Microsoft Corp. is reportedly drafting an alternative to the government's proposed breakup of the company that would limit some business practices, such as giving computer makers more flexibility to alter Windows software.

In Sunday editions, The Washington Post quoted sources close to the company as saying the proposal is intended to show U.S. District Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson that there is a way to address the judge's verdict that Microsoft violated antitrust law without breaking up the company. The Microsoft response is due Wednesday, but company lawyers are set to seek more time for a full response to the Justice Department's breakup proposal, the Post said. It said the draft Microsoft plan would call for a version of Windows that hides access to the browser in the operation system. Microsoft says the two products now are fully integrated and cannot be separated in current versions. Another part of the plan would allow computer makers to make alterations to the Windows operating system's desktop area of the computer screen that is seen when programs are not running. Microsoft also would be prohibited from engaging in certain deals with computer makers that promote Microsoft products over rivals' offerings.