New Yahoo software intended as threat to Microsoft

Kelly McNeill writes “Yahoo Inc. fired a volley at rival Microsoft on Tuesday by unveiling downloadable software that allows users to replace an array of Microsoft operating system and browser features with its own. The Yahoo software, called Essentials, enables users to easily install Yahoo’s home page, e-mail, search, instant messaging and address book as their preferred settings. The software circumvents Microsoft’s efforts to keep users of the Windows operating system and Internet Explorer browsers in its own Internet universe.”