News release

Compaq's Free LearningPaq Educational Software for Teachers Now Available in Virtual Format

Educators who purchase Academic Series hardware from Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) will now have a choice of free LearningPaq™ software on a CD-ROM or 30-student licenses to access Virtual LearningPaqs through the Web, substantially increasing the number of students who can use the educational programs at the same time.

"This is an exciting enhancement to Compaq's line of innovative education products," said George Warren, Compaq director of K-12 education. "Our Academic systems have traditionally come with free, bundled, educational software, but now teachers can expand the number of students simultaneously using a program from the one student physically holding the CD-ROM to as many as 30 at a time, thanks to virtual access."

Compaq LearningPaqs are software bundles grouped by subject matter and grade level, from pre-kindergarten through high school. Each virtual package contains one to three programs.

For grades K-6, appropriate Virtual LearningPaqs are AdventureOnline.com from Learning Outfitters, and Hotlinks Elementary Science Level 1-6 from Classroom Connect.

For grades 7-12, there are three Virtual LearningPaqs: Destination MATH and Tangible MATH; Middle School Science Gateways, High School Science Gateways, and High School Science Explorer; and Write for Your Life, Editor's Desk, and Writer's Resource Library. All are by Riverdeep/Edmark.

In addition, there is one teacher productivity Virtual LearningPaq from Tech4Learning, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and FrontPage.

"There are numerous benefits to going virtual," said Warren. "In addition to making the software available to 30 students at a time instead of just one at no additional charge, the students can learn at their own pace because they can access the programs any time of the day or night, whether in the classroom or in the home. Plus, you don't have to worry about a student inadvertently damaging or losing the CD-ROM. The program is always available online."

Compaq Academic Series Hardware

Compaq's Academic Series bundles are tailored to the needs of K-12 educators. Each bundle comes with a PC, monitor, LearningPaq software and extended warranty (on selected products). Academic Series notebooks come with their own carrying case. Compaq education customers who choose non-Academic Series products can still obtain educational software packages by purchasing a LearningPaq Select for an additional $59.

LearningPaq™ Software Providers

Companies participating in Compaq's LearningPaq software program include Riverdeep; Beyond Books; Classroom Connect; Learning Outfitters; Portage Interactive; Education On-Line (EOL); Cinegroupe; and Tech4Learning.

Compaq LearningPaq Web Site

For more information about Compaq's K-12 programs and LearningPaq software, click on http://www.compaq.com/education/k12.