Windows XP Update Lets Users Conceal Programs

Microsoft Corp. will let customers hide programs it developed by revising its newest Windows operating system to comply with an antitrust settlement.

The Windows XP update will let computer makers and users change which Internet audio player and Web browser a system automatically uses, said Jim Cullinan, a Windows product manager. It also will let users display or hide program links and omit prompts to sign up for Microsoft’s Passport identification service.

The company agreed with the Justice Department and nine states to allow such changes to ensure that it can’t use Windows, which runs 90% of the world’s personal computers, to push other Microsoft programs at the expense of rivals. Many PC makers now may promote products from Microsoft rivals such as AOL Time Warner Inc. and RealNetworks Inc. for cash, analysts said.

Meanwhile, in Europe, Microsoft is under investigation by the European Commission over claims that its system to collect personal information breaks privacy rules. The EU said it has “concerns” about the legality of Microsoft’s Passport product, which stores identity data on the company’s servers.