Compaq Outfits National Journalism Library With PC Equipment; Extends Internet and Computer Technology to Heart of Journalism Community.

WASHINGTON, D.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 30, 1996--Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) today announced the company's donation of its advanced PCs, monitors and server technology to the National Journalism Library located in Washington, D.C. at the National Press Club. Known as the Eric Friedheim Library, this world-renowned news information center offers journalists a source for information and learning. The new PC equipment will further enable the world's journalists to practice computer skills, master new technologies such as using the Internet and obtain expert research assistance for working projects.

Announcement of the donation coincided with a speech delivered by Compaq President and CEO Eckhard Pfeiffer during a National Press Club Luncheon this afternoon.

"Being able to tap vast resources and extensive databases such as the Internet in a fast and efficient manner is essential for journalists to do their jobs accurately and efficiently," said Pfeiffer. "With the proper training and access to the latest technologies, the Library provides a unique international forum for journalists to learn new methods of PC-assisted research and reporting. Compaq recognizes that journalists are on the forefront of global communication, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to support their efforts."

Currently, the Eric Friedheim Library is under renovation and will re-open its doors in November. Before the renovations, the Library -- with patched-together equipment and no computer classroom -- had to close each time a training class was offered in order to dedicate the computer terminals for instruction. The new Library will allow classes to take place throughout the day, while other users continue to access the Internet or word processing programs in the public computing area.

The newly renovated library has been outfitted by Compaq with 30 Deskpro XL PCs, 31 QVision 17" monitors and a ProLiant 1500 server. Compaq's Deskpro XL advanced Pentium-based PCs are packed with 32 Megabytes (MB) of Random Access Memory (RAM), Matrox MGA Millennium Graphics, Windows NT Workstation 3.51 software and 2.1 GB hard drives. The Compaq ProLiant 1500 5/133 is a mission-critical server for departmental file and application servers and is equipped with 64 MB RAM, CD-ROM, SmartStart and 6.3 Gigabytes (GB) of total storage. Compaq will assist the Library with installation and support.

"The Library alone is reason enough to join the National Press Club," said Andy Alexander, Deputy Washington Bureau Chief, Cox Newspapers, and President of the Friends of the National Journalism Library, a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that raises money for the library. "It's the best of its kind and a leader in providing journalists with new skills and broader, faster access to information."

"As the craft of journalism relies more on electronic media, members of the press must master new technologies such as the Internet," said Barbara Vandegrift, librarian for the Eric Friedheim Library. "Journalists must be well-trained in new ways of receiving and disseminating information so that they can continue to provide accurate and timely news coverage. Unfortunately, many news organizations do not have the equipment or resources to provide this much needed training to their professional staff. The Eric Friedheim Library offers journalists a place to grow, and we're pleased that the world's leader in computing -- Compaq -- has generously donated the tools we need to teach journalists about the tremendous benefits of PC technology and the Internet in our profession."

Company Background

Compaq Computer Corporation, a Fortune 100 company, is the fifth largest computer company in the world and the largest global supplier of personal computers, delivering useful innovation through products that connect people with people and people with information. The company is an industry leader in environmentally friendly programs and business practices. Compaq is strategically organized to meet the current and future needs of its customers, offering Internet and enterprise computing solutions, networking products, commercial PC products and consumer PCs. As the leader in distributed enterprise solutions, Compaq has shipped more than one million servers. In 1995, the company reported worldwide sales of $14.8 billion. Compaq products are sold and supported in more than 100 countries through a network of authorized Compaq marketing partners. Customer support and information about Compaq and its products can be found at http://www.compaq.com or by calling 1-800-OK-COMPAQ. Product information and resellers locations can be obtained by calling 1-800-345-1518. -0-

Compaq, Registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Product and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

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