"c|net central"
TRANSCRIPT
- EPISODE 21 -

Original air date: 8/19/95


HOSTS: RICHARD HART and GINA ST. JOHN


GINA: Windows 95. Possibly the biggest software upgrade of all time. 
Find out everything you need to know about this new operating 
system.

VOICE-OVER: I think it's going to be absolutely phenomenal.

GINA: Hi, I'm Gina St. John. Those stories and more, all on this special 
edition of "c|net central," where we'll take an in-depth look at 
Windows 95.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GINA: Microsoft's new operating system, Windows 95, has been 
delayed for almost a year. But it will be available and in stores this 
week. Now, this new operating system is likely to change the face of 
computing as we know it. With 33 million copies expected to be 
shipped before the end of the year, it will be bundled with all of the 
new PCs. c|net is here to help you out, cut through the hype, and give 
you the facts on this special edition of "c|net central." We've installed 
Windows 95 on one of our computers downstairs, and Richard Hart is 
here to give you a tour of this new operating system. Richard?

RICHARD: Here at c|net we've been testing Windows 95 for some 
time. It's new, it's different, it's better. And we have to tell you, even 
if you don't use a PC--whatever kind of computer you use--you will 
feel the impact of the release of Windows 95. Let's take a look at it.

A trash can--excuse me--Recycle Bin, and folders and applications 
that can be dragged to the desktop. And look at this: long file names. 
And at the heart of it all, the system task bar, showing what's open 
on the desktop and providing easy access to any running program. 
You can move the task bar to any corner and resize it, too. The Start 
button organizes your applications into groups and subgroups for 
easy launching. That's the Notify area with time, date, and other 
useful tours. The Briefcase is a new mechanism for keeping multiple 
versions of files in sync. Now your files on your desktop machine can 
match the files on your laptop, with no hassles. There are customized 
desktops with their own password logins, so your five-year-old can 
type in her name and password and--presto-- little Emily is 
presented with her own folders and shortcuts to her favorite games.

So that's the new Windows 95 interface. Simpler, far more intuitive--
not without a few problems, though. For instance, most of your 
present applications can't handle those longer file names, and those 
names will also give you problems if you try to put lots of folders 
inside other folders. But in general, a great improvement. 
Particularly here. You know how difficult it is to install a card for 
sound or video now? Inside Windows 95 is a new feature called Plug 
and Play, which should make this a whole lot easier.

Select Add New Hardware, and the Hardware Wizard gets to work. 
Plug and Play-compatible devices are installed automatically. Even 
those non-Plug and Play get handled with an extensive database of 
devices that assists you in the installation. This clip shows the 
sharper video that you can expect from Windows 95 multimedia.

VOICE-OVER: Stay tuned for more Happy Days...

And Hover illustrates the capabilities of the new game-programming 
interface. Game designers will now be able to achieve a level of 
visual performance impossible under Windows 3.1. This all looks 
great, but will your existing Windows and DOS applications continue 
to work? Most of the programs you now own are likely to run just 
fine under Windows 95; they just won't take advantage of all of its 
features until you upgrade. Which means that your upgrade cost 
might be higher than you planned. On the other hand, Microsoft is 
throwing in some free apps--for example, Microsoft Network.

Microsoft Network is a new online information service that is 
bundled with Windows 95. It's got its own special icon on the 
desktop, so your electronic mail, chat rooms, newsgroups, and home 
pages on the World Wide Web are just a click away. The network is 
still in its infancy, but you can see much more on the horizon for the 
Microsoft Network.

Well, the program might come free with Windows 95, but there is a 
monthly fee to use the Microsoft Network. And if you use it more 
than 3 hours a month, there are extra charges. You might run up 
those extra charges sooner than you think, given how easy it is and 
how tightly integrated into the operating system. Another thing to 
watch out for is some features of Windows 95 that are actually part 
of a companion software product called Microsoft Plus. That costs an 
extra 50 bucks.

Microsoft Plus includes the following features: desktop themes, 3-D 
pinball, the Internet Wizard, and the Internet Explorer. So let's go 
check it out. Look at all these desktop themes. With a click of the 
mouse you can transform your icons, cursor, and wallpaper. Need a 
trip back to the sixties? Or maybe you're a fan of Leonardo da Vinci. 
3-D Pinball is a fun, new game. With great graphics and sound, it's 
sure to replace Solitaire as the next time-killer of choice in the PC 
community. If you want to access the Internet without using the 
Microsoft Network, then you'll really be interested in Microsoft Plus. 
It gives you the Internet Wizard, which walks you through the 
process of hooking up to the Net step by step. And once you're all 
hooked up, you've got the Internet Explorer, Microsoft's own Web 
browser, which allows you to surf the Web without paying the fees 
of the Microsoft Network. Plus you can drag favorite Web sites right 
to your desktop.

