As AOL Time Warner and Microsoft duke it out over control of the Internet, Yahoo has sneaked into the ring.
The Web portal on Tuesday announced a new service dubbed "Yahoo Essentials" that will piggyback off Microsoft"s highest-profile software--its Windows operating system and its Internet Explorer Web browser. Yahoo also struck a deal with PC maker Compaq Computer to distribute Yahoo Essentials on its new Presario desktops and laptops.
People who sign up for Yahoo Essentials will get a collection of services set as their default on Windows. The bundle includes instant messaging, e-mail, a browser toolbar, photos and file storage, many of which will become default services on the Windows XP Start menu.