Microsoft Corp. agreed to change its Windows XP operating software to address fresh antitrust concerns that traces of programs consumers choose to hide still appear on their computer screens, the U.S. government said in a court filing.
As part of its antitrust settlement with the government and 17 states, Microsoft agreed to give consumers the choice of removing links to Internet Explorer if they want to use an alternate Web browser.
The company also agreed to give consumers the same choice to remove links to programs such as Windows Media Player or the Outlook Express e-mail program.
The 2001 settlement, negotiated after an appeals court found that Microsoft illegally protected its Windows monopoly, also allowed computer manufacturers to promote rival programs such as RealNetwork Inc.'s RealPlayer.
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