Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : How high will Microsoft fly? -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: david_si who wrote (46945)	6/17/2000 3:09:00 PM
From: JC Jaros	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 74651

1) - That's just it. You don't. If they would make the source code available to everyone, you would know they're not hiding anything. By hiding the source code (something only MS does) it makes one think they ARE hiding something. --- 2) Windows is the only choice (or was) at the time the DoJ action references. That condition could no longer be true and the DoJ would still have validity. Not only can you not purchase a PC from a top tier (volume) OEM without Windows. You can't buy one with NO operating system. You're forced to pay a Microsoft tax. 3) File compatibility is a HUGE issue. MS keeps file formats a moving target BECAUSE they have a monopoly on the desktop and can get away with that. If MS would avail the code, file formats would *then no longer be a problem. People don't 'choose' Windows. In fact, I know in Japan and a few other places, at least last year, Linux outsold Windows. I wouldn't be surprised if you went into a CompUSA and found out they sold more shrinkwrapped Linux OSs than Windows. Surely, if you included the Linux OS CDs sold by bookstores and online vendors such as LinuxMall, you'd find consumers 'choosing' Windows less than Linux. 3a) People should be free to vote with their dollars. The way things are presently, one is only allowed to vote with their dollars AFTER they give a handful to Microsoft in the course of buying a PC from a top tier OEM. 4) IE is a fine browser. It's better than Netscape. With a desktop monopoly though, the 'integration' of the browser into the OS and simultaneously hiding the code (something no one else does) is anti-competitive. -JCJ