REDMOND, Wash., April 23, 1996 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the Microsoft® Internet Starter Kit, the easy, complete and inexpensive way for novice users of the Windows®
95 operating system to get on the Internet. The new kit includes everything that consumers need to unlock the full potential of the Internet and the World Wide Web, including a demonstration disk that contains samples of actual Web sites, allowing users to test-drive the Internet before they connect; a comprehensive Internet guidebook with tips and tricks on how to access all of the information the Internet offers; for new subscribers to MSN
™
, The Microsoft Network, 30 days of no-charge, unlimited access to the Internet and Web as well as the great content available on MSN; and the state-of-the-art Web browser, Microsoft Internet Explorer version 2.0.
“Surfing the Internet and the World Wide Web can be daunting for first-time users,”
said Brad Chase, general manager in the Internet platform and tools division at Microsoft.
“The Internet Starter Kit was designed to make getting on the Internet as easy as one-stop shopping. The Internet guide and the demo disk give novice users the tools they need to immediately feel confident maneuvering through the Net.”
Internet Starter Kit: The Easy Way to Get on the Web
The Microsoft Internet Starter Kit includes the following:
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“
Introducing the Internet,
” an easy-to-understand Internet guidebook from Microsoft Press. A $29.95 value, the book walks first-time users through everything they need to know about getting on and around the Internet and the Web. It explains how to search for information, download files, access Usenet newsgroups, and communicate with people around the world via e-mail. All non-English language versions will include a Quick Start Guide. -
Sample Web pages that allow first-time users to get a realistic taste of navigating the Web even before they connect to their Internet access provider. Users are given hundreds of real Web pages to sample in the areas of entertainment and business. Users can click words and areas of the sample Web pages and jump to different levels of those pages, just as they do in the online world.
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Thirty days of no-charge, unlimited access to the Internet and the Web when Internet Starter Kit users become new subscribers to the popular MSN online service as their Internet access provider. Users also get 30 days of no-charge access to the great content available on MSN, including USA Today. This offer is valid in the United States and Canada; offers vary elsewhere. Customers can choose any service provider, but the no-charge offer is valid only with MSN. (Credit card required. MSN premium charges and long distance or toll charges may be applicable.)
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Microsoft Internet Explorer 2.0, which allows users to unlock the full potential of the Internet and offers outstanding browser performance for Windows 95. Internet Explorer 2.0 gives users access to the full features of the more than 7,000 sites enhanced for Microsoft Internet Explorer. Microsoft Internet Explorer 2.0 also offers users of Windows 95 support for inline sound and video, 3-D animated graphics, forms, access to FTP and Gopher servers, Usenet newsgroups, Internet security standards, non-English language Web pages, and no-charge upgrades to future versions of the browser. The CD-ROM includes all 23 language versions of the Microsoft Internet Explorer 2.0 and automatically installs the same language version as the installed version of Windows 95.
Pricing and Availability
The Microsoft Internet Starter Kit is available today from retailers in the United States and will be available in 20 countries by the end of May. The Internet Starter Kit sells for approximately $19.95 (U.S.).
To use the Internet Starter Kit, users need a PC with a 386DX or higher processor (486 recommended), Windows 95 operating system, 8 MB of memory, 3 MB to 16 MB of hard disk space, a CD-ROM drive and 3.5-inch disk drive, VGA or higher resolution video adapter (Super VGA 256-color recommended), Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device, 9600 or higher bps modem (14,400 or higher recommended), and Internet access via an Internet service provider such as MSN.
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.
Microsoft, Windows and MSN are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The Microsoft Network is operated by Microsoft Corp. on behalf of Microsoft Network LLC.
