Are they trying to outflank the DOJ and change all their law-breaking ways the way Microsoft wants to change them, before the DOJ can make changes that really improve the competitive environment? Knowing Microsoft's past history, I'd say this is exactly what they are doing!

As long as Microsoft can fool investors into thinking that the sun is shining in Redmond, Microsoft wins the battle. Perception means everything. Does anyone disagree?
[link|http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1003-200-6557714.html?tag=mn_hd|
The week in review: Microsoft on the move ]
By Steven Musil
Staff Writer, CNET News.com
July 14, 2001, 6:00 a.m. PT

Just a week after dodging a breakup bullet, Microsoft is showing signs that it's willing to concede some points that got it into legal hot water--but critics warn the concessions might only be lukewarm.

The software giant changed the licensing terms it imposes on PC manufacturers to install its Windows operating system, responding to a recent ruling in its antitrust case. In a dramatic shift, Microsoft will allow PC makers to remove Internet Explorer icons and entries from the Start menu and provide the ability to remove user access to Internet Explorer in the new Windows XP. The company also will extend this to Windows 98, Windows Me and Windows 2000.

Microsoft's licensing changes come as some state attorneys general have raised concerns about Windows XP, the new version of the operating system, which could become the focal point of future proceedings in Microsoft's antitrust case.

Though the more lax licensing requirements may seem a monumental shift from previous restrictions, Microsoft has left plenty of room to retract the changes through other arrangements, such as co-marketing deals for promoting Windows XP.

"It is an important first step, even if only a tiny one," said Bob Lande, an antitrust professor at University of Baltimore School of Law. "On the other hand, this only addresses the browser. But that war is over. What do any of these concessions mean when Netscape is on life support? It's a public relations move."