USA: MICROSOFT LAUNCH WINDOWS 98

(25 Jun 1998) English/Nat
The computer software giant, Microsoft has launched its new product, 'Windows '98'.
The new operating system has been at the centre of accusations about the company's dominance of the software market, as it fights a court case against the U-S government.
But Microsoft has won one legal victory already in the case - judges have allowed it to bundle its Internet browser with its popular Windows software.
If the queues outside this California store were anything to go by, Microsoft's legal wrangles only seems to have created a 'buzz' around their latest product.
Windows 98, went on sale on Thursday - an upgrade of the hugely popular Windows 95.
Many could not wait - waiting patiently for the doors to open at midnight.
UPSOUND: D-J announcing countdown to Windows 98
The new version improves the earlier software and promises improved multimedia performance.
It supports digital television and a new class of easier-to-add peripherals.
But Windows 98 does have a striking new feature, the incorporation of Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser into the operating system.
That allows users to find and manage information stored on the P-C's hard drive as if they were surfing the Worldwide Web, clicking on back and forward buttons.
The browser and its relationship with the Windows operating software are at the centre of the legal action, brought by the U-S Justice Department's.
It accuses Microsoft of using its dominance of the market to make computer operating-systems include its Internet browser and stifle competition.
The government claims Microsoft forced computer makers who put Windows on their P-Cs also to include Internet Explorer, which is illegal under antitrust law.
Microsoft, however, contends the browser is integrated into the operating system and therefore legal.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"In order to reach that technology it really truly is an extension of the operating system, as well as our help site. Both are extensions of the operating system so if someone needs some additional information they can use our Internet explorer browsers to go to those sites and take advantage ot it".
SUPER CAPTION: Debra Pfundstein, Re-seller Marketing representative, Microsoft Corporation
The ruling by the federal appeals court in Washington earlier this week held that Microsoft can bundle its Internet browser with its popular Windows software.
Microsoft said it hopes customers will understand they have the freedom whichever browser system they choose.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"No matter what browser they choose to use with Windows 98, they can set that up as the default browser and nothing in our operating system is going to change that. Customers have the ability to have Netscape as their default browser or if they've created something themselves they're welcome to use that as well."
SUPER CAPTION: Debra Pfundstein, Re-seller Marketing representative, Microsoft Corporation
But the legal woes of Microsoft are not over yet.
The Justice Department has said it will continue to pursue the influential software company.

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