Microsoft Offers Resources Over The Holidays To Help Customers Get Their New Computers Running

REDMOND, Wash., December 21, 1998 - Tis the season for gift giving, and in the digital age that means new computers and the latest PC software and games. Millions of people around the world will receive new personal computers this holiday season, and many of today's new machines come pre-loaded with Microsoft's Windows 98 operating system.

For customers who need a little extra help, Microsoft is offering top 10 tips for making the most of their computer experience:

1. Check out the Microsoft holiday support page
   Log on to http://microsoft.com/support/. From there you can jump to the holiday support page. Microsoft has consolidated popular topics, frequently asked questions (FAQs) and troubleshooting tips for its hottest-selling products this holiday season.

    

2. Sign up for a Microsoft Windows electronic newsletter
   Microsoft's electronic newsletter is automatically e-mailed to you with tips and tricks and the latest news on Windows. Subscribe at http://www.microsoft.com

    

3. Check the Windows Update site regularly
   One quick and easy way to make sure you have all the latest and greatest software is by checking the Windows Update site at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

    

4. Check the computer manufacturer's Web site for updates
   If you install a new device like a keyboard or a mouse and it's not functioning as it should, check the manufacturer's Web site for updated device software. There may have been revisions since your hardware was packaged. While you're there, see if there's a list of frequently asked questions relating to your device. It is likely that others have had the same experience as you, and the answer may be readily available.

    

5. Register your products online
   When available, registering your products online is easy and allows you access to online support and update service for Windows 98, plus many more benefits.

    

6. Scan for viruses regularly with an anti-virus program
   Make sure you install a current anti-virus program and periodically scan for viruses by using the latest virus signatures. Allow the program to remove any viruses that it finds.

    

7. Check Support Online for quick answers to your problems
   Support Online is a great resource for questions or problems with your software. Just type your question into the knowledge database, or access one of the many FAQs. Support Online is available at http://support.microsoft.com

    

8. Don't forget to read the "Readme.txt" files and "getting started" documents that come with your software
   Print them out if you can and keep them for future reference. These manuals provide useful information to keep your computer running smoothly.

    

9. Back up your data!
   Routinely back up the data on your system to avoid losing important information.

    

10. Call us! Microsoft engineers are available to help over the holidays
    No-charge product support for select software products and all Microsoft hardware will be available throughout the Christmas weekend, as well as on New Year's Day. Customers can talk to support engineers from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on Dec. 24 - 27, and Jan. 1. Check product packaging to find out what the technical support policy is for your new product.

Whom to Contact
Customers with questions about Microsoft products should call the company at the following product-specific phone numbers:

• Microsoft Windows 98 - (425) 635-7122
• Microsoft Plus! - (425) 635-7222
• All Microsoft games - (425) 637-9308
• All Microsoft multimedia software - (425) 635-7172
• Microsoft Expedia series - (425) 635-7146
• All Microsoft kid's software - (425) 635-7140
• Microsoft personal finance software - (425) 635-7131
• Barney, Arthur, or D.W. dolls or software - (425) 635-5043
• All Microsoft Hardware products - (425) 635-7040

Customers can also reach Microsoft Product Support on the Internet at http://support.microsoft.com. The site features special holiday support pages aimed at helping customers troubleshoot issues they encounter with new software and hardware products purchased during the holidays.

• Microsoft Offers No-Charge Holiday Product Support for This Year's Hottest Software and Hardware
• Holiday Help for Microsoft Games, Kids, Reference, and Hardware Products

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