Micron University Makes On-Line Debut Today WithHundreds of Online Courses, Technology and...

NAMPA, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 2, 1998--Micron Electronics, Inc. (Nasdaq:MUEI), the third largest direct provider of computing systems, today debuted Micron University, a new Internet-based component of all new Micron personal computers. Micron University, a comprehensive computer training

Micron University goes online today and begins shipping immediately as an integral part of all new Micron notebook and desktop computers at no extra charge to customers for one year. Micron University is designed to give the company's customers -- power consumers, mid-market businesses, and government organizations -- the resources they need to make the most use of their personal computers.

"Micron University is addressing a real need by helping small and medium businesses better leverage their technology investments to get ahead," said Paul Somerson, Vice President and Editor-In-Chief, PC Computing Magazine.

"Micron University is an ambitious and impressive undertaking. The kind of education Micron University is poised to deliver could give its customers a competitive edge," said Tim Bajarin, president of Creative Strategies, Inc., a leading industry consulting and research firm.

"During previews of Micron University, we've been gratified at the response from analysts, industry editors and customer beta testers. People believe this is something useful and different that can actually make a marked improvement in individual and business productivity," said Mark Gonzales, vice president of worldwide marketing at Micron. "While commoditization is making its sweep through the computer industry, Micron is providing a truly useful tool that gives customers an edge; this emphasizes once more that Micron is a company dedicated to building not only powerful computing systems -- but powerful users."

Micron University was created in conjunction with ZDU, Ziff Davis' online training division, and Microsoft Corporation. It will combine ZDU's experience in online computer training with Micron's technical expertise to serve the needs of Micron's customers. Micron University will include online instructor-led courses and self-study tutorials from ZDU, technology and business seminars, and other community and support services. Micron University was developed through an exclusive agreement with ZDU and Micron is the only major PC supplier with this type of offering.

Taught by industry experts and professional training, Micron University courses cover a broad range of topics with the convenience of rotating schedules, virtual classrooms and self-paced tutorials. Micron University includes a variety of online services available to all Micron customers, including:

Online Instructor-Led Courses

Industry experts and professionals will teach online instructor-led courses focused on helping customers to more effectively use their technology to meet their business objectives. Through ZDU, Micron University will be offering over 100 courses, including: Dynamic HTML with Internet Explorer, HTML Tables & Frames Implementing Intranets, Internet Advertising, Investing on the Web, Optimizing Website Performance and more. Weekly lectures and assignments are posted online. Individuals are able to sign on at any time during the week and courses are supplemented by discussion boards, instructor's office hours, and often include the assistance of a teacher's assistant or other help. Students can earn continuing education units (CEUs), a nationally recognized standard of course work hours completed. And, as in traditional courses, textbooks and other materials may be required and purchased at the online bookstore.

Micron Community Online & Bookstore

Micron University, in conjunction with ZDU, will also feature a virtual student union where Micron peers can come together to discuss topics of mutual interest. An online bookstore will feature print books available through barnesandnoble.com and electronic books available through beyond.com. There will also be a software library that will give users access to key tools, advice, updates and utilities.

Advanced, Self-paced Tutorials

As part of Micron University, Micron will also offer ZDU self-paced tutorials. The tutorials are powered by technology that simulates the actual user interface and software application environment. Thirty-nine courses will be offered from basic to advanced topics, such as Excel 97: Charting and Organizing Data, Notes 4.5: Introduction, and Windows NT 4.0. The basic tutorials will be included with Micron PCs, and more advanced tutorials will be available online.

Online Technology Clinics and Business Seminars

Micron will also offer one to two week clinics and single session business seminars. The Technology Clinics will be taught by Micron technicians and engineers, and Micron University staff and will focus on subjects such as Upgrading Your PC, Networking Your PC, or Inside Your Micron Server. The Business Seminars are single session events geared towards a specific business issue, delivered by Micron executives, as well as industry and business experts. Micron is planning to offer seminar topics such as, Y2K Issue for Small Businesses, The Next Five Years, Email Security Issues, LANs, WANs and the Multi-Processor Server. The company also plans to emphasize Microsoft Windows 2000 information and expertise through its clinics and business seminars.

Windows 2000 Professional Support

As one of the leading vendors of Windows NT-based systems, Micron is dedicated to helping customers transition to and maximize their use of Windows(R) 2000 Professional (formerly named Windows NT(R) Workstation 5.0). In the coming months, Micron University plans to offer a variety of training sessions and seminars on topics relevant to customers transitioning to and using Windows 2000 Professional. These seminars will complement Micron's AdvanceDeploy program (announced in August 1998), an initiative created with help from Microsoft that aids customers in the migration to Windows 2000 Professional.

Free to Micron Customers

Every new Micron personal computer customer will receive an online access password with each system. Organizations can have passwords shipped with systems or shipped separately. The free subscription that ships with the system is good for one year and includes full access to all of the services. Individual customers can renew their subscription yearly for $59.95, and contracts are available for organizations. In addition, Micron University can be obtained as part of a Micron customer's subscription to mPower(SM), a comprehensive PC management and obsolescence protection program for mid-market businesses.

About Micron Electronics

At Micron Electronics, employees are building more than powerful computing systems, they're creating more powerful users. Ranked No. 3 among direct manufacturers of computing solutions and recognized for providing industry-leading products and support, Micron Electronics customizes each desktop PC, notebook, and server to meet the technology demands of power consumers, mid-market businesses, and government. SpecTek, a division of Micron Electronics, Inc., processes and markets various grades of DRAM products under the SpecTek(r) brand name. Micron Electronics, Inc., common stock trades on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol MUEI. The Company is majority owned by Micron Technology, Inc. Learn more about Micron Electronics at www.micronpc.com or by calling 1-800/209-9686.