Anilrgowda

In an effort to placate Google, Microsoft has submitted a test version of Vista to the Justice Department with features that make it easier to use non-Microsoft programs to search local PC hard drives. Google complained to the Justice Department in December that Microsoft gives preferential treatment to its own search technology in Vista
According to Associated Press, the Justice Department said preliminary testing shows that the new version, which will let Vista users set a competing search program as their default and see it in the Windows Start menu, operates as expected.
The changes will become part of the Vista SP1 which is expected to be released in the first quarter of 2008.
Microsoft’s spokesperson told Rcpmag that the major changes to Vista’s desktop search in SP1 include the following:

• Computer manufacturers and consumers will be able to select a default desktop search program similar to the way they currently select defaults for third-party web browsers and media players in Windows Vista.
• Links to the default desktop search program will be provided on the Start menu and in Windows Explorer windows.
• Microsoft will provide information to developers of third-party desktop search programs about how they can optimize their programs to minimize any performance problems.

With the above changes, users will be able to easily pick the software tools they prefer to use to find information stored on their local hard drives. OEMs and third-party vendors will also find it easier to include their search technologies in Vista.
At the time of writing Google has not yet commented on this development

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