<PAGE>   1
                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                ---------------

                                    FORM 10-Q

         (X)      QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
                           THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                         For the quarterly period ended
                                October 31, 1998

                                       OR

         ( )      TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
                       THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                      For the transition period from ____to

                         Commission file number 1-14192

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                               VANSTAR CORPORATION
             (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

            DELAWARE                                    94-2376431
(State or Other Jurisdiction of            (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 Incorporation or Organization)


                        2575 Westside Parkway, Suite 500
                            Alpharetta, Georgia 30004
                    (Address of Principal Executive Offices)

                                 (770) 619-6000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              (Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
                  1100 Abernathy Road, Building 500, Suite 1200
                             Atlanta, Georgia 30328

              (Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year,
                          if Changed Since Last Report)



         Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. 
Yes  X            No
   -----            -----

         The number of outstanding shares of the Registrant's Common Stock, par
value $.001 per share, was 43,781,700 on November 30, 1998.


                                  Page 1 of 38

                            Exhibit Index on page 25
<PAGE>   2
                               VANSTAR CORPORATION

                                    FORM 10-Q

                                      INDEX


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                                                                                Page
                                                                               ------
<S>      <C>                                                                   <C>
Item 1.  Financial Statements

         Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 31, 1998
           and April 30, 1998                                                     3

         Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and
           Six Months Ended October 31, 1998 and 1997                             4

         Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity for the
           Six Months Ended October 31, 1998                                      5

         Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six
           Months Ended October 31, 1998 and 1997                                 6

         Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                               8

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
           Condition and Results of Operations                                   13

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About
           Market Risk                                                           20


                              PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 2.  Changes in Securities and Uses of Proceeds                              21

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders                     22

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                                        23

         Signatures                                                              24
</TABLE>






                                       2
<PAGE>   3
                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                               VANSTAR CORPORATION

                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                        (In thousands, except share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               OCTOBER 31,          APRIL 30,
                                                                                  1998                1998
                                                                               -----------         -----------
                                     ASSETS                                    (unaudited)
<S>                                                                            <C>                 <C>
Current assets:
     Cash                                                                      $    11,112         $     9,476
     Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of
          $9,100 at October 31, 1998 and $8,262 at April 30, 1998                  289,174             354,171
     Inventories                                                                   231,726             470,474
     Deferred income taxes                                                          17,187              17,387
     Prepaid expenses and other current assets                                      13,914              14,304
                                                                               -----------         -----------
           Total current assets                                                    563,113             865,812
Property and equipment, net                                                         51,572              53,303
Other assets, net                                                                   63,010              81,272
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of $12,750 at October 31,
     1998 and $10,113 at April 30, 1998                                            103,987             106,796
                                                                               -----------         -----------
                                                                               $   781,682         $ 1,107,183
                                                                               ===========         ===========

                      LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:
     Accounts payable                                                          $   165,476         $   290,187
     Accrued liabilities                                                            50,399              63,590
     Deferred revenue                                                               41,032              33,288
     Short-term borrowings                                                         164,644             308,351
     Current maturities of long-term debt                                            4,057               5,800
                                                                               -----------         -----------
           Total current liabilities                                               425,608             701,216
Long-term debt, less current maturities                                                581               2,337
Other long-term liabilities                                                          1,230                 943

Commitments and contingencies

Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable convertible
     preferred securities of subsidiary trust holding solely
     convertible subordinated debt securities of the Company                       194,915             194,739

Stockholders' equity:
     Common stock, $.001 par value: 100,000,000 shares authorized,
          43,776,950 shares issued and outstanding at October 31, 1998,
          43,489,030 shares issued and outstanding at April 30, 1998                    44                  43
     Additional paid-in capital                                                    134,702             132,703
     Retained earnings (since a deficit elimination of $78,448
          at April 30, 1994)                                                        27,264              75,576
     Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)                                         (2,662)               (374)
                                                                               -----------         -----------
           Total stockholders' equity                                              159,348             207,948
                                                                               -----------         -----------
                                                                               $   781,682         $ 1,107,183
                                                                               ===========         ===========
</TABLE>


           See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements


                                       3
<PAGE>   4
                               VANSTAR CORPORATION

                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                      (In thousands, except per share data)
                                   (unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               THREE MONTHS ENDED                       SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                   OCTOBER 31,                             OCTOBER 31,
                                                         -------------------------------         -------------------------------
                                                             1998                1997                1998                1997
                                                         -----------         -----------         -----------         -----------
<S>                                                      <C>                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>        
Revenue:
   Acquisition services                                  $   481,500         $   624,899         $ 1,019,307         $ 1,206,148
   Other services                                            121,895             116,850             239,250             216,235
                                                         -----------         -----------         -----------         -----------
     Total revenue                                           603,395             741,749           1,258,557           1,422,383
                                                         -----------         -----------         -----------         -----------

Cost of revenue:
   Acquisition services                                      444,039             566,068             933,461           1,090,713
   Other services                                             70,372              70,027             144,347             133,438
                                                         -----------         -----------         -----------         -----------
     Total cost of revenue                                   514,411             636,095           1,077,808           1,224,151
                                                         -----------         -----------         -----------         -----------

Gross margin                                                  88,984             105,654             180,749             198,232

Selling, general and administrative expenses                 110,185              79,701             205,086             153,159
Restructuring charges                                         12,009                  --              12,009                  --
                                                         -----------         -----------         -----------         -----------

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)                                      (33,210)             25,953             (36,346)             45,073

   Interest income                                               174                 336                 296                 740
   Financing expense, net                                     (7,032)             (8,277)            (16,846)            (14,069)
                                                         -----------         -----------         -----------         -----------

Income (loss) from operations before income
     taxes and distributions on preferred
     securities of Trust                                     (40,068)             18,012             (52,896)             31,744

Income tax benefit (provision)                                 4,424              (6,484)              9,042             (11,428)
                                                         -----------         -----------         -----------         -----------

Income (loss) from operations before
     distributions on preferred securities of   
     Trust                                                   (35,644)             11,528             (43,854)             20,316

Distributions on convertible preferred securities
     of Trust, net of income taxes                            (2,229)             (2,228)             (4,458)             (4,456)
                                                         -----------         -----------         -----------         -----------
NET INCOME (LOSS)                                        $   (37,873)        $     9,300         $   (48,312)        $    15,860
                                                         ===========         ===========         ===========         ===========

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE:
     Basic                                               $     (0.87)        $      0.22         $     (1.11)        $      0.37
                                                         ===========         ===========         ===========         ===========

     Diluted                                             $     (0.87)        $      0.21         $     (1.11)        $      0.36
                                                         ===========         ===========         ===========         ===========

COMMON SHARES AND EQUIVALENTS OUTSTANDING:
     Basic                                                    43,692              43,154              43,604              43,037
                                                         ===========         ===========         ===========         ===========

     Diluted                                                  43,692              44,530              43,604              44,288
                                                         ===========         ===========         ===========         ===========
</TABLE>




           See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements


                                       4
<PAGE>   5
                               VANSTAR CORPORATION

                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                 (In thousands)
                                   (unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                       ACCUMULATED
                                                    COMMON STOCK           ADDITIONAL                     OTHER          TOTAL
                                              ------------------------      PAID-IN       RETAINED    COMPREHENSIVE  STOCKHOLDERS'
                                                SHARES         AMOUNT       CAPITAL       EARNINGS        INCOME         EQUITY
                                              ---------      ---------     ----------    ---------    -------------  -------------
<S>                                           <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>            <C>
Balance at April 30, 1998                        43,489      $      43     $ 132,703     $  75,576      $    (374)     $ 207,948

Comprehensive income (loss):
    Net (loss)                                       --             --            --       (48,312)            --        (48,312)
    Other comprehensive income
        (loss) net of income tax:
        Unrealized gain (loss) on
            available-for-sale securities            --             --            --            --         (2,311)        (2,311)
        Foreign currency translation
            adjustment                               --             --            --            --             23             23
                                                                                                                       ---------

    Other comprehensive income
         (loss)                                                                                                           (2,288)
                                                                                                                       ---------

Comprehensive income (loss)                                                                                              (50,600)

Issuance of Common Stock:
    Employee stock purchase plan                    203              1         1,296            --             --          1,297
    Exercise of stock options,
        including tax benefit                        85             --           703            --             --            703

