Microsoft Ruling: Windows maintains its dominance

Consumers switching on a Windows computer in coming months could see important new changes, including prominent links for programmes such as music and chat software from some of Microsoft’s biggest corporate rivals. But a court’s decision not to impose tougher penalties than those negotiated with the Bush administration means Microsoft’s flagship software will remain mostly unadulterated as the engine for the technology industry and for its own extraordinary profits. US district judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly approved only minor changes in the settlement. She will permit computer-makers, for at least five years, to activate software from rivals as soon as a new PC is switched on by consumers. She also will prohibit Microsoft from threatening to retaliate against anyone who cooperates with its rivals.

The judge established a corporate committee—consisting of Microsoft board members who are not company employees— to make sure the company lives up to the deal, and she gave herself more oversight authority.