REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 17, 1999 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that Blockbuster Inc. stores nationwide will carry a year 2000 (Y2K) video that helps customers prepare their home PC for the year 2000. Through this program, Microsoft has produced a free, 30-minute video titled
“Is Your Computer Prepared for the Year 2000?” to be carried in the Community Service section of participating Blockbuster stores. When consumers check out the free Microsoft Y2K video, they will also be provided with the Microsoft Year 2000 Resource CD, which includes the latest updates for key Microsoft® products as well as an assortment of tools and information related to Y2K.
The Microsoft Y2K video walks customers through the process of easily preparing their PC hardware, software and data for the year 2000. Consumers ranging from novices to the technically proficient will find the video pertinent and useful.
“We are delighted to add another useful resource to our Community Relations section,”
said Jim Notarnicola, chief marketing officer for Blockbuster.
“Any Blockbuster member can receive the Y2K video and Microsoft Year 2000 Resource CD absolutely free of charge.”
The video features a variety of recognizable hosts, including Bill Nye, known to many as the Science Guy, Bob Cringely, a technology journalist who writes for PBS, and John Archer, president of the PC Alliance. The Y2K video is available at participating Blockbuster stores throughout the United States. Consumers may also view the Y2K Video via the Microsoft Y2K Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/y2k/video/video.htm.
“We are excited to be able to provide consumers with another great resource as they prepare their home PC for the year 2000. With only 44 days remaining, customers are looking for straightforward answers on the year 2000. This free video provides helpful and easy-to-understand Y2K information for all PC users,”
said Jeff Raikes, group vice president, Microsoft.
Blockbuster Inc. (NYSE
“BBI”
) is a publicly traded subsidiary of Viacom Inc. and is the nation’s leading renter of videos and video games, with approximately 6,500 Blockbuster video stores in the United States, its territories and 25 other countries. The company may be accessed internationally at http://www.blockbuster.com/ . Viacom Inc. is one of the world’s largest entertainment companies and a leading force in nearly every segment of the international media marketplace.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software – any time, any place and on any device.
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