News release

Compaq Empowers Customers to Share Knowledge and Solutions with Innovative Web-Based Customer Community Program

Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) today announced a recent addition to its portfolio of E-Services—the Compaq Customer Community Program. Designed to enhance customer satisfaction and empower users, the Compaq Customer Community Program provides an online forum where Compaq Presario and iPAQ customers can access other individuals to share information and advice as well as to collaborate about the expanding array of uses of Compaq products and services.

"Compaq's program recognizes the emergence of a more proficient generation of computer user with more sophisticated needs," said Steve Young, Compaq's vice president of Worldwide Customer Care. "We developed this E-Services program as part of our strong commitment to customer satisfaction and service in order to empower customers of all experience levels and enable them to receive the most value and enjoyment from the Compaq products they purchase."

Since launching in late February, the Compaq Customer Community has proven to be a powerful e-tool for customers ranging from the novice to the expert seeking fast and accurate solutions. The site, which receives more than a half a million page views per week, has already registered tens of thousands of users, including more than 100 community experts and enthusiasts who contribute to content pieces and discussions. Community members help one another resolve technical issues, address product-related "how to" questions, and share knowledge and education for Compaq products.

"The benefit of Compaq Customer Communities goes beyond merely offering hardware and software support online—the program is dynamic, and participant interaction reflects the willingness of people to assist others, including how to apply the technology in everyday circumstances," said Young. "Because of the online forum, members can address new issues and topics as they arise, providing quick responses to customers' needs or concerns."

A broad range of topics are included to meet the varying support needs and interests of consumers: from PC System Maintenance, to Mobile Computing and Connecting on the Go, to How to Set Up a Home Network. The site is accessible via the Internet 24 hours a day, seven days a week at http://www.compaq.com/communities, and hosts tens of thousands of users and even more information and discussions.

The Compaq Customer Community is the newest addition to Compaq's broad portfolio of E-Services and online tools already available to Presario and iPAQ customers, including an online consumer support site and the Compaq Knowledge Center. The consumer support site, http://www.compaq.com/consumersupport, offers e-mail support and access to original product drivers, latest updates, and online documentation, while the Compaq Knowledge Center integrates self-help assistance features from Compaq and Microsoft with the efficiencies of the Internet for the fastest time to solution.

Compaq has selected QUIQ, Inc. as the application vendor for its Customer Community program. For more information about the Compaq Customer Community program, please visit http://www.compaq.com/communities. For more information on QUIQ, Inc. please visit http://www.QUIQ.com.