This paper shares some ideas regarding the use of computers by persons who use their gerontology training in direct service to older persons and their families. It proposes that, as professionals serving older persons and their families look toward the future, they need to conscientiously incorporate computer competence into their practice. The paper is divided into four parts. First, there is a brief discussion of the concept of computer competence which emphasizes that such competence is really computer fluency. Next, there is an overview of five common computer applications (word processing, electronic spreadsheets, database management, desktop publishing, telecommunications/data communications). Finally, a number of special topics are discussed that can have current and future benefit to applied gerontologists. These topics include hypertext, statistics packages, networking, artificial intelligence, and compact disc read only memory. The paper concludes that the possibilities seem limited only by the knowledge of the hardware and software available and by gerontologists' courage in plunging into this new area of professional practice. (ABL)