The Anti-Trust Trial

This is my opinion towards the Anti-Trust proceedings against Microsoft. As most of the anti-Microsoft band is out to bring Microsoft down, it is time to ask ourselves a few questions.

First, are you viewing this page on a Windows machine?

Probably you are. If you are, why do you use Windows? Most would say that Windows is so simple that you can just turn it on, play around with the mouse for 5 minutes and start using it. Is it possible to do the same with any other? Linux? No way. I believe that there would only be half the number of computers on earth if it weren't for Windows. It has enabled everyone from the 5 year-old kid to the grand father to use computers to do small but wonderful things.

Second, do you think Microsoft has harmed the interests of computer users?

Well, thats a stupid question. But thats precisely what the judge accused Microsoft of doing. What does he mean by harm? The term "computer users" have to be used in a very general form. Meaning, it should include more ordinary users that geeks. For the ordinary user, there is only one OS other that Windows that will help the work at ease on computers. The Mac. But where can you get the Mac for the cost of a PC. No where. Does the judge mean that harm actually is forcing the customers to pay less!

Third, Do you think Microsoft should be punished?

This is the last question and the question that will be decided not by us, but the jury. It would be fairly easy to say that Microsoft won because they made better products. And through innovation, over the years, these products have evolved to overcome the limitations imposed due to the ease of use. When Microsoft introduced the first versions of its products they were in no way more powerful than the competition. But they were simple. And while the others found it more glamourous to add more power to satisfy the ego of geek, Microsoft saw the common man in mind and not the geek. The success of these products simply meant that Microsoft now could release better products, still simple yet more powerful.

What i want to say.......

As you can see from the above I am a Windows fan. Its not merely due to sentiments of using the OS for so many years, but becoz Windows is better than any other OS now. I am basically a programmer and I don't use much of word-processors or spread-sheets. So from the programming point of view, I find it simpler to understand the concepts of Windows that Linux (for example). And that is very important for a programmer. Of course it maybe because I have seen Windows for a long time. But there are some technologies in Windows that make life so easier. For example, OLE. It gives enormous power to the programmer. And it has never been easier to re-use code, or rather objects. But this is not what makes Windows good, but the fact that even though I dont use word-processors or presentations, when I want to use it, I CAN use it. And the best thing to ever happen to Windows would be the source code becoming free. That is a long way to go, but I think Microsoft should do it on its own will and not through a compulsion or a ruling.

Jeswin P

<<INDEX