                                              ---------      ---------     ---------     ---------      ---------      ---------
Balance at October 31, 1998                      43,777      $      44     $ 134,702     $  27,264      $  (2,662)     $ 159,348
                                              =========      =========     =========     =========      =========      =========
</TABLE>








See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements


                                       5
<PAGE>   6
                               VANSTAR CORPORATION

                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (In thousands)
                                   (unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                 OCTOBER 31,
                                                                         ---------------------------
                                                                            1998              1997
                                                                         ---------         ---------
<S>                                                                      <C>               <C>      
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
    Net income (loss)                                                    $ (48,312)        $  15,860
    Adjustments:
       Depreciation and amortization                                        16,595            11,177
       Noncash restructuring and unusual charges                            39,053                --
       Deferred income taxes                                                 1,500             8,920
       Provision for doubtful accounts                                       2,745                53
       Noncash financing expense                                               123                --
       Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
          Receivables                                                       58,118           (81,298)
          Inventories                                                      231,338           (59,463)
          Prepaid expenses and other assets                                 (4,708)          (18,856)
          Accounts payable                                                (124,535)           47,596
          Accrued and other liabilities                                    (11,190)           (5,309)
                                                                         ---------         ---------
             Total adjustments                                             209,039           (97,180)
                                                                         ---------         ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities                        160,727           (81,320)

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
    Capital expenditures                                                   (12,575)          (13,967)
    Purchase of business, net of cash acquired                                  --           (32,486)
                                                                         ---------         ---------
Net cash used in investing activities                                      (12,575)          (46,453)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
    Payments on long-term debt                                              (4,576)           (7,367)
    Borrowings (repayments) under line of credit, net                     (143,707)          136,220
    Issuance of common stock                                                 1,767             3,177
                                                                         ---------         ---------
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities                       (146,516)          132,030
                                                                         ---------         ---------

Net increase in cash                                                         1,636             4,257
Cash at beginning of the period                                              9,476             5,686
                                                                         ---------         ---------
Cash at end of the period                                                $  11,112         $   9,943
                                                                         =========         =========

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
    Cash paid during the period for:
         Interest                                                        $  12,520         $   7,078
         Discounts and net expenses on receivables securitization            5,719             5,860
         Distributions on preferred securities of Trust                      6,792             6,792
         Income taxes (refunds), net                                          (510)            4,942
</TABLE>




           See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements


                                       6
<PAGE>   7
                               VANSTAR CORPORATION

                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (In thousands)
                                   (unaudited)
                                   (Continued)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                    OCTOBER 31,
                                                                              -----------------------
                                                                                1998           1997
                                                                              --------       --------
<S>                                                                           <C>            <C>
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing
     activities:
     Equipment acquired under capital leases                                  $  1,127       $    122

     Sysorex purchase:
          Fair value of assets acquired                                                      $ 85,448
          Cash paid, net of cash received                                                     (32,486)
                                                                                             --------
          Liabilities assumed                                                                $ 52,962
                                                                                             ========
</TABLE>








           See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements


                                       7
<PAGE>   8
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Interim Reporting

         The financial statements for Vanstar Corporation ("Vanstar" or the
"Company") for the three and six months ended October 31, 1998 and October 31,
1997 are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles for interim financial reporting and Securities and
Exchange Commission regulations. Certain information and footnote disclosures
normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such
rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, the financial statements
reflect all adjustments (of a normal and recurring nature) which are necessary
for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations,
stockholders' equity and cash flows for the interim periods. The results of
operations for the three and six months ended October 31, 1998 are not
necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire fiscal year.
These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 1998. Certain prior period amounts have
been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

Estimates

         The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

New Accounting Pronouncements

         The Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued Financial
Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Statement No. 131, Disclosures about
Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, which is applicable for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. This statement establishes
standards for reporting information about operating segments in annual and
interim financial statements, although this statement is not required to be
applied to interim financial statements in the initial year of its application.
Therefore, these disclosures will be included for the first time in the
Company's annual financial statements for the year ending April 30, 1999. The
statement defines operating segments as components of an enterprise about which
separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the
chief operating decision-maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in
assessing performance. The statement requires that segment profit or loss,
certain specific revenue and expense items and segment assets be reported, as
well as reconciled to the financial statements.


2. PROPOSED MERGER WITH INACOM

         On October 8, 1998, Vanstar Corporation and InaCom Corp., a Delaware
corporation ("InaCom"), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the
"Merger Agreement"), providing for InaCom to acquire the Company through the
merger of a wholly-owned subsidiary of InaCom with and into the Company. Under
the terms of the Merger Agreement, holders of the Company's common stock, par
value $.001 per share (the "Common Stock"), generally will receive 0.64 shares
of InaCom common stock, par value $.10 per share ("InaCom Common Stock"), in
exchange for each share of the Common Stock held by such person at the time of
consummation of the merger. The transaction, which is subject to regulatory and
stockholder approval, and certain other customary closing conditions, is
expected to close in January of 1999. The merger is intended to qualify as a
pooling of interests for accounting and financial reporting purposes and
generally to be tax-free to the stockholders of both companies for Federal
income tax purposes.

         As inducements to enter into the Merger Agreement, (1) InaCom granted
the Company an option to purchase up to 3,336,689 shares of InaCom Common Stock
at an exercise price of $17.375 per share and (2) Vanstar granted 


                                       8
<PAGE>   9
InaCom an option to purchase up to 8,709,623 shares of Common Stock at an
exercise price of $9.125 per share. Each option is exercisable following an
acquisition proposal for the issuing company and the occurrence of certain
further triggering events, none of which has occurred as of the date hereof.


3. EARNINGS PER SHARE

         Basic earnings per share are computed using the weighted average number
of shares of Common Stock during the period, and diluted earnings per share are
computed using the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock and
dilutive Common Stock equivalents outstanding during the period. Common Stock
equivalents are computed for the Company's outstanding options using the
treasury stock method.


4. COMPANY-OBLIGATED MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES OF
           SUBSIDIARY TRUST HOLDING SOLELY CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED DEBT 
           SECURITIES OF THE COMPANY

         During October 1996, Vanstar Financing Trust, a Delaware statutory
business trust of which the Company owns all of the common trust securities (the
"Trust"), sold 4,025,000 Trust Convertible Preferred Securities ("Preferred
Securities"). The Preferred Securities have a liquidation value of $50 per
security and are convertible at any time at the option of the holder into shares
of Common Stock at a conversion rate of 1.739 shares for each Preferred
Security, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. Distributions on
Preferred Securities accrue at an annual rate of 6 3/4% of the liquidation value
of $50 per Preferred Security and are included in "Distributions on convertible
preferred securities of Trust, net of income taxes" in the Consolidated
Statements of Income. The proceeds of the private placement, which totaled
approximately $194.4 million (net of initial purchasers' discounts and offering
expenses totaling $6.9 million) are included in "Company-obligated mandatorily
redeemable convertible preferred securities of subsidiary trust holding solely
convertible subordinated debt securities of the Company" on the Consolidated
Balance Sheets. The Company has entered into several contractual arrangements
(the "Back-up Undertakings") for the purpose of fully and unconditionally
supporting the Trust's payment of distributions, redemption payments and
liquidation payments with respect to the Preferred Securities. Considered
together, the Back-up Undertakings constitute a full and unconditional guarantee
by the Company of the Trust's obligations on the Preferred Securities.

         The Trust invested the proceeds of the offering in 6 3/4% Convertible
Subordinated Debentures due 2016 (the "Debentures") issued by the Company. The
Debentures bear interest at 6 3/4% per annum generally payable quarterly on
January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1. The Debentures are redeemable by the
Company, in whole or in part, on or after October 5, 1999 at designated
redemption prices. If the Company redeems the Debentures, the Trust must redeem
on a pro rata basis Preferred Securities having an aggregate liquidation value
equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Debentures redeemed. The sole
asset of the Trust is $207.5 million aggregate principal amount of the
Debentures. The Debentures and related income statement effects are eliminated
in the Company's consolidated financial statements.


