Never let it be said that Microsoft is a huge, monolithic, monster intent on world domination. Well, OK, a lot of you have already said that. But consider the reply given to The Register earlier today when we asked a geezer very close to Windows 2000 why Internet Explorer 5.5 wasn't deemed ready for inclusion in Win2K's Service pack 1 when it is bundled with the very forthcoming Windows ME.

"I've no idea," he replied. "I don't deal with toy operating systems."

With friends like that, who needs competition, let alone a corporate breakup? ®