In the past, Microsoft's Windows licensing agreement was the source of a DOJ ruling against the company. This week, Microsoft OEM Sales VP Joachim Kempin admitted that the latest Windows licensing agreement includes wording that prohibits OEMs--that is, manufacturers of computers that bundle Windows--from adding any programs or messages that interrupt the boot process. As you might imagine, many companies are unhappy with the new terms, although Microsoft maintains that the move was made to maintain system "soundness." Most interesting, however, is another requirement that any applications launched on the computer must be launched from the Windows desktop. This means that upcoming programs like Netscape's Constellation would be shut out. Interesting
