Denys writes:

> Glenn's last statement is misleading.  Yes, the deal is about the DOJ and
> Microsoft agreeing to the fact that taking the "The Internet" icon off the
> desktop and the taskbar is now sufficient. Originally however, the DOJ
> wanted ALL IE components removed and this was echoed by the judge.  What
> has been done now, is that MS does not have to remove IE, simply make it
> inaccessible.  It is just cosmetic.

According to

        < http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/msftdoj/TWB19980122S0004 >

(the same URL I gave yesterday) Denys addresses only ONE scenario above.
The other option permits OEMs to remove "the ability to access browser
functionality."

A "settlement FAQ" on NEWS.COM makes this more clear

        < http://www.news.com/News/Item/0,4,18372,00.html >

        "[OEMs] can make available a version of Windows with the
         Internet Explorer icons removed from the operating system's
         desktop and start menu."

So far, just cosmetic. BUT continuing...

        "In this version, the roughly 26 files that constitute
         Internet Explorer itself would also be removed.

        "That's essentially what you get after running the Add/Remove
         utility in Windows 95 and removing Internet Explorer.  IE itself
         is not present in this version of Windows, nor is the Internet
         Connection Wizard...."

So this version is *NOT* just cosmetic.

Whether or not OEMs avail themselves of this option is another
matter entirely.

--Glenn Cole
  Software al dente, Inc.
  [log in to unmask]

.......................................................................

Item Subject: cc:Mail Text