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After many months of legal problems Microsoft has finally released a version of Windows 98 that does not force users to use Microsoft's Internet Explorer software.

"It was pure arrogance on our part that got us in to this whole mess." said Bill Gates, "We did not consider the needs of the end user." 

The new release of Windows 98 now sports a number of additional  items in the Windows portion of the add/remove programs control panel applet. Among them are "Internet Explorer Browser", "Desktop Enhancements", and "Channel Bar". 

"The Internet Explorer option can be selected or deselected while setting up Windows 98 from a CD-ROM." said a Microsoft spokesperson. "It is selected by default." They continued by saying "We recommend that OEMs install Internet Explorer, however they are not required to do so." 

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The result will be that some pre-packaged computers may come with Internet Explorer installed and others may not. But whatever the case, the user is free at any time to install or uninstall it. 

Both the department of justice and users alike are declaring this solution to be "acceptable". 

Bill Gates went on to make some extraordinary claims for the future of Windows. "We will focus more on enhancing the underlying structure of Windows. We will also strive to make Windows more intuitive and user friendly." 
 

Business editor Beavis contributed to this report.

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