Updated versions of Windows 98, the Internet Explorer 4.0 browser, and the Visual J++ 6.0 programming tool will be shipped to computer manufacturers, retail stores, and other distribution channels as soon as possible, Burt said. US District Judge Ronald Whyte gave Microsoft 90 days to comply with the ruling but said the company could seek an extension if needed. Under the ruling, Microsoft is required to add Sun's Java Native Interface to the behind-the-scenes "plumbing" of Windows 98 but is not required to remove any of the separate Java code in the system that sparked the lawsuit. "I want to assure you that, as a current Windows 98 user, this preliminary ruling has no affect on you and your continuing use of Microsoft Windows products that incorporate support for the Java programming language," Microsoft group vice president Paul Maritz said in a letter to customers.