The paper sets the stage for the effective and efficient use of computers in institutional research. The microcomputer and the mainframe computer are contrasted for those researchers who have a choice of where to process data. General computer use, specific microcomputer and mainframe computing guidelines, and an application utilizing both computer types are presented. General considerations touch upon attitudes, expectations, and organizational habits for the purpose of establishing what can or cannot be done with a computer. The guidelines highlight strengths and weaknesses in dealing with microcomputers and large mainframe computer systems and delve into areas of data control, data accessibility, standardization of procedures and documentation, system support and user education, hardware limitations, and software support. The discussion of the application shows how computing tools were chosen. (Author)