Intel to give employees PCs

Intel Corp. on Tuesday announced it would give all its employees PCs, Internet access and services at no charge.

By the end of the year, more than 70,000 Intel employees worldwide will receive Pentium III processor-based machines, unlimited Internet access and other computer products, including a printer, monitor and software packages. The plan also calls for Intel to periodically refresh employees' hardware and software.

The Intel Home PC Program follows similar announcements made by other industry giants. Ford Motor Co. last month announced plans to give its 350,000 employees home PCs and Internet access for a small fee, and Delta Air Lines made a similar pledge.

The program aims to create more tech-savvy workers and encourage families to take advantage of the Internet Age, an Intel spokesman said. Army and Navy officials recently suggested the government should join the trend and equip all federal workers with PCs and Internet access, and the Army is considering giving laptops to its recruits [FCW, March 6].