Microcomputers have secured for themselves an important place in the current services for people with learning disabilities. They are seen as prestigious and interesting by clients and staff, if somewhat terrifying at first, and a door into an area for learning new skills in creative ways. Importantly, they require a cooperative effort with many branches of a service playing a part to provide funds, secure training for staff, find the appropriate software, link learning experiences to the rest of the social‐education curriculum, and use the systems with enthusiasm and energy. ‘Softly Speaking’ is a new series which aims to introduce new software to the many users of computers. In the first part of this new series Dr John Hegarty, Head of theComputer Applications to Special Educationunit at Keele University reviews a recently‐produced pack for people with profound learning disabilities, and new tutorial software to help people learn to use the ‘Acorn A3000