive attitudes towards computers. Even so, substantial percentages of students subscribed to various common misconceptions about computers. Students with parents having more education, or who worked professionally, had higher test scores than students with parents who had less education or who did unskilled work. A 10-item bibliography and a list of DoDDS student objectives related to computer literacy are provided. Supporting tables and graphs are appended. (Author/ESR)