Please direct your media and public relations inquiries to: mediarelations@cdw.com 800-800-4CDW CDW Computer Centers, Inc. Ranked Among America's Fastest Growing Companies VERNON HILLS, Ill., September 22, 1998 — CDW Computer Centers, Inc. (NASDAQ: CDWC), a Fortune 1000 company and the country's leading provider of brand name computing solutions, was recently named to Fortune magazine's list of "America's 100 Fastest-Growing Companies." Recognized for the second consecutive year for its leadership position in the high-tech industry, CDW joins this impressive list as one of only 26 technology companies highlighted. Fortune ranks CDW No. 12 in revenues, based on the company's $1.4 billion in annual sales for the trailing twelve months ended June 30, 1998. CDW placed No. 36 in overall profitability, with $57.3 million in net income for the trailing twelve months ended June 30, 1998. "As one of the only direct marketers on the list, CDW is proud to once again join this elite group as one of the country's fastest-growing and most successful companies," said CDW CEO Michael Krasny. "Being included on this list for the second straight year is a clear reflection of the continuing success of our unique, efficient business model and our commitment and dedication to our customers and coworkers." The annual listing, which will be published in the magazine's September 28 issue, was compiled by Zack's Investment Research after evaluating companies' earnings-per-share growth over three years. For consideration, companies had to report income for the past four quarters and generate annual revenue growth of at least 30 percent. This special issue hit the newsstands on September 14, and is also available on Fortune's Web site at www.fortune.com. About CDW CDW Computer Centers, Inc. (NASDAQ: CDWC), a Fortune 1000 company, is a leading direct provider of computing products, specializing in customized solutions and support for businesses and consumers. The No.1 authorized direct source of Compaq, IBM, Microsoft, Computer Associates and Toshiba, CDW offers more than 80,000 brand name products to business, government, educational, institutional, and home office customers nationwide. Founded in 1984 as a one man, home-based business, and recently cited as one of PC Magazine's "100 Most Influential Companies," CDW today employs more than 1,400 coworkers whose efforts generated net sales of $1.4 billion for the trailing twelve months ended June 30, 1998. CDW's staff of close to 60 factory-trained and A+ certified technicians provides lifetime technical support and completes approximately 2,500 custom configurations each week. Further information About CDW is available on the company's award-winning Web site at www.cdw.com or by calling 800-671-4239. Additional information can be found by visiting CDW.com.