Microsoft gives evidence in contempt hearing

The computer software giant, Microsoft, is giving evidence today before an American district judge, in an effort to prove it is not in contempt of a court order.

The hearing in Washington was called to determine whether Microsoft is in contempt of a December injunction, ordering it to stop requiring computer manufacturers to install its own internet browser programme when buying its popular 'Windows 95' operating system.

Microsoft says the two can't be separated without affecting the computer's functioning.

The American Justice Department says Microsoft is in breach of anti-monopoly laws, and wants Microsoft fined one-million dollars a day until it complies.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service