Hey, I'll be cynical. When it comes to computers, the average American is pretty uninformed. It always boils down to price and name recognition. That is the great strength of MSFT. They know that the average American is ignorant about computers ( and a host of other things I might add) and thus have been able to parley their position by providing consumers a consistant, working, easy product relatively cheap. Overall not a bad deal.
But unfortunately, this somewhat shoots down the competitive arguement referring to Unix, Sun, IBM, and these other OS. Since the consumer works through name recognition, than Dell, Compaq, Gateway, Packard Bell,and perhaps some others will be the ones they have heard of. And these all come pre loaded with MS OS and Apps. Since the consumer is ignorant and doesn't know they can order a Dell unloaded, and frankly isn't interested in doing so, they will assume that MS OS and Apps are the only thing going.
And they work. MSFT products are excellent for the average consumer. I like them very much. I have to use Corel at work, and I can't stand it. Excel and Word are so much better for my limited knowledge.
I should say that I am not fascinated with computers like I think many on this thread are. It's just a tool as far as I am concerned. So when I ordered my Dell, it came preloaded with MS products, and I am a happy camper. I prefer Apples, but only with MS Office.
Sorry, rambling a little. But the point I am trying to make is the MSFT has provided consumers with a functional, easy to use, and understandable OS and a host of functional software. So there is little doubt that has driven most of their success. The issue with the DOJ should not center around the consumer and value, as they haven't a leg to stand on. It should center on why did the above computer companies all choose MSFT OS and Apps? Were they coerced? Has MSFT put pressure on them to eliminate NSCP and have they intentionally gone to steal JAVA, using their power. These are the legal issues. As far as software, its hard to beat in my rather ignorant opinion. |