The Wizards are a great idea, and the Hardware Wizard and the 
Internet Wizard work great if your system is kosher. But if you have 
an unusual piece of software or unusual card, the Wizard might not 
work its magic. It's also not magic if your system is just plain 
underpowered. What does it take to run Windows 95? Microsoft 
recommends at least a 486 processor running at 33 MHz with 4MB of 
RAM. We say at least a 486DX2 running at twice that speed (66 MHz) 
with twice the RAM (8MB), for acceptable performance. Gina?

GINA: When "c|net central" continues, John C. Dvorak reviews the CD-
ROM Beer Hunter. And, make your own 3-D movies with a cool new 
application for Windows 95.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

RICHARD: While thousands of fans took to the streets to grieve over 
the death of Grateful Dead leader Jerry Garcia, thousands more found 
comfort in cyberspace. Deadheads around the world came together 
via the Internet to pay tribute to their fallen hero. Dozens of Grateful 
Dead sites are still jammed, while new ones pop up daily. These sites 
provide a place to share feelings, offer condolences, or simply to 
remember and celebrate his life.

In other Internet news this week, ABC Radio Networks announced a 
new Web site with 24-hour audio news using Real Audio technology. 
And Fox Broadcasting launched a new Web site this week. Visitors to 
Fox World can interact with their favorite characters from Fox shows 
and take a virtual 3-D tour of the famous "Melrose Place" apartment 
complex.

GINA: Thanks, Richard. It's time now to find out whether or not you 
should Buy It, Try It, or Skip It. I'm sure he'll tell you this with his 
fortune-telling ball. It's John C. Dvorak with his multimedia review. 
And not so subtly, what do you think?

DVORAK: It says crap.

GINA: No, it doesn't!

DVORAK: Yes, it does. Look, see?

GINA: Well, you have to tell me exactly what it says about this. It's 
called "License To Drive"--a new CD-ROM to tell people how to.

DVORAK: Well, this CD-ROM makes me think there should be a license 
to produce CD-ROMs. This title could use it. "License To Drive" 
consists of 12 learning sections. It's a study guide to a conglomerate 
of all 50 states' driver's manuals. The graphics are crummy; the 
information insults your intelligence.

VOICE-OVER: You should always know where you are going.

VOICE-OVER: Make sure you have enough gas.

DVORAK: And the humor is sick.

VOICE-OVER: Well, honey, looks like steak for dinner.

DVORAK: Yes, there are quizzes. What is a better word for "accident"? 
Oh, that's a good one. "D, a run-in with a stupid driver." Get a load of 
this: if you hit a vehicle that nobody is in, "A, look to see if anyone 
around witnessed the crash." You get a useless summary of your quiz 
results. The correct answer was "D," but who remembers what "D" 
was? This volume adjustment, the only other thing to show, is as 
fancy as it gets. "License To Drive" sells for $49 and is available on 
the PC and Mac. I was very disappointed.

GINA: How disappointed?

DVORAK: Well, the eight ball was right.

GINA: It was.

DVORAK: This is definitely a Skip It. In fact, I developed a new CD-
ROM-throwing technique just because of this thing.

GINA: Wow! You have been practicing, haven't you?

DVORAK: Yeah, I'm going to get 'em yet.

GINA: Yeah, that was not exciting. From what I saw, I think I'd rather 
sit through one of those driver's ed classes.

DVORAK: That thing could drive you to drink. Hint.

GINA: Not a good thing to blend--especially when our next CD-ROM is 
called "The Beer Hunter."

DVORAK: Yes, we don't advise people to drive and drink, but we do 
advise that they check out "The Beer Hunter." English beer drinker 
Michael Jackson is your guide.

VOICE-OVER: Hi, they call me The Beer Hunter. They call me that 
because I drink beer for a living.

DVORAK: I'd call that someone who likes to drink. There's a narrated, 
photomontage history of brewing.

VOICE-OVER: A series of stone tablets from Mesopotamia records 
what may be the world's earliest recipe. And it's for beer.

You can investigate the art of brewing, including the ingredients. 
Ever wonder what hops look like? "MJ's Top 24" are Michael's 
favorite beers. There's a written rundown, along with the label and, 
of course, Michael's personal tasting comments.

