I think it's a "miracle" that all of the sudden Internet Explorer can be removed without causing the OS to implode. The Microsoft geniuses figured out a way after telling the courts it couldn't be done. Or were they lying to the courts? (:

[link|http://cnnfn.cnn.com/2001/07/11/technology/windows/|
MSFT changes the rules]

In wake of court ruling, software leader allows PC makers more flexibility

By Staff Writer Richard Richtmyer
July 11, 2001: 4:39 p.m. ET


NEW YORK (CNNfn) - Further signaling its willingness to settle its antitrust case with the government, software maker Microsoft Corp. on Wednesday said it will give PC manufacturers more flexibility in configuring desktop versions of its Windows operating system.

The announcement comes just two weeks after a key appeals court ruling in the company's landmark antitrust case.

In response to the ruling, which upheld a lower court's finding that Microsoft had illegally maintained its monopoly power in desktop operating systems, the company said it will now allow PC makers licensing its operating system software the option to remove the "Start-menu" entries and icons that provide end users with access to its Internet Explorer Web browser.

Further, Microsoft said it will include Internet Explorer, which is included with its operating system software, in the "Add/Remove programs" feature in Windows XP, scheduled for release this fall. Current versions of Windows do not allow users to remove the program.

The company's announcement represents a major shift in the way it licenses its Windows operating system to computer makers. Previously, it prohibited manufacturers from changing the desktop or Start-menu in any way. Later licenses allowed manufacturers to add icons such as the one to rival Internet browser Netscape Navigator.