5. SALE OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

         Effective December 20, 1996, the Company, through a non-consolidated
wholly-owned special purpose corporation, established a revolving funding trade
receivables securitization facility (the "Securitization Facility"), which
currently provides the Company with up to $175 million in available credit. In
connection with the Securitization Facility, the Company sells, on a revolving
basis, certain of its trade receivables ("Pooled Receivables") to the special
purpose corporation, which in turn sells a percentage ownership interest in the
Pooled Receivables to a commercial paper conduit sponsored by a financial
institution. These transactions have been recorded as a sale in accordance with
FASB Statement No. 125, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial
Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities. The amount of the Pooled Receivables,
which totaled $321.5 million at October 31, 1998, is reflected as a reduction to
receivables. The Company retains an interest in certain amounts of the assets
sold. At October 31, 1998, the amount of that retained interest totaled $161.2
million and is included in receivables. The Company is retained as servicer of
the Pooled Receivables. Although management believes that the servicing revenues
earned will be adequate compensation for performing the services, estimating the
fair value of the servicing asset was not considered practicable. Consequently,
a servicing asset has not been 


                                       9
<PAGE>   10
recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The gross proceeds resulting from
the sale of the percentage ownership interests in the Pooled Receivables totaled
$170 million as of October 31, 1998. Such proceeds are included in cash flows
from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Discounts and net expenses associated with the sales of the receivables totaling
$2.7 million, $5.8 million, $3.1 million and $5.9 million are included in
Financing expenses, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the three
and six months ended October 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.


6. FINANCING EXPENSES, NET

         Financing expenses, net includes interest incurred on borrowings under
the Company's financing agreement with IBM Credit Corporation ("IBMCC") and
discounts and net expenses associated with the Securitization Facility.


7. ACQUISITIONS

         On July 7, 1997, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed
certain liabilities of Sysorex Information Systems, Inc. ("Sysorex"), a
government technology provider. The purchase price was approximately $54.5
million, and a contingent payment of 500,000 shares of the Company's common
stock based on the financial performance of the acquired business for the period
from July 8, 1997 through April 30, 1999. Based on the financial performance of
the acquired business through October 31, 1998, it is unlikely that the Company
will make the payment of contingent shares. The Sysorex acquisition was
accounted for as a purchase and the excess of the cost over the fair value of
net assets acquired is being amortized on a straight line basis over 20 years.


8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

         On July 3, 1997, a trust claiming to have purchased shares of the
Common Stock filed suit in Superior Court of the State of California. The suit
is entitled David T. O'Neal Trust, Dated 4/1/77, v. Vanstar Corporation, et al.,
Consolidated Case No. CV767266. On January 21, 1998, the same plaintiff, along
with another plaintiff claiming to have purchased shares of Common Stock, filed
suit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of
California, making allegations virtually identical to those in the earlier suit.
The recent suit is captioned David T. O'Neal Trust, Dated 4/1/77, et al. v.
Vanstar Corporation, et al., Case No. C-98-0216 MJJ. Both suits named as
defendants the Company, certain directors and officers of the Company, and the
Company's principal stockholder, Warburg Pincus Capital Co., L.P., and certain
of its affiliates. The complaints in both suits generally allege, among other
things, that the defendants made false or misleading statements or concealed
information regarding the Company and that the plaintiffs, as holders of the
Common Stock, suffered damage as a result.

         The plaintiffs in both suits seek class action status, purporting to
represent a class of purchasers of Common Stock between March 11, 1996 and March
14, 1997, and seek damages in an unspecified amount, together with other relief.
The complaint in the first suit purports to state a cause of action under
California law; the complaint in the recent suit purports to state two causes of
action under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. On July 23, 1998, the
California Superior Court dismissed the state court complaint as to certain
individual defendants. The plaintiffs subsequently have agreed to dismiss the
state court complaint as to all remaining defendants other than the Company and
Richard Bard, a director of the Company. The Company believes that the
plaintiffs' allegations in both suits are without merit and intends to defend
the suits vigorously.

         Various legal actions arising in the normal course of business have
been brought against the Company and certain of its subsidiaries. Management
believes that the ultimate resolution of these actions will not have a material
adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations,
taken as a whole.


                                       10
<PAGE>   11
9. RESTRUCTURING AND UNUSUAL CHARGES

         In August 1998, Vanstar announced a program to reduce expenses in line
with expected revenue and industry dynamics. The program included both items
that qualify as restructuring costs as defined by Emerging Issues Task Force
94-3 and other unusual charges. This program to reduce expenses included a
reduction in workforce and elimination of some of its facilities through
consolidation during the second quarter in accordance with approved management
plans. The Company also wrote-off equipment and systems associated with the
support of certain finance functions that were affected by the realignment of
the business into two operating units and the reduction of workforce. In
addition, the Company wrote-off redundant equipment and systems associated with
the centralized service dispatch and scheduling functions. The Company also
liquidated excess spare parts due to the centralization of its spare parts
management and the outsourcing of a substantial portion of its spare parts
procurement and repair to a single vendor.

         Restructuring Charges

         Restructuring charges include the cost of facility closures and
consolidations, involuntary employee separation benefits and related costs
associated with business realignment and restructuring actions in accordance
with approved management plans. Facility closure costs of $6.0 million include
future lease payments, costs to abandon or dispose of property and equipment and
capitalized software, net of estimates of sublease revenues and disposal values.
Employee separation benefits of $3.0 million include severance, medical and
other benefits for approximately 250 permanent full-time employees. Reductions
occurred in virtually all areas of the Company. Business realignment costs
relate to the decision to exit the discrete training business as the Company
focuses on its core competencies as part of the realignment of the Company into
two distinct operating units, contract termination costs and other related costs
and are $3.0 million. In connection with the restructuring, the Company recorded
restructuring reserves of approximately $7.4 million, of which $4.1 has been
paid through October 31, 1998. The remaining liability of $3.3 million primarily
relates to the future lease obligations, net of estimates of sublease income.

         Unusual Charges

         Unusual charges not qualifying as restructuring are reflected in
selling, general and administrative expenses and cost of revenue and consist
primarily of the write-off of certain equipment and capitalized software, costs
to liquidate excess spare parts and inventory adjustments. Capitalized software
and lease costs of $9.0 million include the write-off of systems associated with
the centralized dispatch and scheduling functions and obsolete hardware and
software due to the upgrade of call technology implemented by the Company. The
Company also liquidated excess spare parts due to the centralization of its
spare parts management and the outsourcing of a substantial portion of its spare
parts procurement and repair to a single vendor, resulting in a net charge of
$16.5 million. Inventory adjustments of $5.4 million include costs associated
with the early return of certain inventory items to a major vendor in an effort
to reduce interest expense and additional inventory reserves to record inventory
at lower of cost or market due to the reduced price protection available from
major vendors as part of the supply chain reengineering. Other items of $2.4
million consist primarily of the incentive pay to retain certain employees
during the restructuring activities and costs associated with the termination of
certain marketing commitments.

         As the Company implements its strategic plan to respond to current
industry dynamics, there can be no assurance that additional restructuring
actions will not be required. In addition, there can be no assurance that the
estimated costs of the restructuring program will not change.


                                       11
<PAGE>   12
10. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

         Effective for the quarter ended July 31, 1998, the Company adopted FASB
Statement No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income ("Statement 130"). Statement
130 establishes standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive income
in a full set of general purpose financial statements, however, the adoption of
this statement has no impact on the Company's net income or stockholders'
equity. Comprehensive income includes net income plus items that, under
generally accepted accounting principles, are excluded from net income and are
reflected as a component of equity, such as currency translation adjustments and
unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities. Statement 130 also
requires the accumulated balance of other comprehensive income to be displayed
separately from retained earnings and additional paid-in capital in the equity
section of the statement of financial position. Prior period financial
statements have been reclassified to conform to the requirements of Statement
130.

