Microsoft doing it for the kids

Microsoft looks likely to settle a raft of private anti-trust cases in a move that could cost the software giant around $1bn.

More than 65 million computer users are represented in private anti-trust cases against the Seattle behemoth, but rather than settle with each one individually and spread the money thinly, Microsoft looks set to appease angry users with large handouts to some of the poorest schools in the US.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Microsoft has tentatively agreed to donate software and computers to 14,000 schools across the country over a five-year period.

The deal must still be approved by US District Judge Frederick Motz.