USA: MICROSOFT LAUNCH LATEST WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEM

(14 Sep 2000) English/Nat The Microsoft computer firm launches the latest version of the Windows operating system on Thursday. The system is called Windows M-E, for Millennium Edition, and is for home use. The company says it features an improved interface as well as improved support for music and multimedia files. The software includes a web radio and a jukebox, and lets people sort and store popular M-P3 music files more efficiently than earlier versions. Microsoft is taking a risk with the improved media player that is part of the new system because it will not play files prepared with software from rival Real Networks. While analysts say its not a huge upgrade from the Windows 98 Second Edition, P-C makers are expected to include the new software on most new computers. As Windows M-E was launched, Bill Gates was giving money to Indian vaccination programs. The new launch comes after the U-S Government has launched legal action against Microsoft for anti-competitive behaviour. The government says that Microsoft was abusing its dominance in operating systems to shut out rivals. The Supreme court is now expected to decide soon on whether it will hear Microsoft's appeal or send it to a lower court. A judge ruled the company should split into two, after charging it acted as a monopoly. SOUNDBITE: (English) "Windows M-E is the latest version of Windows for the home user. Its has a number of big advances in areas like digital media, home networking, PC health and the best online experience. And so, for people who want the best out of Windows on their home computer, it's Windows M-E, which is our Millennium Edition." SUPER CAPTION: Bill Gates, Microsoft Chairman SOUNDBITE: (English) "People are doing a lot more with their P-C. They're doing digital music, photos. Windows M-E even includes the ability to do video editing. So all these new capabilities are supported in this latest version of Windows, making the P-C a better tool than ever before." SUPER CAPTION: Bill Gates, Microsoft Chairman Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_Archive Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APArchives ​​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/APNews/ You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/8037ef139c741264d14529ce0eecade6