         The components of comprehensive income, net of related tax, for the
three and six months periods ended October 31, 1998 and 1997 are as follows (in
thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               Three Months Ended             Six Months Ended
                                                   October 31,                   October 31,
                                             -----------------------       -----------------------
                                               1998           1997           1998           1997
                                             --------       --------       --------       --------
<S>                                          <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>     
Net income (loss)                            $(37,873)      $  9,300       $(48,312)      $ 15,860
Unrealized (losses) on securities              (1,997)        (2,027)        (2,311)        (2,864)
Foreign currency translation adjustment            --             --             23             --
                                             --------       --------       --------       --------
Comprehensive income (loss)                  $(39,870)      $  7,273       $(50,600)      $ 12,996
                                             ========       ========       ========       ========
</TABLE>


         The components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of
related tax, at October 31, 1998 and April 30, 1998 are as follows (in
thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      October 31,      April 30,
                                                          1998           1998
                                                      -----------     -----------
<S>                                                   <C>             <C>        
Unrealized (losses) on securities                     $   (2,518)     $     (207)
Foreign currency translation adjustments                    (144)           (167)
                                                      ----------      ----------
Accumulated comprehensive (loss)                      $   (2,662)     $     (374)
                                                      ==========      ==========
</TABLE>






                                       12
<PAGE>   13
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
         OF OPERATIONS

         The following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and
results of operations of the Company should be read in conjunction with the
unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes of the Company
included elsewhere in this report. This Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other parts of this Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. Among the risks and uncertainties to which the Company is subject
are the risks inherent in the Company's substantial indebtedness, the fact that
the Company has experienced significant fluctuations in revenues and operating
results, product supply shortages, the risks associated with managing the
Company's inventory and service offerings in light of product life cycles and
technological change, risks associated with the changes described under "Recent
Developments" below, the risks associated with implementing management responses
to changing technology and market conditions, the Company's relationship with
its significant customers, intense price competition in the Company's markets
and the Company's dependence upon its key vendors. As a result, the actual
results realized by the Company could differ materially from the results
discussed in the forward-looking statements made herein. Words or phrases such
as "will," "hope," "anticipate," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "project,"
"plan" or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking
statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the
forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

         On December 3, 1998, the Company issued a news release announcing its
results for its second fiscal quarter. That release included, among other
information, Comparative Financial Data for certain periods ending on October
31, 1998 and 1997.  The amounts shown in this filing for certain item pertaining
to the 1998 periods differ from the amounts shown in the news release due to the
reclassification of certain expenses from SG&A to cost of revenue.  The affected
items are Acquisition Services Gross Margin and Gross Margin Percentage, Total
Gross Margin and Gross Margin Percentage, and SG&A. 

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

         On October 8, 1998, Vanstar and InaCom entered into the Merger
Agreement providing for InaCom to acquire the Company through the merger of a
wholly-owned subsidiary of InaCom with and into the Company. Under the terms of
the Merger Agreement, holders of the Company's common stock, par value $.001 per
share (the "Common Stock"), generally will receive 0.64 shares of InaCom Common
Stock in exchange for each share of Common Stock held by such person at the time
of consummation of the merger. The transaction, which is subject to regulatory
and stockholder approval, and certain other customary closing conditions, is
expected to close in January of 1999. The merger is intended to qualify as a
pooling of interests for accounting and financial reporting purposes and
generally to be tax-free to the stockholders of both Companies for Federal
income tax purposes.

         As inducements to enter into the Merger Agreement, (1) InaCom granted
the Company an option to purchase up to 3,336,689 shares of InaCom Common Stock
at an exercise price of $17.375 per share and (2) Vanstar granted InaCom an
option to purchase up to 8,709,623 shares of the Company's Common Stock at an
exercise price of $9.125 per share. Each option is exercisable following an
acquisition proposal for the issuing company and the occurrence of certain
further triggering events, none of which has occurred as of the date hereof.

         In connection with the proposed merger, the Company will incur
significant merger-related costs to integrate and transition its personnel and
systems into InaCom. These merger costs are expensed as incurred. No material
merger costs have been incurred as of October 31, 1998. In addition, as of
October 31, 1998 the amounts of these costs cannot be reasonably estimated.

         The Company's primary vendors provide various incentives for promoting
and marketing their products. In addition, the Company is participating in
"Build-to-Order" and "Final Assembly" programs with Compaq, IBM and
Hewlett-Packard, which have reduced the Company's inventory requirements. More
detailed information regarding these matters is described in the "Certain
Business Factors" section of Vanstar's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended April 30, 1998 under the headings "Dependence on Key Vendors, Vendor
Incentives and Product Supply," "Inventory Management" and "Build-to-Order
Delivery Model and Final Assembly." The Company's primary vendors have announced
or instituted changes in their sales incentive and inventory management
programs. Specifically, the major manufacturers have announced that they will
(1) limit price protection to 3 or 4 weeks rather than the unlimited


                                       13
<PAGE>   14
protection previously available, (2) allow product returns on an average of 2%
to 3% of product sales per quarter, rather than the 5% of sales per quarter
previously available, and (3) provide incentives based solely on sales of the
manufacturers' products, rather than on purchases of the products from the
manufacturers, as well. These and further changes in these programs have had and
could continue to have a material adverse effect on the Company's operating
results.

         Vanstar is currently a party to a contract with one of its major
vendors that contemplates that the Company will acquire for resale or license
approximately $55 million of software products over a five-year period. At
September 29, 1998 Vanstar had purchased approximately $12 million of such
products. On that date Vanstar notified its vendor that the Company would not
make the scheduled product purchase of $9 million on September 30, 1998 and that
it intended to enter into negotiations with such vendor to alter the terms and
condition of their arrangement to more appropriately reflect market conditions.
Negotiations with respect to such changes have been commenced by the parties and
Vanstar believes, although no assurance to such effect can be given, that such
negotiations will be concluded in the near future without any resulting material
adverse effect on the Company's operating results.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

         When compared to the results for the three and six months ended October
31, 1997, the Company's results of operations for the three and six months ended
October 31, 1998 were impacted by the following transactions. On July 7, 1997,
the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Sysorex,
a government technology provider, for a purchase price of approximately $54.4
million, and a contingent payment of 500,000 shares of Common Stock based on the
future financial performance of the acquired business. Based on the financial
performance of the acquired business through October 31, 1998, it is unlikely
that the Company will make the payment of contingent shares. The Sysorex
acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and the excess of the cost over the
fair value of net assets acquired is being amortized on a straight line basis
over 20 years.

         In August 1998, Vanstar announced a program to reduce expenses in line
with expected revenue and industry dynamics. The program included both items
that qualify as restructuring costs as defined by Emerging Issues Task Force
94-3 and other unusual charges. This program to reduce expenses included a
reduction in workforce and elimination of some of its facilities through
consolidation, during the second quarter in accordance with approved management
plans. The Company also wrote-off equipment and systems associated with the
support of certain finance functions that were affected by the realignment of
the business into two operating units and the reduction of workforce. In
addition, the Company wrote-off redundant equipment and systems associated with
the centralized service dispatch and scheduling functions. The Company also
liquidated excess spare parts due to the centralization of its spare parts
management and the outsourcing of a substantial portion of its spare parts
procurement and repair to a single vendor.

         The Company incurred restructuring charges of $12.0 million during the
three months ended October 31, 1998 which includes the cost of involuntary
employee separation benefits, facility closures and consolidations, and related
costs associated with business realignment and restructuring actions. Unusual
charges of $33.3 million not qualifying as restructuring are reflected in
selling, general and administrative expenses and cost of revenue and consist
primarily of the write-off certain equipment and capitalized software, costs to
liquidate excess spare parts and certain inventory adjustments.

         Vanstar's three primary sources of revenue are: Acquisition Services
(formerly referred to as "Product"), Life Cycle Services and Professional
Services. The Company refers to the integration of the offerings of design and
consulting, acquisition and deployment, operation and support, and enhancement
and migration as "Life Cycle Management." For larger clients, Vanstar can manage
every phase of the life cycle of its customers' PC networks. Acquisition
Services revenue is primarily derived from the sale of computer hardware,
software, peripherals and communications devices manufactured by third parties
and sold by the Company, principally to implement integration projects. Life
Cycle Services revenue is primarily derived from services performed for the
desktop and focused on the client or user of the PC network. These support
services include desktop installation, repair and maintenance, moves, adds and
changes, extended warranty, asset management and help desk. Professional
Services revenue is primarily derived from high value-added services, including
services focused on the server and communication segments of the PC network
infrastructure. Professional Services revenue includes network installation,
design and consulting, and enhancement and migration, as well as server
deployment and support and training and education services. In prior

                                       14
<PAGE>   15
periods, Other revenue was derived primarily from fees earned on the
distribution services agreement with ComputerLand Corporation (formerly with
Merisel FAB). Pursuant to the distribution services agreement, the Company
provided product distribution to franchises and affiliates of ComputerLand
Corporation ("Computerland"), a subsidiary of Synnex Technologies, Inc.
("Synnex"), through January 1998. Prior to the quarter ended July 31, 1998 the
Company had reported training and education services revenue with Other revenue.
The Company has reclassified all prior periods to conform with the current
period presentation.

