Microsoft to Modify Windows Vista?

In response to an earlier complaint that Windows Vista's computer search function puts Google and other potential rivals at a disadvantage, Microsoft has finally agreed to modify its Gen-Next operating system.

This was reportedly announced by Microsoft and the US Justice Department yesterday.

A few months back, Google had filed a complaint with the Justice Department alleging that Windows Vista's desktop search feature does not leave sufficient room for rival search programs, including those of its own. That as such, users are finding it difficult to turn-off the Microsoft program.

As per Microsoft's latest agreement with the US Justice Department, 17 state attorneys general, and the District of Columbia, made public late yesterday, Microsoft will modify Windows Vista by building into it an option that allows users choose a default desktop search program.

With the new feature dubbed 'Instant Search', users will be able to enter search queries, and get result lists from their hard drives.

A source within Microsoft even said that the company will place links inside of Internet Explorer and the 'start' navigation menu to make it easier for users to access the default desktop search service.

And, these changes to the design and function of Windows Vista will be folded into a beta version of a service pack by end this year, the source said.

Commenting on the development, chief legal officer of Google, David Drummond, said the remedies are a step in the right direction but that they should be improved upon further to offer consumers greater access to alternate desktop search providers.

Meanwhile, Microsoft's making changes to Vista is being lauded as a step towards enforcing the consent decree that requires the company to help rivals build programs that run smoothly on Windows.