PC MANUFACTURERS ROLL OUT WINDOWS XP READY PCS.

Windows XP can be found on a new "Windows XP Ready PC", that meets the system requirements for the new operating system, allowing them to upgrade to Windows XP the day it ships, thanks to the Windows XP Ready PC Program. Compaq Computer Corp., Dell Computer Corp., eMachines Inc., Equus Computer Systems, Gateway Inc., Hewlett-Packard Co., IBM Corp., KDS Computers, MicronPC, Northgate Computers, Premio Computer Inc., Sony, Systemax Inc. and Toshiba are current PC manufacturers offering Windows XP Ready PCs worldwide today. The complete list of Windows XP Ready PCs worldwide can be viewed online at http://www.microsoft.comwindowsxp/ready/ .

The Windows XP Ready PC Program ensures that the PC meets or exceeds the Windows XP system requirements and has passed Windows Hardware Quality Lab test for Windows 2000, and that PC manufacturers will provide any necessary drivers at the launch of Windows XP.

In addition, customers can test-drive Windows XP before its Oct. 25 general availability through the Windows XP Preview Program. Preview Program members will also receive the Windows XP Preview Program Newsletter, which provides information on using the exciting new experiences in Windows XP, such as those involving digital pictures, music, movies, home networking and communications solutions. More information can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/preview/default.asp .

"Windows XP is a breakthrough release that delivers incredible computing experiences for both work and home, enabling people to do amazing things with their PCs," said Jim Allchin, group vice president of the Windows Platforms Group at Microsoft. "With the Windows XP Ready PC Program, people can buy their new PC with confidence knowing it meets the Windows XP system requirements."

PC manufacturers have worked closely with Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) in developing and testing Windows XP, and a Windows XP Ready PC will assure customers that a system purchased today will meet the system requirements to upgrade when Windows XP is launched on Oct. 25.

"As a strong partner for over 15 years, Compaq has worked extraordinarily closely with Microsoft throughout the extensive development and beta test phase of Windows XP," said Michael Larson, senior vice president and general manager of the Compaq Access Business Group. "Compaq's No. 1 goal is to promote its broad PC and portable support for Windows XP across its commercial and consumer product lineups via Microsoft's Windows XP Ready Program and by ensuring that this breakthrough new operating system will be available to customers on Oct. 25."

"Gateway is excited about Windows XP because it will provide our customers with an easy-to-use platform that enables them to do more with digital photography, digital music, video editing, the Internet and communications," said Mike Ritter, vice president of product marketing for Gateway. "The Microsoft Windows XP Ready PC Program -- along with Gateway's comprehensive upgrade program -- will ensure that customers who buy a new PC today will have an easy transition to Windows XP and all the benefits it offers them."

"Dell has been fully committed to working closely with Microsoft on Windows XP throughout its development and beta testing phase," said Jim Totton, vice president of software for the Client Product Group at Dell. "We frequently hear from our customers inquiring about when our desktop and notebook computers will be available with Windows XP. By designating our current desktop and notebook computers as Windows XP Ready, our customers can be confident that come Oct. 25, these systems will be ready to upgrade to Windows XP and deliver amazing new computing experiences."

Windows XP is the new Windows with a brand-new look that gives users the freedom to experience the digital world by putting exciting new experiences at their fingertips, opening the door to endless possibilities. Built on an enhanced Windows 2000 engine, Windows XP establishes the new standard in power, reliability, security and simplicity.

System Requirements for Windows XP

Customers can begin to prepare their current PC systems for a Windows XP upgrade by reviewing the Windows XP system requirements, which are now available for Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional.

-- PC with 300MHz or higher processor clock speed recommended; 233MHz minimum required;* Intel Pentium/Celeron family, AMD K6/Athlon/Duron family or compatible processor recommended (dual processor support in Windows XP Professional)

-- 128 MB of RAM or higher recommended (64 MB minimum supported; may limit performance and some features)

-- 1.5 GB of available hard disk space*

-- Super VGA (800x600) or higher resolution video adapter and monitor

-- CD-ROM or DVD drive

-- Keyboard and Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device

Founded in 1975, Microsoft 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.

For more program information or a list of Windows XP Ready PCs: visit http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/ready/.

Microsoft Corp. can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.microsoft.com.

For more information, call 503/443-7000.