The development of on-farm micro computers for farm business management in the U.K. is reviewed. The type of farm and farmer that are most likely to benefit from the use of a computer are identified followed by a discussion of what a prospective user should look for when deciding to buy a micro computer and software. The benefits that are likely to be realised are discussed along with the time it takes before they manifest themselves. The author discusses his own experience of acquiring and using a computer and the benefits that were derived.