News release

Middle School Students to Engage in National Discussion of Patriotism via Interactive Webcast

Give Thanks America, Together For Freedom and the U.S. Department of Defense Team Up for Unprecedented Live Discussion

On April 30 at 11:00 a.m. EDT, middle school students across America will join together in a nationwide discussion about patriotism and freedom through a webcast sponsored by Compaq Computer Corporation's (NYSE: CPQ) Give Thanks America community relations program, the non-profit Together For Freedom organization, Sorenson Media, and the U.S. Department of Defense.

"Inspiring young Americans to be patriots, and teaching them about the responsibilities that come with the privilege of living in a free country, are vital to our nation's future," said Jim Weynand, Compaq vice president of government and education markets in North America. "As a leader in the education marketplace, Compaq is proud to be a sponsor of this forum, which encourages students to explore the meaning of freedom and seek ways to support our country."

The webcast, which will be broadcast from Bertie Backus Middle School in Washington, DC, will feature a live panel discussion among individuals whose lives were impacted by the war on terrorism: an Army Special Forces representative and an Air Crewman who recently returned from Afghanistan, two children whose fathers are deployed on the USS Kennedy, a father whose wife was a crew member on American Flight 77, and a college student who writes and directs mini-plays about patriotism.

"Each participant has a story to tell about the sacrifices they've made for freedom," said Margaret Auger who, along with Tricia Reilly Koch, co-founded Together For Freedom. "We want this event to challenge our children's minds and promote ongoing dialogues about the benefits and responsibilities of freedom."

Working with educators around the country, Together For Freedom has developed a study guide to help teachers prepare their students for the webcast. Materials are available on the Together For Freedom Web site at www.TogetherForFreedom.org.

Participating Schools

The webcast will be available for viewing by anyone with Internet access from a link on the Together For Freedom Web site. In addition, the following middle schools around the country have been selected for interactive participation in the program:

Bellmar Middle School, Belle Vernon, PA
Bertie Backus Middle School, Washington, DC
Crofton Middle School, Crofton, MD
Chester W. Nimitz Middle School, Huntington Park, CA
Ezra Nolan Middle School, Jersey City, NJ
Mater Dei School, Bethesda, MD
Roosevelt School, River Forest, IL
San Jacinta Junior High School, Midland, TX
South Forsyth Middle School, Cummings, GA
Stone Ridge School, Bethesda, MD
Summit Middle School, Summit, NJ
Wilson Middle School, Hillsborough, FL
Woodbridge Middle School, Woodbridge, VA

The Webcast

The webcast, to be held on April 30, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. EDT, will be available for viewing in three ways:

• First, the schools already invited to be part of the webcast will have interactive participation.
• Second, schools or districts with satellite downlink capabilities are urged to pick up the broadcast feed from the satellite for showing throughout their educational networks. The Los Angeles Unified School District has indicated it plans to participate in this manner.
• Third, any school or individual with Internet access will be able to view the webcast from the Together For Freedom Web site at www.TogetherForFreedom.org.

To view it live, go to the Together For Freedom Web site at least 15 minutes early to register, download, and install any necessary audio software. It is recommended that viewers download the latest version of Internet Explorer at www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.asp and the latest version of Windows Media player at www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/default.asp.

Give Thanks America

Launched four months ago in partnership with Sorenson Media using new and unheralded technology, Give Thanks America's video e-mail capabilities have enabled thousands of Americans nationwide to send free, recorded, streaming messages of thanks and support to military personnel and other heroes in uniform as part of Give Thanks America.

"Until recently, moving video content over the Internet hadn't gained the public's attention," said Weynand. "But operation Enduring Freedom gave this technology a practical and important purpose. Compaq is deploying Give Thanks America computers as part of the April 30 Together For Freedom program in each participating school so students can record and e-mail messages of support to armed services, fire, police and rescue personnel."

These clips will be uploaded to www.givethanksamerica.com. Since its inception in December 2001, Give Thanks America has recorded more than 5,000 messages of encouragement for our service men and women.

About Together For Freedom

Together For Freedom (TFF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting patriotic initiatives so that America's strength and spirit will endure. TFF is also the creator of the Freedom Bracelet, which stands as a symbol of the freedom we enjoy as Americans, and reminds us that our freedom must never be taken for granted. The Freedom Bracelet is dedicated to the service men and women who continue to fight for our freedom every day. Net proceeds will go directly to charities that support our military troops and their families. Information on TFF and the Freedom Bracelet is available at www.TogetherForFreedom.org. TFF is organized to qualify under IRC 501(c)(3) pending favorable recognition by the IRS.

About Sorenson Media

Sorenson Media was founded in April of 2000 to provide streaming media solutions that enable people anywhere to easily stream quality Web video. Sorenson Media is the recognized leader in video compression and streaming services that empower people to more expressly entertain, educate and communicate over the Web. With these innovative tools and services, Sorenson Media is in a unique position to drive mass-market adoption of Web streaming. For more information, please see www.sorenson.com.

About Compaq

Founded in 1982, Compaq Computer Corporation is a leading global provider of information technology products, services and solutions for enterprise customers. Compaq designs, develops, manufactures and markets information technology equipment, software, services and solutions, including industry-leading enterprise storage and computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, communication products, personal desktop and notebook computers, and personal entertainment and Internet access devices that are sold in more than 200 countries directly and through a network of authorized Compaq marketing partners. Information on Compaq and its products and services is available at http://www.compaq.com.