Gates: MS unable to make modular Windows
Yahoo | at | by Mike
Microsoft chairman Bill Gates says his company would be unable to allow manufacturers and consumers to choose which elements of its Windows operating system to install on their computers under sanctions being proposed to a federal judge. Gates' assertion comes in contrast to that of Princeton University computer scientist Andrew Appel, who testified for the nine states suing for antitrust violations. Appel suggested several ways Microsoft could comply with their demand for a "modular" version of Windows.
But Gates, in testimony Tuesday, said all of Appel's suggestions are either not technologically feasible or would fail to meet the states' requirements. "You think your interpretation of (the penalty) is more correct than Professor Appel's, the states' computer science expert?" asked Steven Kuney, a lawyer for the states. "I am testifying as someone who has to comply with (the penalty) and who knows the Windows product quite well," Gates replied.