AST Research Inc has had a hectic year as it seeks by all means at its disposal to evolve from from survivor to giant, and chief financial officer Bruce Edwards told the attendees that the world’s personal computer boom showed no signs of slowing down: earlier, AST reported computer unit sales rose 57% in its third quarter, to April 2, while net profit rose to $0.40 per share, $13.2m, from $0.35 per share, $11m, a year earlier; he believes sales will be further boosted by renewed buying in the home market; AST plans to boost its share of the growing computer server market by introducing more lower priced models; AST says it is now the fifth largest personal computer maker in the world, with a 6% market share and hopes to boost its market share and improve gross margins shortly.