MS To Allow Some Changes

Microsoft Corp. (MS) said Wednesday it will allow makers of personal computers to remove the icon of Internet Explorer, Microsoft`s Web browser, that users see when they turn on their computers.

MS said in the statement, ``We decided to change some aspects of our Windows operating system, recognizing that some provisions in our existing Windows licenses have been ruled improper by the court.`` In its ruling last month, the U.S. Court of Appeals found that the agreements between MS and manufacturers to sell with the Internet Explorer violates the antitrust law.

Based on MS’s new decision, computer manufacturers will be able to remove the Internet Explorer icon from the previous versions of Windows, such as Window 98, Window 2000, and Window Me.

Moreover, in case of Windows XP, due out in October 25, not only computer manufacturers but also users can remove the Explorer program itself through the function of add and delete program. Until now, MS did not allow the removal by implementing Explore program into Windows.

MS also announced that it will allow computer manufacturers to add Internet software icons of other competing companies, such as Netscape, Navigator, RealNetwork, and AOL.

Although computer manufacturers wanted to add icons, like Netscape, they have avoided adding because two icons including Explorer can confuse the users and the removal of Explorer was not allowed. Window Media Player, MSN Internet, and Window Messenger are not included in the programs that were recently allowed for removal.

Some analysts suggested that the changes announced yesterday by MS were aimed at the settlement of the lawsuit with the U.S. Department of Justice regarding the issue of market monopoly. Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer said, ``We hope that we can cooperate with the government with regard to the issues left by the court decision.`` The Justice Department with 19 states filed a lawsuit against MS for violating the antitrust law, and a federal appeals court was completed last month.

People who have critiqued the monopoly of MS do not attribute a significant meaning to the MS new change. Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller said, ``Much of the Microsoft announcement deals with the browser, but the browser war is over. Microsoft has won.``

Han Ki-Heung eligius@donga.com