Now MidWest Micro customers have another reason to switch to Microsoft^® Internet Explorer 4.0�even better customer service.

When the Microsoft^® Corporation formally unleashed Internet Explorer (IE) 4.0 on September 30, PC users worldwide finally got to test the much-anticipated new browser for themselves. During the last year, the reigning software company touted IE 4.0 as the up-and-coming heir to the Internet client throne. And so far, it seems to be giving rival Netscape^® a royal joust worth watching.

According to Microsoft, more than one million people downloaded IE 4.0 from their Web site during the first 48 hours the browser was available, and six people become IE 4.0 owners every second. With statistics like those, anyone who hasn't already downloaded IE 4.0 may wonder why the new browser's inciting such a clamour.

Among the browser's biggest draws are the innovative Active Channel™ technologies—graphic links that put Web enthusiasts within one click of their favorite Web sites. The Active Channels (or "push" channels) can be added or deleted as needed, giving users the ability to change their desktop's look and build (and rebuild) personalized Internet "libraries" at any time. In addition to the droves of push channels already offered, hundreds more personalized subscriptions are expected to be available for IE 4.0 users in the near future.

Hand in hand with Active Channels is an Active Desktop™ interface, which feeds a steady stream of information to users' PCs whenever they're connected to the Internet. Most companies are using the Active Desktop feature to provide their customers with the latest news headlines, stock quotes, sports scores—whatever their business entails.

Now MidWest Micro customers will receive even better customer service with the IE 4.0 features. In early November, the company plans to begin preinstalling push channels on all its private-label PCs (except those with Microsoft Windows NT^® operating systems). And anyone who already owns a PC can gain access to the service now by downloading the new browser and clicking on the push channel options at the bottom of the page.

MidWest Micro push channel subscribers can see scrolling headlines of the latest news and a direct link to the company's site. As the push channel membership grows, the company plans to add a page devoted to "sneak peeks" at new products, hot technical issues, articles and other "What's New" items—most before they're advertised in catalogs and on their regular Web site. The push channel will be updated often, so customers are strongly encouraged to check the page daily for the latest news.

Of course, these are just a few of the features that MidWest Micro customers and IE 4.0 users will enjoy. To download the new browser and subscribe to the active services, follow these steps:

Active Channel:

1. Download Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 (if you haven' t already).
2. Return to this page and click on the Active Channel link (will not work unless you've installed IE 4.0).

Active Desktop:

1. Download Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 (if you haven' t already).
2. Return to this page and click on the Active Desktop link (will not work unless you've installed IE 4.0).