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Download CyberMedia's Oil Change Software Beta Version 3.0, Free On the Internet; "Digital Oil Change" Uses Internet to Automatically Update 600 Products, Ends The Problem Of Buggy, Outdated Software

Business Wire, August 12, 1996

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 12, 1996-- CyberMedia(R) today announced the newest beta version of Oil Change(TM), the world's first software program that automatically updates personal computer software over the Internet by providing a "digital" oil change.

Oil Change automatically replaces outdated, buggy software and hardware "drivers" with clean, new updates. (Drivers are small software programs that enable printers and other devices to communicate with the PC.)

Oil Change provides an automatic, one-stop update service that makes it fast and easy to keep personal computers up to date for glitch-free operation and peak performance. This essential maintenance chore is complex and time-consuming if performed manually.

The new beta 3.0 version for Microsoft Windows(R) 95, now updates about 600 software applications, plus drivers for popular modems, printers, mice, CD-ROM drives, printers and video displays. It is now available free for 30 days on CyberMedia's Internet Web site: http://www.cybermedia.com, America Online forum (keyword: CYBERMEDIA) or CompuServe forum (GO CYBERMEDIA). Select "Oil Change."

Updates 600 Products

Oil Change Beta 3.0 now updates nearly 600 of the most popular computer products. The products will include popular software applications from Microsoft, Lotus, Corel, Delrina, Starfish, Software Publishing Corp., Quarterdeck, Adobe, Claris, Novell, Macromedia, Fractal Design, WordPerfect, Intuit, McAffee, MicroHelp, Netscape, America Online and more.

Driver updates will be provided for Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Brother and Canon printers; modems from 3COM, AST, Boca Research, IBM, US Robotics, Cardinal and Supra Corporation; AdLib, Chips and Technologies, Cirrus Logic and Diamond video displays; sound cards and chips from Turtle Beach, Aztech Labs, Creative Labs, Ensoniq, miro, and Crystal Semiconductor; CD-ROM players from Panasonic, OPTi and Panasonic; and more.

New products are continually added to the Oil Change database. The final version of Oil Change will support more than 1,000 products, with updates added as new products emerge.

Industry Support for Oil Change

Many companies already endorse and support the Oil Change software update technology, including 3Com, Diamond Multimedia, Macromedia, Quarterdeck, Software Publishing Corp., Earthlink, Cardinal Technology, Planet Corp. and Best Ware.

The Oil Change Medallion Program provides a method for CyberMedia to obtain timely notification of available updates from software manufacturers. CyberMedia intends to support the industry's most popular software whether or not the manufacturer joins the Medallion program.

Gives Itself an "Oil Change"

The final version of Oil Change will have a unique user interface that changes seasonally -- reminding computer owners to give their computer a digital oil change every three months. Oil Change will update itself quarterly, much like a magazine.

Users of the older Oil Change beta 2.0 do not have to download the new version -- when they run the older version, it will automatically give itself an "oil change" and update to beta 3.0.

System Requirements

Requires a 100% IBM-compatible 486 or Pentium PC with Windows 95; at least 8 MB RAM; VGA or better monitor; 14.4 or higher modem, 6 MB of hard disk space and an Internet connection through an Internet service provider or online service.

Pricing and Availability

The beta version of Oil Change is available free-of-charge on the CyberMedia web site until the retail version ships. In September, the retail version will begin shipping to major U.S. distributors, computer and software retailers, mass merchandisers and office superstores in at a suggested street price of $39.95.

About CyberMedia

CyberMedia, maker of First Aid 95, develops and markets products that provide automatic service and support for personal computer users. Founded in 1991, CyberMedia is privately held with company headquarters at: 3000 Ocean Park Boulevard, Suite 2001, Santa Monica, Calif. Phone: 310/581-4700. To order, call 800-PC-1ST-AID (800/721-7824) or visit the CyberMedia web site and select "Buy First Aid."

CONTACT: CyberMedia

Lynn Kwit, 310/581-4700 x267

lynn@cybermedia.com

or

Capital Relations, Inc.

Tina Bradford, 805/230-8202

tbradford@caprel.com

COPYRIGHT 1996 Business Wire
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning
 

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