         The following table sets forth for the unaudited periods indicated, the
Company's (1) revenue, gross margin and gross margin percentage by revenue
source, (2) selling, general and administrative expenses in total and as a
percentage of total revenue and (3) operating income in total and as a
percentage of total revenue.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 Three Months Ended                    Six Months Ended
                                                     October 31,                           October 31,
                                            ------------------------------       ------------------------------
                                                1998               1997              1998               1997
                                            -----------        -----------       -----------        -----------
                                                                  (Dollars in thousands)
    <S>                                     <C>                <C>               <C>                <C>        
    REVENUE:
      Acquisition services                  $   481,500        $   624,899       $ 1,019,307        $ 1,206,148
      Life cycle services                        80,247             65,711           158,691            121,905
      Professional services                      41,648             47,161            80,559             86,305
      Other                                          --              3,978                --              8,025
                                            -----------        -----------       -----------        -----------
          Total revenue                     $   603,395        $   741,749       $ 1,258,557        $ 1,422,383
                                            ===========        ===========       ===========        ===========
    GROSS MARGIN:
      Acquisition services                  $    37,461        $    58,831       $    85,846        $   115,435
      Life cycle services                        33,934             20,023            62,509             35,890
      Professional services                      17,589             22,854            32,394             38,986
      Other                                          --              3,946                --              7,921
                                            -----------        -----------       -----------        -----------
          Total gross margin                $    88,984        $   105,654       $   180,749        $   198,232
                                            ===========        ===========       ===========        ===========
    GROSS MARGIN PERCENTAGE:
      Acquisition services                          7.8%               9.4%              8.4%               9.6%
      Life cycle services                          42.3%              30.5%             39.4%              29.4%
      Professional services                        42.2%              48.5%             40.2%              45.2%
      Other                                          --               99.2%               --               98.7%
                                            -----------        -----------       -----------        -----------
         Total gross margin percentage             14.7%              14.2%             14.4%              13.9%
                                            ===========        ===========       ===========        ===========

    Selling, general and
        administrative expenses             $   110,185        $    79,701       $   205,086        $   153,159
          % of total revenue                       18.3%              10.7%             16.3%              10.8%

    Restructuring charges                   $    12,009        $        --       $    12,009        $        --

    Operating income (loss)                 $   (33,210)       $    25,953       $   (36,346)       $    45,073
          % of total revenue                       -5.5%               3.5%             -2.9%               3.2%
</TABLE>


Three Months Ended October 31, 1998 as Compared to the Three Months Ended
October 31, 1997

         Acquisition services. Revenue decreased 22.9% to $481.5 million for the
three months ended October 31, 1998 from $624.9 million for the three months
ended October 31, 1997. Gross margin decreased 36.3% to $37.5 million for the
three months ended October 31, 1998 from $58.8 million for the three months
ended October 31, 1997. The decrease in both revenue and gross margin is
primarily a result of a significant decline in Average Sales Prices ("ASPs") for
computers and an unusual inventory reserve charge of $3.0 million to record
inventory to lower of cost or market due to the reduced price protection
available from major vendors as part of the supply chain reengineering. In
addition, manufacturer product shortages significantly curtailed customer orders
and shipments partially due to the extended order-cycle time during the three
months ended October 31, 1998 as part of the industry-wide supply chain
re-engineering. Gross margin percentage decreased to 7.8% for the three months
ended October 31, 1998 from 9.4% for the three months ended October 31, 1997.
The decrease in gross margin percentage is primarily due to the revenue
shortfall, which resulted in a decrease in vendor incentive funds from


                                       15
<PAGE>   16
computer manufacturers, the inventory reserve charge discussed above and an
increase in freight costs. In addition, Vanstar operates in a very aggressive
price environment that will continue to put pressure on ASPs and gross margin.
Any further decrease in ASPs, or vendor incentive funds or additional product
shortages could have a material adverse effect on Acquisition services revenue
and gross margin.

         Life Cycle services. Revenue increased 22.1% to $80.2 million for the
three months ended October 31, 1998 from $65.7 million for the three months
ended October 31, 1997. This increase was the result of increased demand for the
Company's overall Life Cycle service offerings as an increased number of
enterprises outsource a significant portion of network operations and support
services to a single IT provider. Gross margin increased 69.5% to $33.9 million
for the three months ended October 31, 1998 from $20.0 million for the three
months ended October 31, 1997. Gross margin percentage increased to 42.3% for
the three months ended October 31, 1998 compared with 30.5% for the three months
ended October 31, 1997. The Company realized productivity benefits from its
enhanced service delivery model and has been able to reduce direct labor costs
as a percentage of revenue.

         Professional services. Revenue decreased 11.7% to $41.6 million for the
three months ended October 31, 1998 from $47.2 million for the three months
ended October 31, 1997. The decrease was a result of a high number of large
project completions in the fourth quarter of the Company's last fiscal year and
slower than expected sales and start-ups of new projects during the three months
ended October 31, 1998. In addition, education services revenue decreased
approximately $2.7 million for the three months ended October 31, 1998 compared
to the three months ended October 31, 1997 primarily due to the sale of the
classroom instruction portion of the education services business in January 1998
and the Company's August 1998 decision to exit the discrete training business.
Excluding the impact of education services, revenue decreased $3.0 million or
7%. Gross margin decreased 23.0% to $17.6 million for the three months ended
October 31, 1998 from $22.9 million for the three months ended October 31, 1997,
primarily due to a decrease in revenue and in utilization rates. Gross margin
percentage decreased to 42.2% for the three months ended October 31, 1998 from
48.5% for the three months ended October 31, 1997. The decrease in gross margin
percentage was the result of higher direct labor costs as a percentage of
revenue due to lower utilization rates during the period.

         Other. Revenue is zero for the three months ended October 31, 1998
compared to $3.9 million for the three months ended October 31, 1997 due to the
elimination of the fees earned on the distribution agreement with ComputerLand,
a subsidiary of Synnex. Pursuant to the distribution services agreement, the
Company provided product distribution to franchises and affiliates of
ComputerLand. That agreement terminated in January 1998.

         Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and
administrative expenses increased by 38.2% to $110.2 million for the three
months ended October 31, 1998 from $79.1 million for the three months ended
October 31, 1997. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses
was primarily due to the unusual charges, not qualifying as restructuring
charges, of $30.3 million recorded during the quarter, which consist primarily
of the write-off of certain equipment and capitalized software, costs to
liquidate excess spare parts and certain inventory adjustments. Capitalized
software and lease costs of $9 million include the write-off of systems
associated with the centralized dispatch and scheduling functions and obsolete
hardware and software due to the upgrade of call technology implemented by the
Company. The Company also liquidated excess spare parts due to the
centralization of its spare parts management and the outsourcing of a
substantial portion of its spare parts procurement and repair to a single vendor
resulting in a net charge of $16.5 million. Inventory adjustments of $2.4
million include costs associated with the early return of certain inventory
items to a major vendor in an effort to reduce interest expense. Other items of
$2.4 million consist primarily of the incentive pay to retain certain employees
during the restructuring activities and costs associated with the termination of
certain marketing commitments. Excluding the impact of the unusual items,
selling, general and administrative expenses increased 1% to $79.9 million for
the three months ended October 31, 1998 from $79.1 million for the three months
ended October 31, 1997. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a
percentage of revenue increased to 18.3% for the three months ended October 31,
1998 from 10.7% for the three months ended October 31, 1997 due to a combination
of the unusual charges incurred during the quarter and the decline in total
revenue because expense levels are based, in part, on future anticipated revenue
levels.

