LITTLETON, Mass., June 10, 1997 - AltaVista Internet Software, Inc. today announced that a customized version of Microsoft's Internet Explorer Web browser will be offered free on the AltaVista Search site, www.altavista.digital.com, through June 30th . During the limited-time promotion, two free copies of the Microsoft Encarta 97 Encyclopedia: Deluxe Edition will be given away each day at random to users who download the browser and correctly answer an AltaVista 'Question of the Day.'

The customized AltaVista Internet Explorer features the AltaVista Search Network as its default search engine and includes Quick Links to the AltaVista MarketSpace site. Users can also link to the free download through Microsoft's New England web site at www.microsoft.com/usa/newengland.

The new double CD-ROM edition of Microsoft Encarta 97 Encyclopedia includes state-of-the-art interactive features, access to in-depth online information, and significantly more comprehensive multimedia content. With Encarta 97, users can experience new, cutting-edge features like multimedia collages and 360 degree views, features exclusively in the new Deluxe Edition. Encarta 97 provides seamless integration of well-researched links to World Wide Web sites from within Encarta articles.

Users who download the free browser will be enrolled in the AltaVista Visionary Club, entitling them to exclusive special offers and discounts on a host of Internet-related products. Currently, the Visionary Club offers its members a free issue of the AltaVista Newsletter from the Cobb Group, the free search toolbar, SearchPal for AltaVista from Grasp Technologies, discounts on Internet software utilities, and more.

Whatever you're looking for, find it faster with AltaVista Search.
The AltaVista Search Network is the only search service to offer Live Topics mapping, a personal search assistant that dynamically categorizes search results, making it much easier to find useful information quickly. AltaVista Search is consistently ranked as one of the most popular sites on the World Wide Web -- it currently receives over 30 million hits per day. It features the largest Web index: 31 million pages found on 627,000 servers, offering users the most comprehensive responses to their search queries.

AltaVista's vision is OnSite Computing -- leveraging the real benefit of the Internet's universal presence of being able to do business wherever you are. AltaVista's OnSite Computing solutions includes the AltaVista Search Network, AltaVista Search services and software, AltaVista Firewall and Tunnel security solutions, as well as NT-based directory, mail and library solutions, all providing secure, simple and direct access to information and people over the Internet and private intranets. AltaVista Internet Software, Inc. is a Digital company. Further information is available at http://altavista.software.digital.com, or by calling 1-800-336-7890.

Note to Editors: Digital and AltaVista are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation. Microsoft and Encarta are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Press Contacts:
Chuck Malkiel
508-486-2902
chuck.malkiel@altavista.digital.com