Reprinted from a Gateway press release:
SAN DIEGO, July 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Gateway, Inc. today announced plans to provide comprehensive training on digital music technology to thousands of Americans, with the aim of helping them harness its power while respecting the interests of artists and other copyright holders.
Starting today, anyone can register for a free, three-hour Gateway Learning course on digital music technology by going to [link removed – no longer available] and registering in advance. The site includes information on the course in addition to where and when classes are being held. This Gateway Learning class is being offered free of charge through August 31 in Gateway stores, subject to availability as classes are expected to fill quickly. The class includes a free instruction booklet covering each course component.
The course covers all the key points on getting the most out of music on a PC, including:
— Downloading music from the Internet, and burning CDs at home — in ways that respect copyrights;
— Overview of analog and digital music formats, and how they work;
— Exploring subscription services, jukebox software and Internet radio;
— Overview of hardware and software options and requirements.
"Consumer interest in digital music is exploding, so we're mobilizing the training resources of the Gateway Learning team to help people understand the technology and make it work for them," said Luc Lambert, vice president, Gateway Services. "Our all-new Survive & Thrive curriculum, combined with hands-on learning with Gateway's expert instructors, is a fun, engaging way to learn all about digital music technology and become part of an exciting revolution."
Gateway is the largest provider of consumer technology training in the U.S., having sold more than two million training packages in the past three years. Classrooms in Gateway's retail stores feature award-winning Gateway PCs for participants to use as they get hands-on guidance and encouragement from expert instructors.
Gateway's new Survive & Thrive learning programs combine courses taught by expert instructors in Gateway stores with text, online and CD-ROM instruction. Participants can choose any combination of instructor-led and self-guided lessons to fit their schedules and preferences.
Gateway is emerging as a leader in helping consumers enjoy digital music technology. Since April, Gateway has offered free, legal music downloads on http://www.gateway.com/ , in addition to acting as a proponent of the legal uses of digital media technology. In June, for example, Gateway provided the 70,000 attendees of the Bonnaroo Music Festival in Tennessee the opportunity to legally burn CDs for free; they burned more than 11,000 hours of music.
Gateway Senior Vice President Brad Shaw announced the free digital music training program today at the 7th annual Jupiter Plug.In conference in New York City, where he spoke to an audience of several hundred leaders from the music and technology industries.