How high will Microsoft fly? Message Board

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Technology Stocks : How high will Microsoft fly?

MSFT 402.10

-2.9%

10:36 AM EST

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To: John F. Dowd who wrote (31460)	10/31/1999 12:02:00 PM
From: taxman	Read Replies (1) of 74651

The Justice Department and 20 states say Microsoft has illegally maintained its Windows operating system monopoly and tried to extend it to Internet browsers and Web commerce. Microsoft says it has done nothing illegal and its goal is only to make different products work together to help consumers. The specifics: The government says Microsoft bundled its Internet Explorer browser, used to access and search the World Wide Web, with its Windows 98 operating system, which runs about 90% of new PCs. The government says Microsoft wanted to freeze out rival browser Netscape. Microsoft says having Explorer in Windows has benefited users, who can jump instantly from a software program to the Web. It says the Web's graphic features -- such as forward and back buttons -- are part of Windows 98. The government says Microsoft was trying to maintain its Windows monopoly through contracts that forced Internet providers, such as AT&T and America Online, to plug Explorer in exchange for inclusion on the Windows desktop. The government again says this hurt Netscape. Microsoft says Netscape's browser is widely available and can, in fact, be downloaded from the Internet. Microsoft also says Netscape has caused its own problems. The government says Microsoft should not be allowed to prevent personal computer makers from customizing the opening screen -- what users first see when they turn on the computer. It says the makers should be able to show browsers, Web site links and software they prefer. Microsoft says allowing the opening screen to be altered would violate its Windows copyright. It says it gives PC makers some leeway to promote products. And it says consumers like consistency. By USA TODAY ¸ Copyright 1999 USA TODAY regards

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