VOICE-OVER: This is a creamy stout, but it's chocolatey, too.

DVORAK: You can even hunt down your own favorites. Let's pick the 
Southwest. Zoom in. Hmm, breweries near Denver. There it is--
Beaver Tail Brown Ale from Vail. Great after a day of skiing. "The 
Beer Hunter" sells for $39.95 and is available on the PC and Mac. You 
know, this probably has more than anyone would really want to 
know about beer, but it's a pretty good disc. I'd give it a Try It. If 
you like beer, you'll like the disc.

GINA: I like beer but, you know, Michael Jackson--the narrator--he 
could really use a new 'do and a shave.

DVORAK: Yeah, well...you know, if you drink a lot of beer, I think 
that's what happens to you.

GINA: Well, I want to find out what you think about this one. It looks 
really neat. It's "Freddi Fish and the Case of the Missing Kelp Seeds."

DVORAK: Ah, yes. Actually, anything that comes from this company, 
Humongous Entertainment, is quite good, and this one is no 
exception.

(BACKGROUND MUSIC)

Freddi Fish is an interactive adventure game for kids. Check out 
these graphics--it's like a Disney movie. Grandma Grooper's kelp 
seeds have been stolen.

Just point and click to send Freddi on his way. Little fun things 
happen as you click items in the ocean, and some of these items are 
special. Freddi picks these up and stores them in the bubbles at the 
bottom of the sea. Just wait--they'll come in handy. There are some 
unfriendly characters in the oceans, like Eddie the Eel.

(BACKGROUND NOISE)

Maybe he likes peanut butter and jelly. Success! There's even games 
along the way, like this math game. Go ahead, select a difficulty level.

VOICE-OVER: How hard do you want the questions to be?

VOICE-OVER: Advanced.

DVORAK: "Freddi Fish" sells for $39.95 and is available on the PC. It 
says Buy It.

GINA: It does.

DVORAK: Yeah, it does. It's a special ball that I use. So this probably 
is the game; if you have children, you have to buy this disc. There's 
no question about it. I think adults will enjoy it, too.

GINA: Well, you've had some great reviews this week.

DVORAK: Thanks.

GINA: You are the best. And make sure you come back next week.

DVORAK: Absolutely.

GINA: Terrific. Richard?

RICHARD: How good will Windows 95 be, and what will it mean for 
consumers? Well, we asked some computer users what they think.

FEMALE 1: Everybody who is using PCs is really looking forward to it.

MALE 1: I think it's going to revolutionize the way computers are 
used. Revolutionary.

MALE 2: More advanced than Windows 94.

MALE 3: I think it's going to be absolutely phenomenal.

MALE 2: But not as good as Windows 96.

MALE 4: For Macintosh users, most of them will look at it and say, 
"I've had this since 1984."

MALE 5: I don't think that Macintosh will win the medal.

FEMALE 2: Windows 95 would have to be pretty special to get me to 
change from using Macintosh computers.

FEMALE 3: I love my Mac and, I don't know, I hope that they stick 
around.
.
FEMALE 4: I do have Windows. I don't have any idea if it's Windows 
95 or not.

FEMALE 5: What I would do for myself is just wait and see what 
other people think of it--how it works for them--and then decide 
whether I want to buy it or not.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

RICHARD: In a recent c|net online poll, 54 percent of you said you 
will upgrade to Windows 95 as soon as it becomes available. Now, 
Microsoft hopes it's more than that, but so do a lot of other 
companies betting on its success. Here now is a look at the effects of 
Windows 95 on the rest of the computer industry.

The testing's over, and now the software is headed for the stores--
and lots of it.

VOICE-OVER: Hi. Welcome to the projects room.

RICHARD:  And with new products come new buzzwords. Today's 
new phrase: "Logocompliant." Logocompliant means Microsoft has 
certified that the program works. And so the publisher gets the right 
to put the Win95 logo on the package. A new, improved version of 
Windows means an opportunity to make money by getting users to 
upgrade to new and improved versions of applications that run 
under Windows. For instance, Photoshop; Adobe Systems has spent a 
lot of time and money ensuring that all its applications are 
compatible with Win 95.

JOHN KUNZE (VICE PRESIDENT, GRAPHIC PRODUCTS, ADOBE SYSTEMS): 
Specifically, our Windows 95 strategy with our products is fairly 
straightforward. We will have Windows 95 logocompliance as soon as 
possible in all of our products. Photoshop 3.0 is already designed for 
Windows 95, so if someone upgrades to Windows 95, Photoshop will 
run and actually take advantage of Windows 95.

