Microsoft Windows 95 Is Available Today at Retail Outlets Worldwide

Windows 95 Makes Computing More Powerful, Yet Simpler and More Fun, Unlocking the Potential for Everyone

Redmond, Wash. — Aug. 24, 1995 — It’s here. Microsoft Corp. announced that its Microsoft® Windows® 95 operating system for personal computers is available today at tens of thousands of locations worldwide.  The new operating system is also available preinstalled on most new computers sold beginning today.  To help celebrate the launch of Windows 95, NBC’s “Tonight Show” Host Jay Leno will be the featured guest at an industry event hosted by Microsoft at its Redmond, Wash., campus.

A Windows Upgrade

Windows 95 is the much-anticipated upgrade to the Windows® and MS-DOS® operating systems.  These desktop operating systems have set a standard for personal computing, running approximately 80 percent of the world’s PCs.

“Windows 95 is about unlocking more of the potential of computing,” said Bill Gates, chairman and CEO at Microsoft.  “We are moving into the next era of computing, with broader communications via e-mail and the online world, dazzling multimedia and games, and richer educational software.  Windows 95 helps open up this new world.  It makes computing easier and more fun, and will empower people and businesses to do more with computers than has previously been possible.”

Starting today, PC users will be able to obtain Windows 95 at a wide range of retail outlets worldwide, including software outlets, computer super stores and consumer-electronics retailers, and mass merchants.  Users of previous versions of Windows can upgrade to Windows 95 for approximately $109.  The upgrade version of the operating system is available in both floppy-disk and CD-ROM formats.  The full Windows 95 product will retail for approximately $209 and is available in floppy-disk format only.  To run Windows 95, users need a PC with a 386DX or higher processor and at least 4 MB of RAM (8 MB of RAM recommended).  Windows 95 is scheduled to be available in 12 localized languages this month, with others available in the fall.  Both Microsoft and software retailers have worked overtime to ensure that adequate supplies of the product are available to meet demand, which some industry analysts expect to be the highest for any software product so far.

Microsoft has also prepared for the level of customer support necessary to ease the transition to Windows 95 by PC users. The company has helped train thousands of retailers and computer manufacturers to install and support the product.  In addition, Microsoft is providing 90 days of no-charge telephone assistance (from the date of the first support call).  For the first few months following the product release, when call volume is expected to be at its peak, Microsoft is increasing the hours in which telephone support will be available for Windows 95 in order to service more customers.  Extended hours are 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. (PDT) Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (PDT) Saturday and Sunday.  (Regular support hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. [PDT] Monday through Friday.)  In addition to phone support, Microsoft offers a full range of technical information via the Internet and other online services, as well as a no-charge fax-back service for tips on commonly asked questions.

Launch Celebration

To celebrate the launch of Windows 95, Microsoft is hosting a major PC-industry event at the company’s Redmond, Wash., campus featuring “Tonight Show” Host Jay Leno.  Microsoft regional offices are tying into the event via satellite, and PC users can participate online.

“This is an exciting day for Microsoft, the industry and our customers,” said Brad Silverberg, senior vice president of the personal systems division at Microsoft.  “Three years ago we defined our vision for the next generation of computing.  Now, with the tremendous support of our customers and the dedication of a lot of hard-working people throughout Microsoft and the industry, we have delivered.  We hope and believe everyone will enjoy using Windows 95 as much as we enjoyed building it.”

The Redmond event also features a keynote address by Bill Gates.  Other PC industry leaders are participating and will demonstrate new hardware and software that takes advantage of Windows 95 innovations.  The 2,500 invited guests have the opportunity to visit product pavilions on the campus featuring exhibits of products for Windows 95 from more than 150 vendors.

PC users around the world can view celebration highlights from the launch event at a special Internet World Wide Web site for Windows 95 (http://www.windows.microsoft.com) that opens today and will remain open for three weeks.  The Web page includes video clips and photos of the event as well as a complete list of supporting companies and products with Internet links to their Web pages.

Microsoft has also prepared a half-hour television show that will air Sunday, Aug. 27, and Monday, Aug. 28, in 70 cities throughout North America.  Hosted by the star of NBC’s “ER,” Anthony Edwards, the show will feature real people and businesses using Windows 95, providing an entertaining look at the benefits of the product and of computing.

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.

Microsoft, Windows and MS-DOS are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

For More Information, Press Only:

Colleen Lacter or Claudia Husemann, Waggener Edstrom, (503) 245-0905

For Online Product Information:

Internet Web site:  http://www.windows.microsoft.com