A combination of Microsoft and Yahoo could <A HREF="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080201/ap_on_hi_te/microsoft_yahoo_consumers">reshape the Internet landscape</A> for millions of Web users: Would the two companies join their online portals? Could they rethink the desktop computer to integrate Web content more directly? The changes are potentially huge, but probably not in the short term.

Microsoft executives did not indicate Friday exactly what they would do with Yahoo's brand if their $45 million bid is accepted. But analysts expect the combined companies to preserve many of their separate free services, like instant messaging and email programs.