Rival companies are being given more of an opportunity to compete with Microsoft's products following a court ruling that the leading software company had broken competition law.

Microsoft has agreed to alter the next version of Windows in order for competitors to have a fairer chance in the market-place. By doing this, the company are allowing there to be more leeway for manufacturers to use non-Microsoft software. It will no longer be a requirement of manufacturing companies to have Microsoft icons, such as Internet Explorer, on the desktops of new computers.
Windows XP, which is still set for launch on October 25th, will have the modifications despite the developing and testing work which has been generated because of such changes.