In a recent online column about microsoft's decision not to ship its Java Virtual Machine with Windows XP, I wondered whether we might be moving toward a more modular Windows—a Windows in which Microsoft omits components such as an MP3 encoder or a JVM but permits users and OEMs to fill those gaps to best serve their needs.Microsoft's JVM is now frozen at Version 1.1.4 as a result of Microsoft's legal settlement with Sun over Java, so it would make sense for Microsoft to allow its Internet Explorer users to opt for a JVM maker that's not so restricted from incorporating new technology.
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