A Microsoft spokesman said the company would not comment on the pricing arrangements.

A Microsoft spokesman is quoted saying a breakup "would do great harm to the industry."

Microsoft spokesmen indicated that the change was intended to make the service "more attractive and easier to use".

A Microsoft spokesman said the company, in both cases, was simply trying to help journalists understand the issues.

A Microsoft spokesman said the company planned to offer the service by subscription, not free.

A Microsoft spokesman said the company was still pursuing "an amicable settlement."

A Microsoft spokesman said the company could not comment until the final language of the decision was available.

A Microsoft spokesman said the company had no information that such an offer was made in March 1997.

A Microsoft spokesman at a recent conference was saying the same thing.

A Microsoft spokesman declined to comment on the company's policy.