Microsoft is finalizing a major makeover for Windows XP that makes it easier for consumers to choose third-party software over Microsoft's own products. The software giant plans to begin testing within a few weeks Service Pack 1 for Windows XP, the first major update to the operating system, which was launched in October. Some of the more significant changes to the operating system, such as those allowing consumers and PC makers to override Microsoft's default products, are a direct response to the continuing antitrust case against the Redmond, Wash.-based company.

The service pack will ship this summer to PC makers and will be available as a free download from the company's Web site. As previously reported, the service pack will contain bug fixes, tweaks and compatibility updates, as have similar releases for previous versions of Windows. Microsoft executives this week explained other new changes included in Service Pack 1 to comply with a November settlement that Microsoft agreed upon with the Justice Department and nine states. Nine other states and the District of Columbia are continuing with the antitrust litigation. U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, the judge overseeing the remedy portion of the trial, has not yet approved the settlement.