Microsoft gives in to a Federal order on Internet browser
Article Abstract:
Microsoft reached an agreement with the Justice Department and US District Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson to separate its Web browser software, Internet Explorer, from its Windows 95 OS. One term of the last-minute settlement calls for Microsoft to allow computer manufacturers to sell the latest version of Windows 95 with Internet Explorer hidden or partly removed. A hidden but fully installed browser means that users must install Internet Explorer on the desktop. Windows 95 products with partly removed Internet Explorer files will contain more than 90% of all Internet Explorer files. Microsoft, which avoided being found in contempt of court, is complying with Jackson's Dec 1997 order to stop its required installation of Internet Explorer as a condition of licensing Windows 95. Microsoft had defended its bundling decision prior to the settlement, saying that it could not remove Internet Explorer without disabling Windows 95.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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U.S won't block Windows 98 software
Article Abstract:
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) probably will not oppose release of a browsing-software-equipped version of Microsoft's Windows 98 operating system. It means Windows 98 would appear in May, as scheduled. However, the government may ask US District Judge Thomas Penfield to require Microsoft to offer a separate version without a browser. The DOJ is reluctant to interfere with companies' product-design decisions, but on the other hand, the department is prepared to step in if a design can be shown to be blatantly anticompetitive. A mandate that Microsoft offer a version of Windows 98 without Internet software would preserve the principle that PC makers should be free to choose which browser they install.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1998
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