News release

New Presario PCs Make Internet Safety a Click Away for Children, Parents (Advisory)

Strengthening efforts to teach Internet safety, the new Compaq Presario line of computers will feature the NetSmartz Workshop (www.NetSmartz.org).

NetSmartz, an Internet Safety Web site created by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, educates children and parents on how to recognize dangerous situations online and what steps to take when they occur. Compaq aims to raise awareness of Internet safety among kids and parents by making NetSmartz accessible to Presario users in a variety of ways.

The NetSmartz icon will be featured on all new Presario desktops, directly linking children and parents to the Internet safety site. NetSmartz also will have a presence on the Presario Info Center Page, which will be accessible through the Windows XP Start Menu. It also will appear on the Presario "Out-of-Box-Experience" page, which highlights the PC's special features. Compaq Advisor, a tool designed to deliver desktop messages to help consumers get the most performance from their computer, also will direct users to NetSmartz.

In addition, parents can access the Compaq Customer Communities Web site (www.compaq.com/communities) to participate in chats to share tips and information on Internet safety. During the months of October and November, the Compaq Customer Communities will showcase Netsmartz, including an expert to field questions on Internet safety. Lastly, a monthly customer newsletter distributed to Presario users will contain periodic information on NetSmartz.

Compaq underwrote the efforts of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to create this educational site, providing parents guidance on how to monitor Internet access, teach online safety, and encourage open communication with children about Internet use.

Company Background

Founded in 1982, Compaq Computer Corporation ("Compaq") is a leading global provider of enterprise technology and solutions. Information on Compaq and its products and services is available at http://www.compaq.com.