RICHARD: Win95's new 32-bit operating system can process data in 
bigger chunks than its predecessor. And it offers popular programs 
more capabilities--like this automatic spell function, which points out 
misspellings as they happen. And more computer power also means 
better graphics, like this.

VOICE-OVER: Great, let's whip up a movie.

This is a preview of what software in the age of Windows 95 will 
look like. Moviemaker, by Microsoft, is a $49 program aimed at kids 
that allows you to create your own movies and special graphics. For 
gamers, this popular title called Pitfall has been redesigned 
specifically for Windows 95. Ironically, some software publishers 
stand to gain as much from what Windows 95 does not do as from 
what it does do. For example, the absence of any virus protection 
opens the door for Windows 95-compatible antivirus utilities. A door 
which, for example, Symantec is more than happy to walk through.

STEPHEN DEWITT (VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING, SYMANTEC 
CORPORATION): The Windows 95 operating system also provides no 
virus protection features whatsoever. So customers need to be able 
to continue to proactively protect their data with antiviral tools.

RICHARD: While Windows 95 will mean good news for many 
software companies, there will be a downside for consumers. 
Analysts say don't wait for significant upgrades to 3.1 products now 
that Windows 95 has finally arrived. And those waiting to make a 
choice between Windows and its competition might finally upgrade 
instead to the Mac or OS/2.

MICHAEL MACE (MAC PLATFORM MARKETING, APPLE COMPUTER): 
As long as you're going to go to all that trouble and replace all your 
hardware to get Plug and Play, and do all these other things just to 
get the features that a Macintosh had in the 1980s, you might as well 
think about buying the real thing.

MARK SELLECK (OS/2 SENIOR PRODUCT MANAGER, IBM): One of the 
definite advantages that OS/2 has over Windows 95 is you take all 
the features of a modern operating system, and we provide those 
advantages to all applications--all the existing Windows applications 
and all the DOS applications, and, of course, all the thousands of those 
two applications.

RICHARD: The big-money question now is whether consumers will 
upgrade their applications at the same time they upgrade their 
operating system. That's a question that's going to be answered at 
the cash register.

No question, Windows 95 is an improvement over its predecessors. 
Still, it isn't for everybody. Keep in mind, it will cost extra money for 
upgrades of the applications and memory and other hardware. c|net's 
recommendation is, it's worth it if you have a 486 PC or better, 
particularly a laptop if you switch applications frequently or don't 
have a program to access the Internet or online services. Otherwise, 
it might pay to hold off for a while. In the meantime at least, prices 
will come down on those extras you'll need to take full advantage of 
Windows 95.

GINA: Now, who's taking full advantage of whom? Microsoft is a huge 
company. Bill Gates?

RICHARD: He needs the money.

GINA: Oh, the chairman of Microsoft is the wealthiest man in the 
world. And he has such an effect on all of our lives. Well, the man 
who's got something to say about that is Dave Ross, and he gets The 
Last Word.

DAVE ROSS:

(CAMERA FINDS DAVE SITTING ON DESK, HOLDING GUITAR)

Well, like you, I find myself using my computer for just about 
everything now. But UNLIKE you, I decided to write an ode to the 
one person most responsible for bringing us this info-paradise.

(SINGING)

Why won't you simplify my life, Bill Gates?
I've bought all your latest software, and yet I still work late.
You've given me the power to do anything I want.
Which is why I just spent 7 hours playing with all the fonts.

A secretary used to work right behind those doors.
She would call me by my name.
She could spell-check with her brain.
And I much preferred her face to yours.

But now I'm all alone, Bill Gates, and it's finally come to this:
Every odd and end, and half my closest friends,
Have been transferred to a compact disc!

(DISC APPEARS)

I know your vision of the world, Bill Gates.
Instant information access, wisdom while-u-wait!
Television, banking, stocks--encyclopedias, too.
All displayed, once we all have paid a modest fee to you!

I'm Dave Ross. And I get The Last Word.

RICHARD: You know, the day Dave decides to do rap, I'm calling in 
sick.

GINA: Oh, please. That's all for "c|net central" this week. If you're 
interested in the latest breaking news on Windows 95, make sure 
you check c|net online. We'll be providing instant updates over the 
next few weeks.

RICHARD: Oh, and don't forget to tune in next week, because I'll be 
taking you to the official Windows 95 launch party at Microsoft 
headquarters.

GINA: Thanks for tuning in and logging on!


(END OF TAPED MATERIAL)
