Windows 95 with Explorer 4.01 on way to OEMs
By Bob Trott
InfoWorld Electric
Posted at 4:58 PM PT, Dec 17, 1997
Four days before a federal judge ordered Microsoft to stop requiring PC makers to offer Internet Explorer with Windows 95, the software company issued an update to the operating system that furthers the browser-OS integration.
In addition to the most recent upgrade to its browser Internet Explorer 4.01, the update that went out on Dec. 8 to hardware vendors, OSR 2.5 includes DirectX 5.0 support, USB capabilities, updates to online service clients and some bug fixes. The new version should be widely available in the channel by late January, Windows product manager Shannon Perdue said.
It is the inclusion of the browser, which is tightly integrated with the operating system, that could raise eyebrows. Microsoft officials pointed out that PC makers do not have to use OSR 2.5, which has been in the works for several weeks.
"It is optional for OEMs," Perdue said. "Most will probably choose to take it."
Last week, U.S. District Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson issued a preliminary injunction ordering Microsoft to stop requiring PC vendors to include Explorer as a condition of licensing Windows 95.
Microsoft responded this week with an appeal, but said it would comply with the order in the meantime by offering the original release of Windows 95, which did not include integrated Explorer files, or showing OEMs how to remove the browser from the OS.
Microsoft officials insist that the case with the Department of Justice will not affect shipment of Windows 98 in the second half of 1998. OSR 2.5 essentially is a precursor to Windows 98, which will feature browser-OS integration.
Microsoft, in Redmond, Wash., can be reached at microsoft.com.
infoworld.com
How many browsers you got open...huh lurker?ÿ 1500 or so to go. I've tried to post this four times and it won't post, are you pulling strings???? This if it post now will have taken over 20 minutes to get posted. :o( |
