Confusion over Windows boot-up 'screen'

This is the sort of thing that happens when the mainstream press tackles atechnology issue and I'm rather ashamed that I didn't clarify this simpleissue weeks ago. To recap: the DOJ mentioned that hardware manufacturerscouldn't modify the Windows 95/8 "screen" that appears when the system first boot up in the lawsuits filed against Microsoft last week. Like a good little newsletter writer, I reported this and left it at that. But I've gotten several emails from people who have gotten new computers withGateway or Compaq logos all over the startup screen and I myself recentlygot a new Dell that has the Dell logo on the initial Windows 95 startupscreen.

So what's the story? Is it really that hard for computer sellers to gettheir logo and/or other information in the Windows startup screen?

It turns out that the DOJ isn't talking about the same 'screen' that mostof the people on this list think they are. Remember that we're dealing withbasically illiterate people here when it comes to computers. The screenthey are referring to is really a window: The "Welcome" window that appearswhen you first boot into Windows. If you're running a newer build of Windows 95, it's probably a "Welcome to IE 4.0" window that will guide youthrough the new features in Microsoft's latest browser. Windows 98 userssee a "Welcome to Windows 98" window that allows them to register theproduct online, setup an Internet connection, and discover information about Windows 98.

The DOJ is arguing that hardware manufacturers should be able to replacethis window with their own program, so Gateway (for example) could make a"Welcome to your Gateway PC" program that would automatically start whenyou first boot into Windows, and Gateway (in this example) could determinewhat information goes there. The merits of this plan notwithstanding, it'ssomething I've been meaning to clarify for a while. I get a kick out ofwatching CNN and the like struggle with the terminology, but this is oneinstance where I should have done a better job.

Hope this clears that up.

--Pau