         Restructuring charges. The Company incurred restructuring charges of
$12.0 million during the three months ended October 31, 1998 which includes the
cost of involuntary employee separation benefits, facility closures and
consolidations, and related costs associated with business realignment and
restructuring actions. Facility closure costs are approximately $6.0 million and
include future lease payments, costs to abandon or dispose of property and


                                       16
<PAGE>   17
equipment and capitalized software net of estimates of sublease revenues and
disposal values. Employee separation benefits are approximately $3.0 million and
include severance, medical and other benefits for approximately 250 permanent
full-time employees. Business realignment costs relate to the decision to exit
the discrete training business as the Company focuses on its core competencies
as part of the realignment of the Company into two distinct operating units
contract termination costs and other related costs and are approximately $3.0
million.

         Operating income (loss). The Company incurred an operating loss of
($33.2) million for the three months ended October 31, 1998 compared to
operating income of $26.0 million for the three months ended October 31, 1997 as
a result of the factors discussed above. Operating income (loss) as a percentage
of total revenue decreased to (5.5%) for the three months ended October 31, 1998
from 3.5% for the three months ended October 31, 1997.

         Financing expenses, net. Financing expenses, net for the three months
ended October 31, 1998 and 1997 represents primarily interest incurred on
borrowings under the Company's financing agreement with IBMCC and net expenses
associated with the Company's Securitization Facility. Financing expenses
decreased 13.6% to $6.9 million for the three months ended October 31, 1998 from
$7.9 million for the three months ended October 31, 1997 due to lower average
borrowings and lower interest rates. The decrease in borrowings was primarily
due to reduced inventory levels that are financed primarily under the IBMCC
agreement.

         Taxes. The effective tax rate for the three months ended October 31,
1998 was 11% compared to 36% for the three months ended October 31, 1997. The
decrease in the effective tax rate is due to an adjustment to the income
liability account and an increase in valuation reserves on deferred income
taxes. At October 31, 1998 and April 30, 1998, the Company has recorded net
deferred tax assets of $20.4 million and $20.6 million, respectively. The net
deferred tax asset at October 31, 1998 is net of a $5.0 million valuation
allowance due to the uncertainty of the realization of the deferred tax assets.
The full realization of the net deferred tax assets carried at October 31, 1998
is dependent upon the Company's achieving sufficient future pretax earnings.
Although realization is not assured, management believes that sufficient taxable
income will be generated from operations to realize the net deferred tax assets.

         Distributions on convertible preferred securities of trust, net of tax.
In October 1996, the Trust issued 4,025,000 Preferred Securities as part of a
refinancing plan directed at reducing the Company's overall interest costs.
Distributions on Preferred Securities accrue at an annual rate of 6 3/4% of the
liquidation value of $50 per security and are included in "Distributions on
convertible preferred securities of Trust, net of income taxes" in the
Consolidated Statements of Income (see note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements).


Six Months Ended October 31, 1998 as Compared to the Six Months Ended October
31, 1997

         Acquisition services. Revenue decreased 15.5% to $1,019.3 million for
the six months ended October 31, 1998 from $1,206.1 million for the six months
ended October 31, 1997. Gross margin decreased 25.6% to $85.8 million for the
six months ended October 31, 1998 from $115.4 million for the six months ended
October 31, 1997. The decrease in both revenue and gross margin is primarily a
result of a significant decline in ASPs for computers and the inventory reserve
charge of $3.0 million previously discussed. In addition, manufacturer product
shortages during the six months ended October 31, 1998 significantly curtailed
customer orders and shipments during the period. Gross margin percentage
decreased to 8.4% for the six months ended October 31, 1998 from 9.6% for the
six months ended October 31, 1997. The decrease in gross margin percentage is
primarily due to the revenue shortfall, which resulted in a decrease in vendor
incentive funds from computer manufacturers, additional inventory reserve
charge, and an increase in freight costs. In addition, Vanstar operates in a
very aggressive price environment that will continue to put pressure on ASPs and
gross margin. Any further decreases in ASPs, decrease in vendor incentive funds
or additional product shortages could have a material adverse effect on
Acquisition services revenue and gross margin.

         Life Cycle services. Revenue increased 30.2% to $158.7 million for the
six months ended October 31, 1998 from $121.9 million for the six months ended
October 31, 1997. This increase was the result of increased demand for the
Company's overall Life Cycle service offerings as an increased number of
enterprises outsource a significant portion of network operations and support
services to a single IT provider. Gross margin increased 74.2% to $62.5 million
for the six months ended October 31, 1998 from $35.9 million for the six months
ended October 31, 1997. Gross margin percentage increased to 39.4% for the six
months ended October 31, 1998 compared with 29.4% for 


                                       17
<PAGE>   18
the six months ended October 31, 1997. The Company realized productivity
benefits from its enhanced service delivery model and has been able to reduce
direct labor costs as a percentage of revenue.

         Professional services. Revenue decreased 6.7% to $80.6 million for the
six months ended October 31, 1998 from $86.3 million for the six months ended
October 31, 1997. The decrease was a result of a high number of large project
completions in the fourth quarter of the Company's last fiscal year and slower
than expected sales and start-ups of new projects during the six months ended
October 31, 1998. In addition, education services revenue decreased
approximately $4.7 million for the six months ended October 31, 1998 compared to
the six months ended October 31, 1997, primarily due to the sale of the
classroom instruction portion of the education services business in January 1998
and the Company's August 1998 decision to exit the discrete training business.
Excluding the impact of education services, revenue decreased $1.1 million or
1.4%. Gross margin decreased 16.9% to $32.4 million for the six months ended
October 31, 1998 from $39.0 million for the six months ended October 31, 1997
primarily due to a decrease in revenue and utilization rates. Gross margin
percentage decreased to 40.2% for the six months ended October 31, 1998 from
45.2% for the six months ended October 31, 1997. The decrease in gross margin
percentage was the result of higher direct labor costs as a percentage of
revenue due to lower utilization rates during the period.

         Other. Revenue is zero for the six months ended October 31, 1998
compared to $8.0 million for the six months ended October 31, 1997 due to the
elimination of the fees earned on the distribution agreement with ComputerLand,
a subsidiary of Synnex. Pursuant to the distribution services agreement, the
Company provided product distribution to franchises and affiliates of
ComputerLand. That agreement terminated in January 1998.

         Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and
administrative expenses increased by 33.8% to $205.1 million for the six months
ended October 31, 1998 from $153.2 million for the six months ended October 31,
1997. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily
due to the unusual charges not qualifying as restructuring charges of $30.3
million recorded during the most recent quarter, as discussed above. Excluding
the impact of the unusual items, selling, general and administrative expenses
increased 14.0% to $174.8 million for the six months ended October 31, 1998 from
$153.2 million for the six months ended October 31, 1997. The increase is
primarily due to an increase in indirect labor to support the increase in
service revenue as a percent of total revenue. Selling, general and
administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue increased to 16.3% for the
six months ended October 31, 1998 from 10.8% for the six months ended October
31, 1997 due to a combination of the unusual charges incurred during the quarter
and the decline in total revenue because expense levels are based, in part, on
future anticipated revenue levels.

         Restructuring charges. The Company incurred restructuring charges of
$12.0 million during the six months ended October 31, 1998 as discussed above.

         Operating income (loss). The Company incurred an operating loss of
($36.3) million for the six months ended October 31, 1998 compared to operating
income of $45.1 million for the six months ended October 31, 1997 as a result of
the factors discussed above. Operating income (loss) as a percentage of total
revenue decreased to (2.9%) for the six months ended October 31, 1998 from 3.2%
for the six months ended October 31, 1997.

         Financing expenses, net. Financing expenses, net for the six months
ended October 31, 1998 and 1997 represents primarily interest incurred on
borrowings under the Company's financing agreement with IBMCC and net expenses
associated with the Company's Securitization Facility. Financing expenses
increased 24.2% to $16.6 million for the six months ended October 31, 1998 from
$13.3 million for the six months ended October 31, 1997 due to higher average
borrowings partially offset by lower interest rates. The increase in borrowings,
which resulted in higher financing expenses, was due to the Company's purchasing
significant quantities of inventory from manufacturers to take advantage of
volume discounts. These inventory purchases were financed primarily under the
IBMCC agreement. During the sixth months ended October 31, 1998, the Company has
reduced borrowings under the agreements discussed above by approximately $174
million.

