The deal with XP SP1

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More significantly, though, it allows computer manufacturers and consumers to switch off and conceal Microsoft's e-mail, Web browser, Internet audio-video player and other software programs. That gives computer vendors and users the option to select rival software -- instead of Microsoft applications -- as default programs.

The changes are part of a settlement reached by Microsoft, the Justice Department and nine states to resolve the government's landmark antitrust litigation against the software giant, which was found to have used illegal means against its competition.