AST COMPUTER PARTICIPATES IN NATIONAL EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE AT E3 TRADE SHOW.

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 8, 1996--Demonstrating its commitment to the youth of America, AST Computer Wednesday announced its participation in Net-A-Thon, a National Education Technology (NET) Initiative program designed to raise funds that will be used to provide computers and computer software to America's public schools.

"The youth of today will be the leaders of tomorrow," said AST's Dan Sheppard, vice president of worldwide product marketing, and a founding advisory board member of NET Initiative. "As a major corporate sponsor of this organization, we recognize the importance of technology in education and we heartily endorse and support the efforts of the NET Initiative."

NET Initiative, a newly formed nonprofit organization, is raising money to supply schools across the country with computers through an on-line Internet-A-Thon, coinciding with this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) being held May 16 - 19 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles. A cross between a telethon and charity silent auction, this first-of-a-kind Net-A-Thon will be held each May and November to coincide with the $100 billion technology industry's two biggest trade shows, E3 and Comdex. These two yearly events alone attract more than 250,000 participants. Funded by private and corporate contributions via fundraising activities, the NET Initiative represents a collaboration of the largest software and hardware manufacturers including Intel Corp., Microsoft Corp., Apple Computer Inc. and AST Computer, as well as celebrities, working together for the betterment of America's youth.

Items being offered at this premiere Net-A-Thon range from multimedia CD-ROMs and computer hardware to autographed rock guitars and works of art. Anyone visiting the NET Initiative's website at www.NETI.org can bid on items, make a donation or surf through the list of donated items including PC systems from AST Computer.

White House Support For NET-A-Thon

Officially kicked off at the Internet World trade show in San Jose, Calif., the Net-A-Thon will culminate May 16 at E3 with a White House presentation on the importance of the Net Initiative. A free resource guide highlighting hardware and software companies offering educational discounts to schools is available to all educators. The resource guide will be available in print and electronic form.

According to President Bill Clinton, "The NET Initiative's Internet-A-Thon is a great opportunity for those who have benefitted most from technology to reach out to the next generation of Americans. By uniting consumers, retailers, hardware manufacturers and software publishers on-line, this effort will strengthen education and help our children succeed." Corporate Background

AST Research Inc., a member of the Fortune 500 list of America's largest industrial and service companies, is one of the world's leading personal computer manufacturers. The $2.468 billion company develops a broad spectrum of desktop, mobile and server PC products that are sold in more than 100 countries worldwide. AST systems meet a wide range of customer needs, from corporate business applications to advanced home and home office use. Corporate headquarters is located at 16215 Alton Parkway, P.O. Box 57005, Irvine, Calif. 92619-7005. Telephone [phone] or 800/876-4278. Fax [phone]. Information about AST, its products and services can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.ast.com.

Note To Editors: AST is a registered trademark of AST Research Inc. All other products or services mentioned herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

CONTACT: AST Research Inc.

Camerone Welch-Thorson, 714/727-8858

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