Frequently Asked Questions about Microsoft's Implementation of the Korean Fair Trade Commission Order
Published: August 24, 2006
This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page provides information about Microsoft's implementation plans and progress for the Korean Fair Trade Commission Order. Microsoft will update this FAQ on an ongoing basis as these plans continue to move forward, and to address any additional questions that arise on a frequent basis.
- What are these new versions of Windows and how are they different from Windows XP?
In compliance with the Korean Fair Trade Commission Order, Microsoft will produce for distribution in the Republic of Korea new versions of Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional. The new versions containing “KN” in the name will not include Windows Media Player or Windows Messenger. Note that computer manufacturers may pre-install third-party media players or instant messaging software on computers running these new versions of Windows XP. Korean consumers may also separately install media players or instant messengers, either from Microsoft or a third party. The new versions containing “K” in the name will include links to Web sites containing links to software downloads to third-party media player and instant messaging software and will also be available to Korean consumers.
- What are these new versions of Windows Server 2003 and how are they different from Windows Server 2003?
In compliance with the Korean Fair Trade Commission Order, Microsoft will produce for distribution in the Republic of Korea new versions of Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2, Standard Edition, and Windows Server 2003 R2, Enterprise Edition (32-bit). These new versions will not include Windows Media Services. Note that computer manufacturers may pre-install third-party media server software on computers running these new versions of Windows Server 2003. Korean consumers may also separately install media server software, either from Microsoft or a third party. The regular versions of Windows Server 2003 R2, Standard Edition, and Windows Server 2003 R2, Enterprise Edition, will continue to include Windows Media Services but will not be available to Korean consumers.
- When will you implement the Korean Fair Trade Commission Order?
Consistent with our agreement with the Commission, we have made these versions of Windows XP available to computer manufacturers with whom Microsoft has direct relationships, system builders (small computer manufacturers), and volume licensing customers such as corporations.
- How will Microsoft make these new versions available to the public?
We will make these new versions of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 available through our standard distribution channels, including computer manufacturers.
- In what language versions will these new versions be available?
The new “K” and “KN” versions of Windows XP will be available only in Korean. The new “KN” versions of Windows Server 2003 will be available only in Korean and English.
- How will Microsoft price these new versions of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003?
These new versions will be priced the same as Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XP Professional, and Windows Server 2003 R2, Standard and Enterprise Editions. It is noteworthy that media player software, instant messaging software, and media server software are generally made available for free via Internet downloads. Specific pricing for these products is available from retailers.
- What are the names for these new versions of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003?
The new “KN” versions of Windows XP will be named Windows XP Home Edition KN and Windows XP Professional KN, where "KN" stands for “for distribution in Korea only” and "not with Windows Media Player or Windows Messenger." The new “K” versions of Windows XP will be named Windows XP Home Edition K and Windows XP Professional K. The new “KN” versions of Windows Server 2003 will be named Windows Server 2003 R2, Standard Edition KN (32-bit), and Windows Server 2003 R2, Enterprise Edition KN (32-bit).
For More Information
Microsoft's implementation of this remedy is subject to review by the Korean Fair Trade Commission. To the extent that there are any changes, Microsoft will provide additional information as soon as it becomes available.