WASHINGTON -- A computer software expert with 30 years experience said even he could not do what Microsoft claims anyone can do: Replace the Microsoft Internet navigation software with one made by a rival.

"I tried it, but it was very difficult for me with my expertise," to strip the Internet Explorer browser from Windows, David Farber of the University of Pennsylvania testified Tuesday, as the Justice Department's antitrust case against Microsoft entered an eighth week.Farber said he tried to replace the Microsoft product with the rival browser made by Netscape Communications Corp.

"Internet Explorer would come up and bite me and say, 'I'm here!"' Farber said under cross-examination by a Microsoft lawyer.

The government contends Microsoft "tied" its Internet software, called Internet Explorer, to the latest version of its Windows operating system, which would violate antitrust law because it forces Windows customers also to use Microsoft Internet software.

Windows is installed on about 90 percent of the nation's desktop computers, and its dominance is the core of the Justice Department's claim that Microsoft is a monopoly.

The government also claims Microsoft tried to "crush" Netscape, which once sold the dominant browser but now runs second to Microsoft.

Microsoft claims that Internet Explorer and Windows were merged into one in a way that benefits consumers, and that consumers may always use another Internet browser if they choose.

Farber, an early promoter of the Internet, likened computer products and options to a shopping bag, and said the consumer, not Microsoft, should decide what to put into the bag. Consumers also should be able to easily remove things from their bags, Farber said.

"It would be better if I could break open that grocery bag and throw away the things I don't want," Farber said.

As it is, even sophisticated users are afraid to strip out various pieces of computer code linked to Internet Explorer for fear they will damage the overall operating system, Farber said.

View Comments

"Right now I'm sort of stuck with the whole bag," he said.

Farber's cross-examination was scheduled to continue Wednesday.

Outside the courthouse on Tuesday, the lead lawyer for the 19 states suing Microsoft in tandem with the Justice Department said he does not expect any other states to follow the lead of South Carolina, which pulled out of the suit on Monday.

South Carolina's attorney general cited last month's agreement by America Online Inc. to purchase Netscape for $4.2 billion as evidence that competition is alive and well in the high-tech industry.

Join the Conversation
Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.