The mere mention of biocomputing instruction conjures up an image of rooms full of computing hardware and a huge initial investment. This need not be the case. Equipment and software requirements and, therefore, the cost, depend on the nature of the subjects being taught and the ultimate goals of the instruction. Instructional goals vary with each instructor and within every department in any institution involved in this field. The individual instructor's desires concerning the nature of the course sets the tenor of the instructional setting. First, one decides what is to be taught. This means not only the topics to be covered, but also the depth and breadth of instruction and its possible audience. Next, one must determine what software tools will be used. Each possible subject area (sequence analysis, molecular visualization, or molecular modelling) has its own instructional style as well as distinct software needs. One also needs to define how the course will be conducted. The mechanics of how the course is taught greatly affects the hardware requirements for it. After having planned the ideal environment in which to teach the course, it is time for a reality check. One must ascertain exactly what resources are available: funding, software, and hardware. The objective is to implement as many of the instructional goals as possible now, without having to wait for major grant funding or some other godsend.