This guide developed by MicroSIFT, a clearinghouse for microcomputer-based educational software and courseware, provides background information and forms to aid teachers and other educators in evaluating available microcomputer courseware. The evaluation process comprises six stages: (1) sifting, which screens out those programs that are not instructional in nature and determines a package's operational readiness and hardware compatibility; (2) package description, including program format, instructional purpose and technique, type of package, available documentation, and the hardware configuration necessary for its use; (3) gathering field data from evaluation experts at the K-12 level; (4) verification of the first draft of the review by the producer of the software; (5) final drafting and production of the review; and (6) dissemination of the courseware evaluation. Forms for the second (descriptive) and third (evaluative) phases are provided, together with explanations of the kinds of information needed and discussions of some of the factors to be considered in completing various sections of the forms. Definitions of five terms are provided in the introductory section, four modes of distribution for the 535 evaluations published by MicroSIFT during its 5-year history are listed, and four sample reviews conclude the guide. (DJR)