In recent years the personal computer business has been

            growing at phenonomenal rates.  Experts compare the market of

            the personal computer to the great days of the automobile

            industry.  Some futurists even predict that the computer

            market will someday rival America's basic industries- steel,

            autos, and chemicals, and become the backbone of U.S

            economy.  Just a few years ago however, the personal computer

            seemed far too complicated, too expensive, and useless for

            solutions to problems other than those of the scientist or

            the engineer.  Now, not only does the high-tech intellectual




                                        - 1 -










            use the computer but the housewife, the small business man,

            and even the child utilizie it too.  What caused such a

            drastic change in the routines of the American public and the

            world?  The overwhelming reasons computers have become so

            popular result from the technological breakthroughs that have

            made computers inexpensive, simple to use, and incredibly

            diverse in its applications to business and home use.

                 A personal computer defined in very simple terms is

            this:

                 At the heart of computing power is a tiny
                 microprocessor, which sells for around $3 to $5.
                 Wrapped around the microprocessor chip are a
                 handful of other miniature components and a
                 keyboard for entering information.  Add a monitor
                 (a cheap cassette tape rcorder will do) and you are
                 in the computer game, just like the big folks.  By
                 swithching from tape to record-like disks, a user
                 can store enough information to run a small
                 business or control a sophisticated piece of
                 machinery.  Add a printer and out come printed
                 letters or parts in inventory.  Attach a modem and
                 you can receive date stored in other computers over
                 a phoneline.[1]


                 The personal computer in recent years has assumed many

            shapes and sizes.  On the market there are several types of

            computers for a variety of different uses.  There are

            portable computers no more than a foot long, medium size

            computers for the home, and larger more powerful computers

            for use in the office.  The portable computers are very

            useful for business trips and home use and sell for about


            ----------

            1. K.K Wagner "Tommorow has Arrived" Forbes 129:112 F 15 '82
                                                 ______



                                        - 2 -










            $100 or less.  For the recreational computerist companies now

            sell medium size home com