AST COMPUTER PARTICIPATES IN NATIONAL EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE AT E3
TRADE SHOW

IRVINE, Calif., May 8, 1996 -- Demonstrating its commitment to the youth of
America, AST Computer today announced its participation in Net-A-Thon, a
National Education Technology (NET) Initiative program designed to raise
funds that will be used to provide computers and computer software to
America's public schools.

"The youth of today will be the leaders of tomorrow," said AST's Dan
Sheppard, vice president of worldwide product marketing, and a founding
advisory board member of NET Initiative.  "As a major corporate sponsor of
this organization, we recognize the importance of technology in education
and we heartily endorse and support the efforts of the NET Initiative."

NET Initiative, a newly formed nonprofit organization, is raising money to
supply schools across the country with computers through an on-line
Internet-A-Thon, coinciding with this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo
(E3) being held May 16 - 19 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los
Angeles.

A cross between a telethon and charity silent auction, this first-of-a-kind
Net-A-Thon will be held each May and November to coincide with the $100
billion technology industry's two biggest trade shows, E3 and Comdex.
These two yearly events alone attract more than 250,000 participants.

Funded by private and corporate contributions via fundraising activities,
the NET Initiative represents a collaboration of the largest software and
hardware manufacturers including Intel Corp., Microsoft Corp., Apple
Computer Inc. and AST Computer, as well as celebrities, working together
for the betterment of America's youth.

Items being offered at this premiere Net-A-Thon range from multimedia
CD-ROMs and computer hardware to autographed rock guitars and works of
art. Anyone visiting the NET Initiative's website at www.NETI.org can bid
on items, make a donation or surf through the list of donated items
including PC systems from AST Computer.

WHITE HOUSE SUPPORT FOR NET-A-THON

Officially kicked off at the Internet World trade show in San Jose, Calif.,
the Net-A-Thon will culminate May 16 at E3 with a White House presentation
on the importance of the Net Initiative. A free resource guide
highlighting hardware and software companies offering educational
discounts to schools is available to all educators. The resource guide
will be available in print and electronic form.

According to President Bill Clinton, "The NET Initiative's Internet-A-Thon
is a great opportunity for those who have benefitted most from technology
to reach out to the next generation of Americans. By uniting consumers,
retailers, hardware manufacturers and software publishers on-line, this
effort will strengthen education and help our children succeed."

CORPORATE BACKGROUND

AST Research Inc., a member of the Fortune 500 list of America's largest
industrial and service companies, is one of the world's leading personal
computer manufacturers. The $2.468 billion company develops a broad
spectrum of desktop, mobile and server PC products that are sold in more
than 100 countries worldwide. AST systems meet a wide range of customer
needs, from corporate business applications to advanced home and home
office use. Corporate headquarters is located at 16215 Alton Parkway, P.O.
Box 57005, Irvine, Calif. 92619-7005. Telephone (714) 727-4141 or (800)
876-4278. Fax (714) 727-9355. Information about AST, its products and
services can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.ast.com.
 
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