Massachusetts consumers will get vouchers offering discounts for software and hardware as part of a settlement agreement the state has reached with Microsoft. Like yesterday's Arizona case, any unused or unrefunded vouchers will benefit the state's schools.

Microsoft will pay a maximum of $34m to settle the class-action suit which alleged the company used its monopoly position to overcharge customers. Massachusetts is the only state still pursuing a separate anti-trust claim against the company. Microsoft has now settled with 13 states.

Massachusetts' residents who bought MS software between 3 January 1996 and 31 December 2002 are entitled to the vouchers. ®

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