IE4 explodes PCs, MSN 2.5 explodes the 'net, and one-size-fits-all Microsoft in Europe.

The Continuing Crisis

•Two weeks after its release, complaints about Internet Exploder 4.0 keep pouring in. One major problem is the ActiveDesktop feature, which changes around the desktop more than most people are comfortable with, won't uninstall correctly. Most users have discovered that the best way to uninstall ActiveDesktop is to reinstall Windows. There are also incompatabilities with Adobe PhotoDeluxe and Norton Utilities because they use IE4's Java, which Microsoft denies changing but apparently did. A bug causing Compaq Presario PCs with the Home Base program to lock up has also been reported.

•On Monday, Microsoft released MSN version 2.5, a more web-oriented version of the 2-year-old online service. The new version is based around Microsoft's new Internet Exploder 4 web browser and Outlook Express e-mail client. MSN excutives said research shows their customers are more interested in getting information and communicating than browsing MSN's entertainment-oriented bullshit, so the new version will focus more on web content and e-mail. Coming in 1998: MSN 3.0, formerly known as Windows '98.

•In response to Sun's lawsuit against Microsoft for tampering with Java, Ms CEO Bill Gates told reporters "Somebody should just run the test and see. We do a better job passing those Java tests than Sun or anybody else that is in the implementations of those things do." Implying that Microsoft makes better Java apps than its creator does.

•Over the next few years Microsoft will donate software and training to Swiss schools. The software will consist of operating systems and web browsers for some 25,000 PCs school administrators no longer need. Update expects this to triple Europe's computer-illiteracy rate by the end of this century.

•British supermarket chain ASDA had a run-in this week with the behemoth over a line of women's underwear. The unmentionables, called microsoft (with a small m), are made from a special fabric called polyamide elastane lycra. The stores shortened its name to microsoft because "if we gave it its full name it would stretch across a three foot label," said Paul Reid, a spokesman for ASDA. "The range of ladies' bras, knickers and thongs have been on sale for a couple of months, and are microfine and soft to the touch, or microsoft for short," Mr. Reid added. "We contacted ASDA and expressed our concern about possible confusion regarding their use of Microsoft," said David Svendsen, VP of Microsoft Europe. Apparently Ms has agreed to let the chain continue selling the 'little-m' undies as long as they don't use a capitolized 'M' or infringe any other trademarks on the label.

Microsoft Stock Track

MSFT Stock Price^*132 1/4

Bill Gates' Worth$37.3 Billion

*As Of Closing, 10/18/97
Thanks to Bill Gates Personal Wealth Clock.

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