Microsoft settles California lawsuit

[DarkTide]

Up to 13 million individuals and businesses who bought Microsoft's operating system, productivity suite, spreadsheet or word-processing software between Feb. 18, 1995, and Dec. 15, 2001, for use in California, could get vouchers for other software and hardware as a result of a settlement of a class action against Microsoft.

 
The $1.1 billion settlement averts a trial that had been scheduled to start Feb. 24.

Vouchers may be used to buy any manufacturer's desktop, laptop or tablet computers, any software used with those computers, and specified peripheral devices for use with computers.

Two-thirds of any unclaimed settlement proceeds will be donated to California's neediest public schools in the form of Microsoft educational and productivity software as well as vouchers for the purchase of computer equipment, professional development services and non-Microsoft software.