As Microsoft Corp. (NasdaqNM:MSFT
- news) gets ready to launch
its newest operating system, Windows XP, a battle is raging over how much leeway
it will give computer makers to change the look of the main screen. Now
xSides, a tiny Seattle company, is entering
the fray with technology that literally pushes Windows aside and could provide
such Microsoft rivals as Internet and media titan AOL Time Warner Inc. (NYSE:AOL
- news) with valuable screen
space completely free of the software giant's influence. Microsoft has
heretofore exercised strict control over the initial start-up screens of new
computers, barring PC makers from removing icons for its programs. For Windows
XP, due out Oct. 25, the picture is muddier. Microsoft is encouraging PC makers
to ship the product with no icons at all, saying it is a cleaner look.
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