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Microsoft Antitrust Compliance Questioned

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the letter-of-the-law dept.

rocketjam writes "Federal and State regulators overseeing Microsoft's compliance with their antitrust agreement with the government, are questioning whether Windows XP's "Shop for Music Online" feature violates the agreement's terms. Specifically, the feature invokes Microsoft Internet Explorer, even if the user has selected a different web browser as their default browser. A Microsoft representative said they believe they have adhered to the agreement."

11 of 375 comments (clear)

  1. MSN Messenger Starts Internet Explorer Too by Doug+Dante · · Score: 4, Funny

    When MSN Messenger starts, it opens an Internet Explorer window with some advertainment. If you click on any of the links in that window, they also open Internet Explorer. My default browser is Mozilla.

    --
    The world will not get better through technology. We must seek to be better people.
  2. Gasp! by StormReaver · · Score: 5, Funny

    [sarcasm]
    Microsoft not complying with a settlement order? Say it ain't so, as there is no precedent for such a thing.
    [/sarcasm]

  3. Of course they are complying... by overbyj · · Score: 5, Funny

    Govt: MS, you are not giving users a choice here.

    MS: "But your honor, we are giving users a choice. They can use IE for shop for music online or just not shop."

    Ahhhh, the MS way.

    --
    No trees were harmed in the composition of this; however, numerous electrons were inconvenienced.
    1. Re:Of course they are complying... by tds67 · · Score: 5, Funny

      Govt: MS, you are not giving users a choice here.

      MS: "But your honor, we are giving users a choice. They can use IE for shop for music online or just not shop."

      This issue has been addressed by Microsoft, all you need to do is read about it.

      To access the MS Word document that explains how M$ is complying with the law, simply access the "My Government" folder that was created automatically when you installed Windows XP.

  4. A Microsoft representative said ... by Dutchmaan · · Score: 3, Funny

    A Microsoft representative said "they believe they have adhered to the agreement."

    He then turned away from the camera and said "If you don't like it, you can always take us to court"... and then he softly snickered to himself.

    1. Re:A Microsoft representative said ... by Master+Bait · · Score: 4, Funny
      (RING RING) Hello, Microsoft Legal, how may I direct your call?

      This is the campaign to reelect Congressman Cornhole...

      ...One moment please.

      Good morning, this is Antitrust Compliance. May I have your bank account number please?

      Err... 3746-987467-2634.

      That's 3746-987467-2634?

      Err... yes.

      Thank you. Now, what is the issue here with Congressman Cornhole's office?

      There's been some suggestion that your compliance with the Department of Justice agreement is in question.

      Thank you... One moment please... Is twenty correct?

      Twenty?

      Twenty thousand.

      Oh. Yes. Thankyou!

      Thank you for calling Microsoft Antitrust Compliance. Have a nice day. (click)

      --
      "Only in their dreams can men truly be free 'twas always thus, and always thus will be."
      --Tom Schulman
  5. I'm shocked that regulators would question ... by burgburgburg · · Score: 4, Funny

    just how sharply Microsoft had their wrist slapped. I mean really. That wrist stung for over 15 minutes. There was a red mark that lasted at least until dinner. Microsoft had trouble typing for the rest of the evening. I personally believe that Microsoft has really learned their lesson this time. I feel comfortable going on vacation and leaving them here alone, with the keys to the Porsche and the liquor cabinet unlocked. I'm confident that they now understand to respect the rights of other companies and that they won't give them wedgies and leave them hanging from the fence. If we can't trust our own Microsoft, then who can we trust?

  6. Re:I'm not an MS fan, but.... by Lochin+Rabbar · · Score: 3, Funny

    I entirely agree, wanting my personal computer to do what I want it to do is just so unreasonable. Next thing you know people will want to be able to program the damn things themselves. Where will this madness end.

  7. It's all about beliefs by paiute · · Score: 3, Funny

    A Microsoft representative said they believe they have adhered to the agreement.

    Tobacco execs "believe" smoking does not cause any harm.

    GWB "believes" Saddam was behind 9/11.

    I "believe" I am the Queen of England.

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    If Slashdot were chemistry it would look like this:Cadaverine
  8. Re:Does it really matter? by SoCalChris · · Score: 3, Funny

    Does it really matter which browser opens up?

    It matters to me when I click a link, expecting Firebird to open, and I'm instead greeted with all the IE crap like popups, boxes asking permission to install Gator, etc...

    My copy of Outlook has this "feature", and I hate it. MS needs to learn that I set my default browser to something else for a reason.

  9. They took the blue pill... by ashitaka · · Score: 5, Funny

    They believe..whatever they want to believe.

    Sorry, I saw Reloaded again last night...

    Sosumi.

    --
    If you don't want to repeat the past, stop living in it.