REDMOND, Wash., (, March 17, 1997) — Microsoft Corp. announced today that digital imaging demonstrations and updated Internet information are now part of Microsoft’s popular Family Technology Nights. These additions were added as a response to participants’ requests and the contributions of Sony, the program’s newest sponsor. Sony joins the American Association of School Librarians, Family PC magazine and CompUSA as a supporter of these free in-school events demonstrating the dramatic impact that technology can have on learning at school and home.
At Family Technology Nights, families discover the vast resources of the Internet by taking an Internet
“field trip” where they get tips on how to select computer hardware and software, and learn how to use e-mail and reference and creativity software, such as Microsoft® Encarta®
97 Multimedia Encyclopedia and Creative Writer 2. Sony is adding another dimension to the workshops by providing digital cameras for demonstrating how easy it is to capture the school or workshop participants on film and add them to the online presentation or print them out.
“By the end of this school year, Family Technology Nights will have provided more than 450,000 participants with a hands-on opportunity to learn about the value of technology in education,”
said Steve Schiro, vice president, Microsoft End User Customer Unit. “Schools sponsoring Family Technology Nights have received more than $600,000 in free software during the first three and a half years. We know that our collaboration with Sony will strengthen these informative, community events.
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“Sony is pleased to join Microsoft in co-sponsoring the Family Technology Nights program,”
said Tim Errington, senior vice president, Sony Information Technologies of America.
“This is the perfect way to give families and educators first-hand knowledge of the latest computer hardware and software in a friendly, entertaining and educational manner.”
Errington added,
“Participants will have hands-on opportunities to experience the high quality and reliability they have come to expect from Sony and Microsoft as they discover the power of Microsoft Internet Explorer and the Windows® 95operating system running on our Sony PCs.”
Participants can try out what they learn during the presentations on the Sony Personal Computers provided at the Family Technology Nights. All attendees and participating schools will be entered into quarterly contests to win a Sony Personal Computer with collections of Microsoft software. In addition to the free Microsoft software, participating schools and a winning attendee at each school will receive free subscriptions to FamilyPC magazine. CompUSA gives participants discounts on Microsoft software, which also earn credits toward free software for their schools.
“Parents and kids come to the event ready to learn about computers, software, and the Internet,” said Mark Tobias, a Family Technology Night presenter in New York City. “They get really excited when they see how technology in schools and in their own homes can help their children excel in the classroom today and in the world tomorrow.
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For more information or to schedule a Family Technology Night, parent group representatives, educators and all who are interested in increasing their school community’s understanding of technology can call 1-800-203-5520.
Based in San Jose, Calif., Sony Information Technologies of America is a divisional company of Sony Electronics that markets Sony-branded computer products, including Sony PCs, Trinitron®
displays, digital still cameras and other multimedia products through distributors, resellers and consumer retailers. For additional information about the PC by Sony call 800-476-6972 or visit Sony’s World Wide Web site at (http://www.sony.com/pc) .
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 Encarta are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Other product and/or company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
For more information, press only:
Joelle McGinnis@[email protected] orJamie Roth/[email protected] ,Marcy Monyek and Associates, 312-263-2135
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