RadioShack Offers Helpful Back-to-School 'Tech Tips' on Buying a Computer

Electronics Retailer Provides Expert Advice, Plus Special Financing And Rebates on Compaq Computers and Computer-Related Products

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FORT WORTH, Texas -- Buying a personal computer can be a daunting task. RAM, megahertz, gigabytes, CD-ROM -- what does all this mean for the consumer? To help sort it out for back-to-school shoppers, RadioShack is introducing consumer "Tech Tips" that will help take the mystery out of purchasing a computer.

"A computer is a big investment in your kids and your entire family. Choosing the right PC involves making a lot of decisions about the technology and functionality you will need," says Mark Stanley, senior division vice president and general manager of RadioShack's Connecting Places strategic business unit. "Whether it's for doing research for a school project, surfing the Internet, or managing family finances, it's important to have a basic understanding of your family's requirements before buying a computer."

With so many different types of computers, there can be confusion among consumers as to which model and configuration they should buy. For consumers who are purchasing a computer for the first time or who are upgrading their current system, RadioShack offers these Tech Tips:

This first step is important when buying a computer for children. For youngsters in elementary school, start with a basic system. Most computers have a standard set of features, so look for a system that can be upgraded easily with more memory and storage devices. This allows you to increase your computer's capabilities to meet the growing needs of your child.

Older children, particularly those in high school, may want a computer that can play sophisticated games or download music, which requires more memory, faster processor speeds, graphics cards and amplified speakers. Students may be required to write reports, create charts and graphs, and do online research, so the computer should be able to run a variety of personal productivity programs. And the computer should have a modem, which is a device that connects the computer to the telephone line for Internet access.

College students may opt for a laptop computer instead of a desktop version because of its mobility. Laptops have a built-in display and may have the same computing power as many desktop computers. Students should ask officials at the university they will attend if the school has specific hardware and software requirements. A network interface card (NIC) may be a valuable option, as more college dorms are wired for high-speed Internet access.

One of the most important computer features is a CD-ROM drive for multimedia performance. A CD-ROM disc, which stores photographs, animation, video, sound, text and graphics, looks like a compact disc that contains music.

A CD-ROM disc stores much more information than a computer diskette. In fact, most software comes on a CD-ROM instead of diskettes, so having a CD-ROM drive is crucial for installing and using today's most popular programs. And to enhance the multimedia realism of 3-D games, you can add advanced graphics, sound cards and amplified speakers.

Generally, the higher the processor speed, which is measured in megahertz (for example, 800 MHz), the faster your computer will be able to accomplish tasks and significantly improve the performance of the applications you are using.

Memory, which is referred to as Random Access Memory and measured in megabytes (for example, 64MB RAM), is where the computer temporarily stores the information. The more memory your computer has, the faster it works and the more applications you can run at one time.

The hard drive is an internal device for permanent storage. The greater the hard drive capacity, which is measured in gigabytes (for example, 40 GB), the more programs and data your computer can hold.

Generally speaking, you are better off with a recognized brand name like Compaq for hardware, or Microsoft for software. On the hardware side, brand- name computers and peripherals have been extensively tested for compatibility. And on the software side, most reputable software manufacturers will provide you with upgrade packages as they advance and refine their products.

In addition, ask about warranties and customer support. If you run into a problem, is assistance available seven days a week, 24 hours a day, and what is the cost? Can you talk with a technician? Does the company provide online help with do-it-yourself tips and procedures? Do they respond to e-mail questions?

"The good news is that there are computer systems available to fit just about any lifestyle and budget, and our trained sales professionals can explain your choices in language you'll understand," says Stanley. "The Compaq Creative Learning Series PCs at RadioShack are designed for the whole family. They combine cool design with the latest technology, such as a device to read your enabled 'smart' credit card and a one-touch Internet connection button. Best of all, the software choices have been designed with education in mind. Buying a complete system -- computer, monitor and printer -- gets you started on day one. We think that's important for shoppers who are considering their first computer."

Editor's Note: the following was released in August 2001. If you are reading this after the fall of 2001, these offers may no longer be valid.

RadioShack is introducing a complete new line of Compaq Creative Learning Series computers. The computers will be compatible with Microsoft's new Windows XP operating system, which is scheduled for introduction in late October 2001. Customers buying a new Compaq Creative Learning Series computer will receive directions on how to upgrade to Windows XP online when it is released.

Every Compaq Creative Learning Series PC comes with software, including Compton's 3D World Atlas, American Greetings Create-A-Card and Printmaster. In addition, consumers may choose nine programs from a list of 30 titles -- all included in the price of the computer. There are programs for early childhood, elementary level and teenagers, as well as family productivity. Families with children will find the Creative Learning Series provides excellent educational tools, as well as games that help children learn new skills.

Purchasers of Compaq Creative Learning Series desktop and notebook computers also receive one year of free access to Learn2.com online courses. There are 17 high-quality multimedia courses available for both beginning and experienced PC users in this exclusive offer from Compaq and RadioShack, including courses to help families learn how to use their new PC and explore the Internet.

RadioShack also offers the "Built for You" Compaq PCs, which are custom configured with the exact hardware features and software packages to meet a customer's needs.

Customers can get up to $200 back by mail from Compaq when they purchase selected three-piece Compaq computer systems, and they can receive a $200 instant rebate when they sign up for two years of Internet service through MSN. The monthly service fee for MSN Internet service with a two-year contract is $21.95.

In addition to the instant and mail-in rebate offers, RadioShack customers also may participate in a special financing plan and pay no interest on their computer purchase for 12 months. (Some restrictions do apply, and the no interest offer is good through Sept. 29, 2001.)

RadioShack Corporation (NYSE: RSH) is the nation's largest and most trusted consumer-electronics retailer, and offers both on- and off-line shopping capabilities. With more than 7,100 stores and dealers, RadioShack sells more wireless telephones, telecommunications products and electronic parts and accessories than any other retailer. It is estimated that 94 percent of all Americans live or work within five minutes of a RadioShack store or dealer. For more information, visit the RadioShack Web site at .

Contact: http://www.radioshackcorporation.com

Date:August 03, 2001