[asformeandformyhouse]

“The notion that Microsoft violated any reasonable law simply by including a web browser with their operating system is absurd.”

Actually the notion is not that ‘simply including a browser’ is a violation of law, but rather the collusion to exclude any others browsers being included by the OEMs. Otherwise MS could not satisfy the lawsuit with their browser ‘ballot’ screen.

And thank you for your well thought-out opinion on Opera’s competitiveness. But you know what they say - everybody has one.

Apparently the EU court differs with your legal opinion.

[Terpfen]

Actually the notion is not that ‘simply including a browser’ is a violation of law, but rather the collusion to exclude any others browsers being included by the OEMs.

Which is not what Opera alleged in its complaint. Opera alleged that the inclusion of IE with Windows itself was a violation of the law. Opera did not allege that Microsoft was using its OS market share to exclude competitors in the web browser market. It simply said that the fact that there is an Internet Explorer shortcut on your desktop by default when you install Windows is a violation of law. What Opera wanted was unreasonable access to the Windows installation and setup process, sort of like Honda attempting to use litigation to get their cars sold on Toyota lots next to Toyota's own cars.

I'm 99% sure you're confusing what Opera complained about with the popular misconception of what the Clinton DoJ went after Microsoft for.