Microsoft Donates Windows 95 Software to Senior Centers
REDMOND, Wash, Jan. 28, 1998 — In another effort to broaden technology access for seniors, Microsoft Corp. has donated $150,000 worth of new software and hardware to senior centers across the nation. This donation will supplement a Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) program announced in September 1997, through which more than 500 computers were loaned to senior centers across the country to provide access to important health-care and Medicare information via the Internet.
Microsoft announced the donation Jan. 27 at the Des Moines Senior Center’s computer lab grand opening in Des Moines, Wash. The Des Moines center was one of 462 chosen to receive PCs through HCFA’s Computers for Seniors program and as such will also receive Microsoft’s donation. In addition, Microsoft provided supplementary software and training products to the Des Moines Senior Center through a separate community affairs grant.
“Microsoft has made a commitment to offering expanded access, information and training to seniors who are interested in exploring PC and Internet technology,” said Bob Herbold, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Microsoft. “This donation, combined with the PC loan program from HCFA and Microsoft’s other programs for seniors, is an important step toward empowering seniors with technology that can help them communicate, gather information, enhance their employability, keep budgets and much more.”
“I’m glad Microsoft shares our goal of helping seniors gain valuable health-care information through the Internet,” said Nancy Anne Min DeParle, HCFA deputy administrator. “Bringing seniors into cyberspace is an excellent way to provide our beneficiaries with the opportunity to have up-to-date information about Medicare.”
The list of recipients for Microsoft’s software donation corresponds to the centers chosen through HCFA’s “Computers for Seniors” loan program. Each center will receive copies of the Microsoft® Windows® 95 operating system, Microsoft Works and a Microsoft IntelliMouse® pointing device optimized for use on the Internet.
Microsoft’s donation is part of a multifaceted effort to bring PC and Internet information and access to Americans over 50. A flagship component of that effort is Microsoft’s Lifetime Connections seminar series, co-sponsored by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and supported by SeniorNet and Sony Electronics Inc. Lifetime Connections offers basic PC and Internet technical information through classroom-style instruction, as well as an opportunity for hands-on experimentation with software and Internet connections, to seniors in 30 communities across the country.
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.
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