Microsoft backs down from Google attack

SOFTWARE GIANT Microsoft has agreed to make changes to Vista to appease anti-trust complaints from its rival Google.

Google moaned to the Justice Department in April claiming Vista's desktop search tool slowed down competing programs, including Google's own free offering. The Google briefs muttered that it was difficult for Vista users to figure out how to turn off the Volish search.

The Vole dismissed the allegations, saying regulators had reviewed the program before Vista launched. According to AP, the Vole seems to have changed its mind.

A DoJ report said that Microsoft will let PC users and manufacturers like Dell set a non-Microsoft program such as Google Desktop as the default. Microsoft will also add a link to that alternate program in the Windows Start menu.

Microsoft has also agreed to give competitors technical information to help improve their performance on Vista.

The changes will be in the first service pack for Vista at the end of the year. More here. µ