Microsoft Backs Down: Google Complaint Forces Changes In Vista Search

Microsoft has reached an agreement with the
Justice Department and says it will alter Windows Vista to allow users
to change their desktop search program. The changes come in response to the confidential complaint
filed by Google earlier this year alleging that Microsoft’s built-in
desktop search mechanism violated the company’s anti-trust settlement.

Under the new agreement with the Justice Department (as well 17
state attorneys general), Microsoft will alter Vista to provide users
with an option to select a default desktop search program, which will
allow competitors like Google’s Desktop Search program equal access to
the OS.

Google’s
complaint alleged that while users can install Google Desktop, there is
currently no way to turn off Microsoft’s version and any third party
app thus eats into system resources and gives the impression that it is
slowing down the system.

By allowing users to turn off Microsoft’s Instant Search, the performance hit for third party apps should disappear.

As part of the deal, Microsoft says it will place links in both IE
and the main Vista “Start” menu to make it easier for users to set the
default desktop search service.