Microsoft Including Network Software in Windows Me

Contrary to the announcement made by Microsoft last month, Windows Me will ship with networking technology that allows consumers to connect their PCs into networking software from Novell and Banyan. Previously, Microsoft chose to drop the idea to "nudge customers to the company's more lucrative Windows 2000 software." The software giant decided to continue development based on feedback from partners and customers.

Although the look and feel of Windows Me is expected to be on the Windows NT side, the product is more focused on providing digital media and home networking support, rather than stability. Microsoft stated that the decision to incorporate the networking software into Windows Me would not change the intention of the operating system - home use. "It's still targeted at the consumer," said a product manager at Microsoft, Shawn Sanford.

According to Microsoft, Windows Me is slated to be released in the second half of this year.