Microsoft Press Gives Users a Head Start on Office 2000

Free Kit Available on the Web, Including Training and Reference Material and Software Demos

REDMOND, Wash. - Feb. 16, 1999 - Users can start learning now how to increase desktop and Web productivity, collaborate more effectively and manage information with Microsoft^® Office 2000. Through May 31, 1999, users can complete a mail-in form available at http://mspress.microsoft.com/office2000/books/, and Microsoft Press will send them a complimentary kit, called Office 2000 Discover the Possibilities Kit, for $4.95 (U.S.) to cover shipping costs. The kit includes Microsoft Press^® Office 2000 training and reference products, along with trial and demonstration versions of Microsoft software.

The kit includes printed chapter excerpts from Microsoft Press Office 2000 titles:

• Microsoft Excel 2000 at a Glance, by Perspection Inc. A preview is offered on how to link Microsoft Excel to the Internet, with points on Web-enabled collaboration and information sharing. The At a Glance series provides quick answers to common computing questions in an affordable, visual, task-oriented desktop reference.
• Microsoft FrontPage 2000 Step by Step, by SES Publishing. Readers can learn techniques for creating dynamic Web sites with Microsoft Office 2000 and the FrontPage^® 2000 Web site creation and management tool. The Step by Step series provides easy-to-follow lessons with clear objectives and real-world examples. It is designed to help beginning to advanced users get the most out of their software.
• Running Microsoft Office 2000 Premium. Co-authors Michael Halvorson and Michael Young provide tips on document management for both hard drives and the Internet. The Running series of in-depth references was created specifically for power users.
• Quick Course in Microsoft Word 2000, by Online Press Inc. QuickCourse^® helps users learn formatting techniques and techniques for formatting with styles. The Quick Course series offers to-the-point tutorials and learning exercises designed to help users build proficiency in software fundamentals quickly.

For a hands-on approach, the following sample software from Office 2000 and other Microsoft products are included in the Office 2000 Discover the Possibilities Kit:

• Microsoft Office 2000 Step by Step Interactive (trial version). This multimedia-enhanced computer-based training system from Microsoft Press shows users how to maximize productivity through task-based lessons, software simulations, animation, pre- and post-lesson assessment, and hands-on interaction with Microsoft Office 2000 software.
• Microsoft PhotoDraw 2000 (trial version). PhotoDraw™ business graphics software combines photo-editing and drawing tools into a single application.
• Microsoft Project 98 (trial version) and Microsoft Project 98 tour. These applications help users plan, track and manage almost all tasks, from short-term projects to complex multiproject schedules.
• Access to MSN (one month free*). The MSN™ network of Internet products and services connects users to a community of more than 2 million people worldwide with e-mail, chat rooms and seamless access to the Internet.
• Microsoft MapPoint. With complete, accurate geographic and demographic data and easy-to-use analysis tools, MapPoint™ business mapping software makes it easy for business users in organizations of any size to use maps to make better-informed business decisions.
• The MSN Gaming Zone. A Web link to free time** on one of the largest gaming communities on the Internet (http://www.microsoft.com/games/zone.htm), along with a three-day trial version of the Microsoft Fighter Ace™ online multiplayer game, is included.

In addition, the Office 2000 Discover the Possibilities Kit includes coupons redeemable for rebate offers on Peachtree Accounting Software and other Microsoft Press titles.

Along with the software launch of Microsoft Office 2000, Microsoft Press plans to release more than 50 official training and reference titles for Office 2000 aimed at users of all levels.

Microsoft Press is a division of Microsoft Corp. and the leading source of comprehensive self-paced learning, training, evaluation and support resources to help developers, IT professionals and end users get the most from Microsoft technology. Customers can choose from

more than 250 current titles in print, multimedia and network-ready formats - learning solutions made by Microsoft. For more information, visit http://mspress.microsoft.com/.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

*For users of the Windows^® 95 or higher operating system only. One month free unlimited trial is available to new members of MSN Internet Access in the 50 United States and the District of Columbia only. A credit card is required. Local phone and/or long distance toll charges may apply. Local market network activity and capacity may affect access availability. Offer expires May 31, 1999.

**New players only. Free trial and gameplay does not include Internet access fees. Limit one per household. Offer is good in the 50 United States, District of Colombia and Canada only. Offer expires Dec. 31, 1999.

Microsoft, Microsoft Press, FrontPage, PhotoDraw, MSN, MapPoint, Fighter Ace and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

QuickCourse is a registered trademark of Online Press Inc.

Other product and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

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