Computer users with the newest equipment and most recent versions of the Windows operating systems are the ones who should notice changes as a result of the Microsoft antitrust settlement.
It could take a while and require patience, though, and depend on whether computer makers take advantage of the chance to modify Windows components and appearance.
The settlement announced Friday by the Justice Department (news - web sites) and the company is designed to restore competition in the software industry. The judge overseeing the case gave 18 states also suing Microsoft until Tuesday to decide whether to sign on to the deal.
For computer users, the biggest change may come in the form of new programs on the Windows desktop. The settlement requires Microsoft to allow computer makers to decide which applications' icons confront the user when the computer is started.
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