Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) has complained to the Justice Department that Microsoft's (NASDAQ: MSFT) new Vista operating system made it difficult for companies to run desktop search functions on the system from the world's largest software company.

Rather than put up a fight over the antitrust implications, Microsoft has made changes to Vista to avoid a battle with both federal and state governments. The Justice Department and seventeen states have agreed to Microsoft's solution to the problem.

Perhaps Microsoft is getting wise in its old age. Or, perhaps it is getting timid. The company has been hit with antitrust actions in Europe and the U.S. over matters that range from using its operating system to give its internet browser advantages over Netscape to harming RealNetworks (NASDAQ: RNWK) by pushing the Window Media Player with its operating system. Microsoft ended up paying billions of dollars in fines and settlements.

The news certainly represents a change for heart. Microsoft has gotten out in front of the problem rather than waiting to fight an accusation brought by a government agency.

For better or worse, this is a new Microsoft.

Douglas A. McIntyre is a partner at 24/7 Wall St.