SmartDesk Inc. begins shipping VirtualDESK 2.0; Windows enhancement and net access software now available for multiple Windows environments.

LAGUNA HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 20, 1995--Monday SmartDesk Inc. began shipping VirtualDESK 2.0, the company's Windows enhancement and net access software.

This latest version brings the enhanced power and flexibility of VirtualDESK to users of Windows 3.1, Windows for Workgroups and Windows 95.

First introduced in March, 1995, VirtualDESK provides complete desktop management and online access solutions to users at experience level, whether running stand-alone or as part of a network, from home, road or office. This latest version offers significant enhancements including:

o Multi-platform capability: Supports Windows 3.1, Windows for Workgroups and Windows 95. Includes transparent access to 16-bit and 32-bit functionality and comes on a single CD-ROM and three 3 1/2" floppy diskettes.

o Internet and online access: Internet and online services can be accessed directly from the desktop. Preconfigured links are scattered throughout the product for easy access to online information. Wizards create drag and drop e-mail links or jumps to Internet addresses automatically and can be customized with images of the addressee. VirtualDESK objects can access URL (Uniform Resource Locator) addresses and hyperlink keywords for a number of online services. The program includes preconfigured links to CompuServe, AOL, Prodigy, MSN, Spry Mosaic and Netscape.

o Expanded environment: Users navigate and browse through a virtual town of dozens of preconfigured graphical environments, including a main street with buildings, theater, arcade, home, school and offices. Users can also launch files from graphic multimedia images and can personalize this entire area to suit their individual taste.

o Enhanced drag and drop: Supports drag and drop for images, files, sounds, movies, colors, actions, Internet connections and more.

o Enhanced user scalability: Includes preconfigured environments designed specifically for children, teens, adults, home office, small business and corporate users. The novice will find the drag and drop method of personalization and interaction very user friendly, while the most advanced users can customize through myriad of layers.

o Automation: Supports the X-10 specification for communicating with and controlling automation devices, including: lights, appliances, stereos, TVs, entertainment equipment, security systems and any of the thousands of available X-10 components. Any VirtualDESK object can control any X-10 compliant device. [Requires serial interface adapter (about $50), not included.]

o Video Guides Feature: Provides visual information at key areas throughout the program. Many videos include multiple versions to accommodate varying user levels. This feature saves users the expense and time of extended training. All videos are provided in CD-ROM format to conserve hard disk space.

In addition to desktop management and net access functionality, VirtualDESK provides a number of utilities and features, including: security, an object-oriented file manager (written in the VirtualDESK scripting language with full source code provided), Image Library, Color Library, System Monitor and tracking system with real-time reporting, enhanced Task Manager, Command-line Interpreter, VisualWIZARD System Information (full source code provided) and numerous clocks, calendars and wizards.

Movies, sounds, images, files and more can be dropped directly onto the desktop or into a folder. A multi-screened Media Center provides drag and drop support for multiple videos and animations to be viewed simultaneously. A theater is provided to view AVI and MPEG videos, complete with hidden controls and large movie screen.

Although VirtualDESK provides a drag and drop environment that allows extensive customization without any knowledge of drives, directories, programs or scripting commands, and extensive scripting system with an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and full debugger is provided.

The VirtualDESK scripting language, FGL, supports over 700 commands, has user-defined functions, database manipulation, code blocks, object orientation, variable parameter passing, automatic memory management, multi-tasking, remote procedure calls (RPCs), resident agents and more, and provides an interpreter and compiler with automatic on-the-fly on-demand compiling. A translator is also provided to allow users to use DOS, dBase or Basic commands in VirtualDESK scripts. All of this can be completely hidden or selectively accessed, as a user's experience level increases.

System Requirements

VirtualDESK 2.0 requires a computer with at least 4MB of RAM, 8MB of free disk space, Windows 3.1, Windows for Workgroups, or Windows 95, a 3 1/2" floppy disk drive or CD-ROM and a pointing device. A CD-ROM is required to access the video and enhanced program options.

Pricing and Availability

VirtualDESK 2.0 is available immediately through traditional retail, catalog and distribution locations, or directly from the company (800/582-4022). SRP is $49.95 (US) and includes a 30-day money back guarantee. Version 2.0 is free to all registered users of prior versions. Technical support is available at no charge direct from the company at 714/582-4020, via CompuServe (Go SmartDesk), via the SmartDesk BBS (714/348-0066) or via the company's Internet web site at http://www.virtualdesk.com.

About the Company

SmartDesk Inc. is a privately held software publishing company located in Southern California, specializing in providing Windows-enhancement, multimedia and Net-access solutions. It was founded in 1994 by industry veterans, and it is the publishing partner to the technology-based Advanced Desktop Research Inc. (ADR), who, together with SmartDesk, created and maintains the VirtualDESK product family.

Together they maintain a state-of-the-art digital multimedia studio with full desktop and broadcast pre- and post-production facilities. Studio and staging areas, coupled with sound rooms and extensive mixing and special effects capabilities, round out the company's multimedia resources, all of which were used extensively in the development of VirtualDESK and are used for various customization and enhancement projects, plus product development.

The company's primary headquarters are located in Laguna Hills, Calif., 45 minutes south of Los Angeles, eight miles inland from the Pacific Ocean.

CONTACT: SmartDesk Inc.

Sheryl Moss, 818/712-0801

Steve Repetti, 714/582-4020

or

JPR Consulting

Joanne Rush, 619/674-1095