Shopping for a home Computer

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Now that the computer revolution has settled down to capable equipment at attractive prices,maybe it's time for you to start thinking about...

by TJ Byers

This is the time of year when most of us are planning our holiday shopping lists. And we'd naturally like to select presents that are as practical as they are attractive. One item that has both appeal and purpose is a home computer. Since its introduction some ten years ago, the small (or micro, as it's known in the industry) computer has grown in popularity to the point where 25% of all households in the U.S. now own or have access to one. What's more, it's estimated that over 40% of all homes will have a personal computer by 1990.

Contrary to popular lore, the computer isn't the number-crunching monster so many of us have come to envision. Rather, it's a tool that can be used to lighten our daily burden. Like the plow or tractor, a computer can relieve us of chores and allow us to use our time more productively. The variety of tasks a computer can take on increases daily. To many people, a computer is merely an expensive video game . . . but to an increasing number, it serves such roles as teacher, tax consultant, or even—as the sidebar on software shows—garden planner.

In each case, the computer offers a service. The extent of that service is a topic MOTHER will take up in future issues as we discuss some of the specific tasks a home computer can perform. For now, though, let's concern ourselves with the task of selecting a suitable machine by sorting through the many options available.