Mossberg is a wise man.

WSJ ping.

Index-ping.

But they should require the software monopoly to expand consumer choice in its dominant operating system.

Consumers make their choice every time they open their wallet and buy it. I don't recall hearing about the Microsoft SS agents hauling people out of their beds in the middle of the night, dragging them down to the local software store, and forcing them to buy a box of Microsoft software at gunpoint.

forcing them to buy a box of Microsoft software at gunpoint.

Ah, but they do. I know that for a fact because I've read many of the MS rants here at FR, and they always include the story of a neighbour or two who has been seen being driven to the store at gunpoint.

Had to get out my boots for this one, it is just so much BS.
Had this article been written about the auto industry instead of the software industry the argument might go something like this… The consumer who purchases a Jeep should by design be able to use Porsche motor and a Ford transmission, and the Chrysler corporation must provide compatibility. Who in their right mind would say this is anti-trust?

Anti MS groups cry because MS doesn't compete fair. But then the courts tell MS to increase their product to MORE consumers! Huh?

Why doesn't the comptetition fill in the need? These people are ignorant and to suggest the Govt isn't trying to run MS is ludicrous.

If I build a product, I will build it how I want, with what I want.

No one has a *right* to tell me how, and no one is *required* to buy it. MS isn't breaking any laws.

I want to go buy a Yugo, but I want it to run like a Porsche, feel like a Jag, be reliable like a Mercedes and cost like a Saturn.

And I want the DoJ to enforce it.

Doesn't anyone see the Socialism in this?

Microsoft Has Good Year, At Expense of Customers

Wise? He sleep through economics class in high school!

It's a sad fact that many in the press insist on bashing Microsoft, and blaming them for this and that...

Our economic system is Capitalism, and it's great. Here we have a company that was built from the ground up to become one of the most innovative in history. MS is a magnet for technology professionals, a huge employer (just imagine the taxes that are paid by those employed by Microsoft?).

But still, state and federal governments continue to whine and sue in the name of consumer protection. This is total B.S. If I don't want to buy a MS product, then it's my choice. If I choose badly, then shame on me. But those who continue to bash Microsoft - including the author of this article - are totally off base, big time..

I agree. And Microsoft is the perfect example of American capitalism in a free market society, at it's best. Took an idea no one else thought would work, started in a garage, and built a billion dollar empire with it, in 30 years. Now you've got people too conditioned by the Clinton era who think this is wrong and it's the government's job to "protect" the consumer from buying it.

"Microsoft Has Good Year, At Expense of Customers"

How does any business have a good year???

Exactly... (apparently these people think all businesses should be more socialistic)

Hauling consumers down at gunpoint to buy Microsoft products is old fashioned. Nobody does that anymore.

Instead, let us suppose that a consumer wants Linux and calls up Dell and asks for a consumer computer with Linux. Dell doesn't offer this. OK, the consumer will install his own. He asks for a computer without a Microsft OS. Sorry. Not available. He'll have to buy a computer with a Microsft OS, strip the Microsft OS and install Linux. Can he get a refund on the unused Microsft OS? Nope.

See. Gunpoint isn't needed. Catch up with the times.

"Microsoft Has Good Year, At Expense of Customers"

How does any business have a good year???

The only way a private entity can succeed is by pleasing its customers. The title is a contradiction in terms, and demonstrates the writer's complete lack of understanding of economics and capitalism.

Then the customer doesn't go to Dell. Last time I looked there are a zillion places to buy a computer without an OS installed.

However you're right about hauling customers down to make them buy it being old mode...my neighbor told me about his friends brother in law's cousin. Seems Bill Gates broke into his house in the dead of night, held a gun to his head and MADE him install Windows AND Office.

Oh the terror.

That's right. It is the one thing the Clinton regime could not control and was threatening to upset their Socialist tendencies. It is also one of the main reasons Wall Street flourished in the 90's, and Clinton et all did what they could to stop it.

Buy the parts and assemble your own computer with whatever OS you want. Oops, sorry, my bad, one must be a little brighter than a stump to accomplish this.

What kind of name is Petronski...Russian??????

Instead, let us suppose that a consumer wants Linux and calls up Dell…

What does this have to do with Microsoft, seems that your beef is with the box builder Dell? I will bet there are few people who would seek to have an inferior operating system installed, those hobbyists who do, probably enjoy the challenge of installing it themselves anyway.