XP Code May Be Ready Friday

Microsoft’s new Windows XP operating system will be ready for production as early as Friday, Chief Executive Steve Ballmer said, sounding optimistic about an on-schedule launch despite the company’s ongoing antitrust case.

If Microsoft’s programmers are able to ship the final code to manufacturers by Friday, that would put the software giant on track to release Windows XP as planned in October.

Some industry-watchers have questioned whether government regulators, citing antitrust concerns, would try to block Windows XP’s release or request that it be altered.

The newest version of Windows bundles more features than ever before--including instant messaging, digital photography and personal firewall applications.