         Taxes. The effective tax rate for the six months ended October 31, 1998
was 17% compared to 36% for the six months ended October 31, 1997. The decrease
in the effective tax rate is due to an adjustment to the income tax liability
account and an increase in valuation reserves on deferred taxes. At October 31,
1998 and April 30, 1998, the Company has recorded net deferred tax assets of
$20.4 million and $20.6 million, respectively. The net deferred tax asset at
October 31, 1998 is net of a $5.0 million valuation allowance due to the
uncertainty of the realization of 

                                       18
<PAGE>   19
the deferred tax assets. The full realization of the net deferred tax assets
carried at October 31, 1998 is dependent upon the Company's achieving sufficient
future pretax earnings. Although realization is not assured, management believes
that sufficient taxable income will be generated from operations to realize the
net deferred tax assets.

         Distributions on convertible preferred securities of trust, net of tax.
In October 1996, the Trust issued 4,025,000 Preferred Securities as part of a
refinancing plan directed at reducing the Company's overall interest costs.
Distributions on Preferred Securities accrue at an annual rate of 6 3/4% of the
liquidation value of $50 per security and are included in "Distributions on
convertible preferred securities of Trust, net of income taxes" in the
Consolidated Statements of Income (see note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements).


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

         The pending InaCom merger will result in the acceleration of all
amounts outstanding under the Company's financing agreement with IBMCC and the
Securitization Facility, which will then be immediately due, unless the Company
obtains waivers or consents from, or makes other arrangements with, IBMCC and
certain parties associated with the Securitization Faciltiy. In addition, due to
certain cross-default provisions, the Company's $207.5 million aggregate
principal amount of Debentures due 2016 issued to the Trust in connection with
the Trust's sale of the Preferred Securities could become due and payable if the
Company defaults on one or more of the obligations noted above. No effect of a
change in control is reflected in the accompanying unaudited consolidated
financial statements.

         During the six months ended October 31, 1998, the Company used cash
generated from operations, including sales of certain of its trade receivables,
to fund its operations, working capital requirements, payments on its long-term
debt and purchases of capital equipment.

         Effective December 20, 1996, the Company established the Securitization
Facility, which currently provides the Company with up to $175 million in
available credit. Pursuant to the Securitization Facility, the Company, through
a wholly owned subsidiary, sells an undivided percentage ownership interest in
the Pooled Receivables. As of October 31, 1998, the proceeds of the sales
totaled $170 million.

         The Company's operating activities provided cash of $160.7 million for
the six months ended October 31, 1998 as a result of decreases in both accounts
receivable and inventories, partially offset by a decrease in accounts payable.
The decrease in accounts receivable was primarily a result of decreased sales
during the quarter ended October 31, 1998. The decrease in inventory was a
result of the Company's transitioning to a "Build-to-Order" delivery model as
part of the supply chain reengineering by the manufacturers. The decrease in
accounts payable was primarily funded through the short-term line of credit.

         During the six months ended October 31, 1998, the Company used cash of
$12.6 million for capital expenditures. The Company plans to make additional
investments in its automated systems and its capital equipment throughout the
remainder of fiscal year 1999.

         The Company currently has a $350 million line of credit under its
financing agreement with IBMCC. At October 31, 1998 the Company had $241.5
million outstanding under that facility, of which $76.9 million is included in
accounts payable and $164.6 million is classified as short-term borrowings.
Borrowings under the line of credit are subject to certain borrowing base
limitations and are secured by portions of the Company's inventory, accounts
receivable, and certain other assets. As of October 31, 1998 amounts borrowed
under the line of credit bear interest at a rate generally equal to the London
Interbank Offered Rate plus 1.6% (representing a rate of 7.3% at October 31,
1998). The line of credit is currently scheduled to expire March 31, 1999.

         The Company believes that future cash generated from operations,
together with cash available through its financing agreement with IBMCC and from
the Securitization Facility, will be sufficient to meet its cash requirements
through at least fiscal year 1999.


                                       19
<PAGE>   20
YEAR 2000

         Many existing computer systems, including certain of the Company's
internal systems, use only the last two digits to identify years in the date
field. As a result, those systems may not accurately distinguish years in the
21st century from years in the 20th century, or may not function properly when
faced with years later than 1999. This problem is generally referred to as the
"Year 2000 Issue." Computer systems that are able to deal correctly with dates
after 1999 are referred to as "Year-2000-Compliant."

         With respect to its internal systems and operations, the Company is
addressing the Year 2000 Issue through a five-phase project plan. The five
phases of the plan are:

(1)   Inventory and Assessment, which included compiling an inventory of
      hardware and software, then assessing the effects of 21st-century dates on
      each system and, in the case of systems that are not yet
      Year-2000-Compliant, the risk to the Company's business if that system
      were not operating.

(2)   Solution Planning, which generally involved organizing and planning the
      task of ensuring that the Company's computer systems are
      Year-2000-Compliant. This process included classifying the systems into
      units ("Production Groupings") and scheduling the Production Groupings for
      conversion, generally with the goal of treating the most important and
      vulnerable systems first. This phase also included contacting all vendors
      for the status of their software and plans for compliance.

(3)   Conversion, which involves making necessary changes to render each
      Production Grouping Year-2000-Compliant.

(4)   Testing each Production Grouping.

(5)   Implementing each Production Grouping.

         The Company has completed the first two phases of the plan and has
completed a significant portion of phases three through five. In addition, most
of the Company's systems are already Year-2000-Compliant. The Company hopes to
complete all five phases of the plan by mid-1999.

         The Company expects to implement successfully the systems and
programming changes necessary to address the Year-2000 Issue and does not expect
the total costs associated with that implementation to be material to the
Company's financial position or results of operations over the term of the
project. Vanstar's management believes that the most reasonably likely worst
case scenario is that a small number of vendors will be unable to supply
component parts for a short time after January 1, 2000, resulting in a
disruption of product shipments and related services to Vanstar's customers.
Vanstar believes that those problems could be addressed without any material
adverse impact on its operations and intends to develop, modify and implement
appropriate contingency plans as it becomes aware of any such vendors and the
nature and magnitude of their respective Year 2000 Issues. To the extent than
any Year 2000 Issues beyond Vanstar's perceived worst case scenario described
above materialize and Vanstar is unable to timely develop an appropriate
contingency plan, those problems could have a material impact on Vanstar's
operations.

         The statements above describing the Company's plans and objectives for
handling the Year 2000 Issue and the expected impact of the Year 2000 Issue on
the Company are forward-looking statements. Those statements involve risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the
results discussed above. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but
are not limited to, delays in executing the plan outlined above and increased or
unforeseen costs associated with the implementation of the plan and any
necessary changes to the Company's systems.


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

         Not applicable


                                       20
<PAGE>   21


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 2.   CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

     On October 8, 1998, as a condition and an inducement to the parties' 
entering into the Merger Agreement, the Company granted InaCom an option to 
purchase up to 8,709,623 shares (subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments) 
of Common Stock at an exercise price of $9.125 per share (the "Vanstar 
Option"), and InaCom granted the Company an option to purchase up to 3,336,689 
shares (subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments) of InaCom Common Stock at 
an exercise price of $17.375 per share. The Company issued the Vanstar Option 
in reliance on the exemption in Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as 
amended.

     The Vanstar Option is exercisable only upon the occurrence of all of the 
following events: (1) the Merger Agreement is terminated and, as a result of 
the termination, a fee is payable by the Company to InaCom under the Merger 
Agreement; (2) before the termination, a third party makes a proposal for an 
acquisition transaction for the Company; and (3) either before or within 12 
months following the termination, the Company's stockholders approve that 
acquisition transaction. The Vanstar Option remains in effect until the 
earliest of the following: (1) the effective time of the merger; (2) the date 
on which the Merger Agreement is properly terminated, except when a termination 
fee is payable by Vanstar to InaCom pursuant to the Merger Agreement and before 
that termination a third party makes an acquisition proposal for the Company; 
and (3) 13 months after the Merger Agreement is terminated. The exercise period 
may be extended if the Vanstar Option is not exercisable by reason of certain 
governmental judgments, decrees, orders, laws or regulations. Notwithstanding 
the termination of the Vanstar Option, the Company is entitled to repurchase 
the shares of Common Stock with respect to which InaCom exercised the Vanstar 
Option prior to the termination.

