New Computers Come With Watchdog

Compaq Computer Corp. rolled out 118 new computers Wednesday, its single biggest product introduction ever, and equipped many with the ability to signal when a hard drive may fail or some other trouble.

The company hopes the new machines will help extend its lead in personal computer sales. They are aimed at businesses that have large networks of PCs and are meant to make it easier for managers of such systems to see how things are working.

Compaq also believes the computers’ watchdog capabilities will save companies money in the longterm service of computers. Citing independent analysts, Compaq said the typical PC costs a company about $40,000 over five years, including initial purchase, software, maintenance and labor.

By making it possible for network managers to tell a machine’s serial number, what components are declining or what software is installed, Compaq estimates companies can save one-fourth of the machine’s lifetime costs.