JOIE CHEN, CNN ANCHOR: We've been talking about this since last hour. We told you that Microsoft is changing its licensing agreements with computer makers. This comes after recent court ruling saying they broke the law. For more on all this, let's turn to CNNfn's Bruce Francis in New York with some perspective about what this means, Bruce to all of us out here who actually use these things.</s>BRUCE FRANCIS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Joie, it's a very important decision. Microsoft is going to give PC manufacturers more leeway with what programs and what icons they can put on the Microsoft Windows XP Desktop and on the start menu. Now, why is that important? Because putting those icons of third party software developers, things like for example America Online, of course AOL is owned by AOL/TIME WARNER, the parent of this network, that could be a lucrative source of revenue for PC manufacturers. So for consumers that could mean there's a little less pressure on those PC manufacturers to raise prices. Of course prices have been trending down. Also, Microsoft will give consumers the ability to remove Internet Explorer, that is their Web browser. They will be able to remove certain components from the Windows XP operating system. Microsoft maintained that in court that you couldn't do that, that the two products together were just so bound inextricably, that you couldn't take them apart without breaking the whole thing. But importantly for consumers who are looking forward upgrading their computers, Microsoft says they will be able to ship Windows XP and that's their next version of their operating system, they will be able to ship that on October 25, so you still will see Windows XP on store shelves and available online dealers starting in time for the holiday season -- Joie.</s>CHEN: All right, CNNfn's Bruce Francis. And I'm sure there will be further reporting about this announcement from Microsoft later in the day. Thanks, very much, Bruce.
Microsoft to Change Licensing Agreements