Larry Ellison's New Internet Computer Company Ships Version 2.0 NIC Internet Appliance - Faster, Sleeker and More Functional Than Ever

Business Wire, March 14, 2001

Business/Technology Editors

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 14, 2001

Today, Larry Ellison's New Internet Computer Company begins shipping OS Version 2.0 for its New Internet Computer (NIC).

The highly-anticipated NIC OS v2.0 offers new functionality and features providing faster, easier access to the Internet.

"The NIC was already the best and most affordable Internet computer money can buy," says Larry Ellison, NIC's Chairman and the founder and CEO of Oracle Corporation. "Now, it's even better -- better performing, better looking and easier to configure with broadband and dial-up setups."

NIC OS v2.0 - available as a free upgrade on CD to current NIC users - also makes LAN, DSL and cable-modem setup remarkably simple. That - together with its other new features - make the NIC ideal for home and business users looking for an exceedingly affordable, ultra-reliable way to add new points of Internet access.

"Version 2.0 of our product is a major upgrade and I'm incredibly proud of it," says Gina Smith, NIC's CEO and president. "NIC now has the only Internet computer priced at under $200 that's capable of running with the latest Real Player and Macromedia Flash players. It's also the only one that works with the widest variety of broadband and dial-up ISP connections."

NIC OS v2.0 offers significant enhancements:

- Improved performance and reliability

- Graphical boot-up

- Netscape 4.76 web browser

- Upgraded plug-ins for the browser

Macromedia Flash 5.0

RealPlayer 8.0

- Sleeker, more intuitive setup interface

- Easier setup for LANs, DSL and Cable Modems

- Improved performance and reliability for modem connectivity

- Quick-link buttons and icons to preferred sites and web partners

such as Amazon and NBCi

- Support for TrueType fonts

- Extensive Help Center with screenshots and tips

- Ability to set a default homepage

- Improved USB printer support (many more models)

- Sleep mode

- Citrix Version 6

- Instant messaging

- MP3 player enhancements

- More games

- NETWORD web-searching

"Our goal is to make the NIC the most affordable way of getting on the Internet - with all the Internet capability of a PC. We're the only product in the category currently offering this level of functionality, " adds Ms. Gina Smith.

In addition to the software enhancements, the NIC Internet computer now comes in black and sand colors, and with a choice of displays - full-sized or flat-screen. Each device is equipped with Kensington lock security and comes with an improved user manual for assured ease-of-use.

The NIC is available for purchase at www.thinknic.com, toll-free at 877-WANT-NIC and through selected partners.

Since its introduction to consumers in July 2000, the NIC device has garnered an extensive list of favorable reviews in media such as NBC's TODAY SHOW, the New York Times, PC World, PC Magazine, the Detroit Free Press, Access Magazine, the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, the Dallas Morning News, Linux Journal, Maximum Linux Magazine, the St. Petersburg Times and the Miami Herald.

NBC's TODAY SHOW calls the NIC "the cheapest way to get on the net." The NEW YORK TIMES calls it "more robust than a simplified Internet appliance." ACCESS MAGAZINE says "when it comes to price, the New Internet Computer, or NIC, is a standout." And in the February 2001 issue of LINUX JOURNAL, the reviewer calls NIC "the first, best and least expensive of the new breed of affordable Internet and network appliance computers. Viewed in the context of its design, this device is a bargain."

(See www.thinknic.com for press links.)

ABOUT THE NIC COMPANY:

Founded in January 2000, the NEW INTERNET COMPUTER COMPANY and its NIC Internet appliance bring fast, affordable and functional Internet access to consumers, schools and businesses without the cost or complexity of a PC. Starting at $199.99, the NIC offers plug-and-play email and Internet access.

The NIC Company is located at 781 Beach St., San Francisco, CA, 94109. Telephone 415-345-4900. For more information on the NIC, visit The NIC Company's website at www.thinknic.com or call toll-free, 1-877-WANT-NIC.