This overview of the home market for microcomputers and computer software presents a brief history of the development of the microcomputer and its use in the home. Factors which shape the home market are discussed, e.g., desire for improvement of educational skills, presence of children, previous experience with a computer, and decreasing prices. Statistics on the numbers and brands of computers purchased are presented for 1984, as well as projections for total home software sales through 1988. Evaluations of educational software packages for children are then presented; most reviews provide a brief description of the programs, the producer, cost, and computers on which the software will run. Titles of software include: (1) Master Type; (2) Snooper Troops; (3) Introduction to BASIC, Parts I and II; (4) Invitation to Programming, 1, 2 & 3; (5) Color Computer Learning Lab; (6) Teach Yourself BASIC; (7) Logo Implementations (Apple Logo, Atari's PILOT); (8) Facemaker; (9) Computer SAT; (10) Math Blaster; (11) Early Games; (12) Algebra Series; (13) Rocky's Boots; and (14) Academic Skill Builders in Math. Speculations on why educational home computing is generating so much interest conclude the paper. (JB)