REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 24, 1997 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that the Microsoft® Personal Computing webzine http://www.microsoft.com/insider/ will host a month of live chats during October that will provide customers with a direct line to experts on Microsoft software who will focus on tips, tricks and trouble-shooting for PCs and Microsoft software. The series will be co-hosted by the MSN
™
, The Microsoft Network (http://www.MSN.com/) online service program “Computing on MSN.”
Each chat will be hosted by an expert on Microsoft software and an MSN forum manager who will answer questions and facilitate live discussion, giving customers tips on how to get the most from their hardware and Microsoft software. These experts come from a variety of backgrounds, but all have one thing in common: They are among the best in their area of expertise. Many are published authors, owners of their own businesses, and pioneers in the development of software and online services.
“This is a fun and easy way for PC enthusiasts to exchange ideas and ask questions of the experts – as well as each other,” said Mike Losh, director, end user marketing at Microsoft. “The October month of chats is just one illustration of Microsoft’s commitment to helping PC users increase the utility of their computers.”
The Scheduled Lineup
How to Join the Chat
The series of technical support chats is open to anyone with online access. To get started, users can point their browser to http://www.microsoft.com/insider/ . Then, they simply click “Get Answers from Microsoft Experts.” If it is the right day and time for that chat, they can click the big button that reads, “Join the Chat.” Once in the chat room, two windows will appear: At the left will be the interview window, and at the right will be the questions window. The questions window is used to ask questions and to chat with other users. The answers to questions will appear in the interview window.
“If you need to trouble-shoot a problem in a chat, have the information you need jotted down ahead of time,” said Kate Chase, forum manager for PC Kate’s Hardware Haven. Users may want to document information such as the type of system hardware they are using, what operating system they have, how much RAM (memory) they have installed, and the text of the exact error message they encountered.
Software users can ensure they are getting the most from the Microsoft software they have acquired by visiting Microsoft Personal Computing, located at http://www.microsoft.com/insider/ . This online customer magazine is a must visit for people who want to learn the easiest and quickest ways of using their Microsoft software to the fullest, both to increase productivity and to have more fun.
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, MSN, Windows and FrontPage are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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