INTRODUCING THE MICROSOFT PRODUCTIVITY PACK FOR WINDOWS
              THREE TOOLS FOR WORKING SMARTER WITH WINDOWS   

     REDMOND, WA -- October 8, 1990 -- Microsoft Corp. Monday announced the
Microsoft Productivity Pack for Windows, a tool designed to help new
Microsoft Windows users and the many current Windows users become Windows
experts.  
  
     This new product offers three distinct applications: Learning 
Windows, Working Smarter and Quick Troubleshooter.  People new to the
Windows graphical environment, as well as proficient Windows users, will
increase their productivity with this handy computer-based reference
program.    

     The Microsoft Productivity Pack for Windows gives users answers, 
exercises and technical advice in an effective and entertaining way.
Concepts are explained thoroughly and technical jargon is kept to a 
minimum, so that even new computer users can understand them.  Humor and
graphics are used to make learning more fun and enjoyable.    

     "The Windows environment is enjoying great success, and the Microsoft
Productivity Pack will help the growing number of Windows users work
smarter and more productively in this new environment," stated Susan
Boeschen, general manager of the entry business unit at Microsoft Corp.   
 

LEARNING WINDOWS TO ACCELERATE LEARNING
=======================================
     The Learning Windows computer-based tutorial accelerates the learning
process for new Windows users.  Perfect for people who hate to read
manuals, this interactive tutorial lets new users quickly learn everything
they need to use Windows.  Learning Windows offers lessons in several
categories including: Getting Started, Windows Essentials, Working with
Applications, File Management and Program Manager.

     An additional lesson, A Day with Windows, is actually an extensive
practice tutorial.  Practices and demonstrations utilize a simulated
Windows interface, enabling the user to gain the knowledge and experience
to work more effectively and comfortably in the Windows environment.     


WORKING SMARTER TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY
=======================================
     Working Smarter helps Windows users become more proficient.  It 
provides more than 45 tips, hints and strategies on how to do things 
faster and easier.

     Users will learn how to switch quickly among several applications,
create custom wallpaper, create a RAM drive and more.  And because it's a
Windows application, users can access Working Smarter without interrupting
their work.


QUICK TROUBLESHOOTER TO SOLVE PROBLEMS
======================================
     Quick Troubleshooter provides answers to some of the most common 
Windows questions.  Simulating a technical support call, it walks the users
through their problems.  Users learn what to do if their printers won't
print, or if they can't switch from non-Windows applications, and more. 
Quick Troubleshooter also contains more advanced problem-solving such as
how to create or delete a swapfile in 386-enhanced mode.  The information
is cross-referenced so users can go deeper and deeper into the information
to pinpoint the exact problem they are having.  Almost everyone gets stuck
occasionally, but with the online help of Quick Troubleshooter, users can
solve their own problems without the hassle or cost of calling a support 
person.  If the user can't solve a problem with Quick Troubleshooter,
diagnostic information is produced so it is available when a technical
support call is made.     


AVAILABILTY AND REQUIREMENTS  
============================
     The Microsoft Productivity Pack for Windows will be available by the
end of October for the suggested retail price of $59.95.  The product
requires Microsoft Windows graphical operating environment version 3.0 or
later; MS-DOS or PC-DOS operating system version 3.1 or later, a personal
computer using the 80286, 80386 SX, or 80386 DX or higher processor; one
5.25-inch high density (1.2 MB) or one 3.5-inch disk drive and a hard disk;
and CGA, EGA, VGA, 8514/A, Hercules graphics card, or compatible video
graphics adapter and monitor (color and EGA or better recommended).  The
Microsoft Mouse or compatible is recommended, but not required.    


     CONTACT:  Microsoft Corp., Redmond
               Karen Meredith or Sarah Charf, 206/882-8080 

         or    The Waggener Group, Bellevue, Wash. 
               Gaby Adam, 206/637-9097 or 
               Pam Edstrom, 503/245-0905 (Portland, Ore.)