REDMOND, Wash., April 6, 2000 — From Internet appliances to the latest handheld devices, people are exposed to new technology every day. Whether it’s techno-speak like
“BBS”
and
“USB”
or issues such as online privacy and education, keeping up with new technical information is nearly a full-time job. A new Web site launched today, http://www.digitaldiva.com/ , takes a humanistic approach to technology by eliminating high-tech jargon and explaining these new advances, issues and trends.
Microsoft Corp.’s Digital Diva, Stacy Elliott, spearheads the Web site’s mission to help the growing masses of people befuddled by technology. She began developing Digitaldiva.com after listening to people across the country talk about their technology needs and concerns.
“Not long ago, in fear of not looking ‘tech-savvy,’ I was hesitant to ask friends and co-workers to explain technology or define jargon like ‘ISP’ or ‘URL,’ Elliott said.”
But as I talked to people who helped me understand technology, I kept a list of terms and topics – and used that information as a launching pad for Digitaldiva.com. I’ve put my own tech-term dictionary on Digitaldiva.com to share it with everyone who needs a little help muddling through technology jargon.
“
A recent survey conducted by Penn Shoen & Berland Associates indicated that many women find new technology confusing and intimidating.* In fact, more than half the women surveyed stated that they currently do not use any high-tech products for personal use because they do not know enough about them.
To solve the problem, the Digital Diva will tackle a technology-related issue online each month. The first topic,
“Getting Started Using Technology,”
is geared toward people who would like help determining which types of technologies meet their needs. Future monthly topics include education, privacy and managing home life with new technologies.
More specific technology questions can be submitted online to [email protected]. Each week, the most frequently asked questions will be answered on the Web site.
Elliott admits that keeping up with technology is a challenge.
“To help win the battle of the ‘bit’ and ‘byte,’ people visiting our Web site also can sign up to receive a monthly newsletter highlighting helpful technology hints and issues,”
she said.
In addition to heading Digitaldiva.com, Elliott educates women, parents and senior citizens by speaking to groups across the country on how technology can offer tangible solutions to simplify everyday life. During her three years at Microsoft, Elliott has focused on helping the company and industry build bridges with consumers who might not fully understand technology.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
”
MSFT’) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies 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.
*These results are based on a survey of more than 400 women age 30 and older (margin of error +/- 4.9 percent), conducted by Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates in December 1999.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Stacy Elliott as the Digital Diva, please visit her Web site at http://www.digitaldiva.com/ . For more information about Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft® Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages.
