The European Commission - Directorate for Competition has officially dropped its antitrust charges against Microsoft, after Microsoft agreed to provide users of its Windows operating system a choice of web browsers. Under the new deal, Microsoft will avoid future E.C. fines and, from March, consumers will have a choice of up to twelve other web browsers. "Millions of European consumers will benefit from this decision by having a free choice about which web browser they use," said Commissioner Neelie Kroes.