     The Company has the right of first refusal to purchase shares of Common 
Stock acquired by InaCom under the Vanstar Option at the price and on the terms 
offered by a third party for those shares.

     The Company may also repurchase, or InaCom may require the repurchase of, 
the Vanstar Option (during the time it is exercisable) or the shares issued 
upon the exercise thereof. Subject to certain profit limitations, (1) the 
repurchase price of the Vanstar Option will equal the difference between the 
exercise price of the Vanstar Option and the market price of the underlying 
shares and (2) the repurchase price of the shares acquired upon the exercise of 
the Vanstar Option will be based on an average of sale prices on the New York 
Stock Exchange or, in the event of an acquisition proposal for the Company, the 
highest price to be paid per share in the acquisition proposal.

                                      -21-
<PAGE>   22


ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

         The Company's 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders was held on September
9, 1998. Three items of business were acted upon at the meeting: (1) the
election of eight directors to serve until the next Annual Meeting of
Stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified; (2)
approval of an amendment to the Company's 1996 Stock Option/Stock Issuance Plan,
as amended (the "1996 Option Plan"), increasing the number of shares subject to
grant under the 1996 Option Plan from 3,300,000 shares to 6,300,000 shares; and
(3) approval of an amendment to the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the
"ESPP") increasing the number of shares subject to grant under the ESPP from
1,000,000 shares to 2,000,000 shares.

         The results of the voting for the election of directors were as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   NOMINEE                      VOTES FOR        VOTES WITHHELD        ABSTENTIONS       BROKER NONVOTES
   -------                      ---------        --------------        -----------       ---------------
   <S>                         <C>               <C>                   <C>               <C>
   John W. Amerman             33,858,493            167,690                0                   0
   Richard H. Bard             33,860,536            165,647                0                   0
   Stewart K.P. Gross          33,863,733            162,450                0                   0
   William H. Janeway          33,861,576            164,607                0                   0
   John R. Oltman              33,862,943            163,240                0                   0
   William Y. Tauscher         33,840,724            185,459                0                   0
   John L. Vogelstein          33,634,606            391,577                0                   0
   Josh S. Weston              33,861,629            164,554                0                   0
</TABLE>

         Accordingly, each of the eight nominees received a plurality of the
votes cast and was elected.


         The results of the voting on the approval of the amendment to increase
the number of shares subject to grant under the 1996 Option Plan from 3,300,000
shares to 6,300,000 shares were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           VOTES FOR         VOTES AGAINST         ABSTENTIONS        BROKER NONVOTES
           ---------         -------------         -----------        ---------------
          <S>                <C>                   <C>                <C>
          24,098,989           3,737,227              61,748                  0
</TABLE>


         Accordingly, the number of shares voted for the proposal constituted a
majority of the shares entitled to vote thereon, and the amendment to the 1996
Option Plan was approved.


         The results of the voting on the approval of the amendment to increase
the number of shares subject to grant under the ESPP from 1,000,000 shares to
2,000,000 shares were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           VOTES FOR         VOTES AGAINST         ABSTENTIONS        BROKER NONVOTES
           ---------         -------------         -----------        ---------------
          <S>                <C>                   <C>                <C>
          27,269,952             514,470              56,642                  0
</TABLE>


         Accordingly, the number of shares voted for the proposal constituted a
majority of the shares entitled to vote thereon, and the amendment to the ESPP
was approved.



                                       22
<PAGE>   23
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

A. EXHIBITS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         Exhibit
           No.             Description
         -------           -----------
         <S>               <C>
            2              Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 8,
                           1998, among InaCom Corp. ("InaCom"), InaCom
                           Acquisition, Inc. and the Registrant (incorporated
                           herein by reference from Exhibit 99.1 to the Current
                           Report on Form 8-K, dated October 9, 1998, filed by
                           InaCom (Commission File Number 0-16114) (the "InaCom
                           8-K")). Certain schedules and exhibits to the
                           Agreement and Plan of Merger have been omitted. The
                           Registrant will furnish supplementally a copy of any
                           omitted schedule or exhibit to the Commission upon
                           request.

           10.1*           Separation and Consulting Agreement between Jay Amato
                           and the Registrant.

           10.2*           Amendment No. 10 to the Second Amended and Restated
                           Financing Program Agreement, dated October 30, 1998,
                           between the Registrant and IBM Credit Corporation.

           27*             Financial Data Schedule

           99.1            Stock Option Agreement, dated as of October 8, 1998,
                           between the Registrant, as grantor, and InaCom, as
                           grantee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.4
                           to the InaCom 8-K).

           99.2            Stock Option Agreement dated as of October 8, 1998,
                           between InaCom, as grantor, and the Registrant, as
                           grantee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.3
                           to the InaCom 8-K).

           99.3            Stock Voting Agreement, dated as of October 8, 1998,
                           among Warburg, Pincus Capital Company, L.P., InaCom
                           and the Registrant (incorporated by reference from
                           Exhibit 99.2 to the InaCom 8-K).

           99.4            Form of Stock Voting Agreements entered into by the
                           directors of InaCom, InaCom and the Registrant
                           (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.6 to the
                           Schedule 13D, dated October 19, 1998, filed by the
                           Registrant).

           99.5            Form of Stock Voting Agreements entered into by the
                           directors of the Registrant, InaCom and the
                           Registrant (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 6
                           to the Schedule 13D, dated October 18, 1998, filed by
                           InaCom).
</TABLE>

         * Filed herewith


B. REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

         During the quarter ended October 31, 1998, the Company filed a Current
         Report on Form 8-K, dated October 8, 1998, reporting the execution of
         the Merger Agreement with InaCom under "Item 5. Other Events."



                                       23
<PAGE>   24

                                   SIGNATURES


         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                                VANSTAR CORPORATION




Dated: December 15, 1998            By:     /s/ Kauko Aronaho
                                          -------------------------------------
                                    Name:   Kauko Aronaho
                                    Title:  Senior Vice President and Chief
                                            Financial Officer










                                       24
<PAGE>   25


                              VANSTAR CORPORATION

                                 EXHIBIT INDEX


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
  No.       Description
-------     -----------
<S>         <C>
  2         Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 8, 1998, among 
            InaCom Corp. ("InaCom"), InaCom Acquisition, Inc. and the Registrant
            (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 99.1 to the Current
            Report on Form 8-K, dated October 9, 1998, filed by InaCom
            (Commission File Number 0-16114) (the "InaCom 8-K")). Certain
            schedules and exhibits to the Agreement and Plan of Merger have been
            omitted. The Registrant will furnish supplementally a copy of any
            omitted schedule or exhibit to the Commission upon request.

 10.1*      Separation and Consulting Agreement between Jay Amato and the 
            Registrant.

 10.2*      Amendment No. 10 to the Second Amended and Restated Financing 
            Program Agreement, dated October 30, 1998, between the Registrant
            and IBM Credit Corporation.

 27*        Financial Data Schedule

 99.1       Stock Option Agreement, dated as of October 8, 1998, between the
            Registrant, as grantor, and InaCom, as grantee (incorporated by
            reference from Exhibit 99.4 to the InaCom 8-K).


 99.2       Stock Option Agreement dated as of October 8, 1998, between 
            InaCom, as grantor, and the Registrant, as grantee (incorporated by
            reference from Exhibit 99.3 to the InaCom 8-K).

 99.3       Stock Voting Agreement, dated as of October 8, 1998, among Warburg, 
            Pincus Capital Company, L.P., InaCom and the Registrant
            (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.2 to the InaCom 8-K).

 99.4       Form of Stock Voting Agreements entered into by the directors of 
            InaCom, InaCom and the Registrant (incorporated by reference from
            Exhibit 99.6 to the Schedule 13D, dated October 19, 1998, filed by
            the Registrant).

 99.5       Form of Stock Voting Agreements entered into by the directors of 
            the Registrant, InaCom and the Registrant (incorporated by reference
            from Exhibit 6 to the Schedule 13D, dated October 18, 1998, filed by
            InaCom).
</TABLE>

*  Filed herewith


                                       25