Some Educators Criticize Microsoft's Settlement Proposal

A growing group of educators say that as it stands, Microsoft proposal plan to settle lawsuits from disgruntled consumers by providing computers, software and other high-tech resources to poor schools will further its competitive advantage in schools while doing little to meet the poorest schools' extensive needs. Many have taken their concerns to U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz in Baltimore, who is overseeing the consumer class-action lawsuits and will hold a preliminary hearing on the proposal to settle claims that Microsoft abused its monopoly power and overcharged people for Windows, Office and other software.