FREE ESSAY ON MICROSOFT'S LEGAL ISSUES

MICROSOFT'S LEGAL ISSUES

Recently, Microsoft started having legal problems. It was one legal battle after another.
It was taking too much time away from what Microsoft does best. Personally, I think it
was starting to get to be ridiculous. 
The problems first started shortly after Microsoft released the Windows 98 Operating
System. To help the look of Windows 98, Microsoft Internet Explorer was integrated with
the operating system to become a major component to Windows 98. Because of this, the
default Internet browser was Internet Explorer. Some users did not like this. Netscape
Communications Corporation (also known as Netscape), made a big fuss about this issue.
They claimed that Windows 98 users were being forced to use Internet Explorer, and it
took away from the users that want to use Netscape. After months in court, Microsoft and
Netscape finally came to a settlement.
The next problem that Microsoft had, is they were being accused by the United States
government, of having a monopoly on the PC market. This was because all new personal
computers had the Microsoft Windows Operating System on it. This was difficult for users
that wanted to be able to tweak the Operating System to their own liking. They were being
forced to buy Microsoft-related products even if they didn't want to. This was true as
long as they did not want a Macintosh computer. This issue was sparked by the case
between Microsoft and Netscape. The government charged Microsoft of illegally bundling
Microsoft Internet Explorer and Windows 98 together. The problem then continued further
in court.
In January 2000, Bill Gates decided to step down as the President and CEO of Microsoft,
and give those positions to Steve Ballmer, who is a long team member of Bill Gates. Bill
Gates, then creates a new position for himself, this new role is Chairman and Chief
Software Architect. This decision was made by Bill, so that he can dedicate all of his
time to helping drive the next generation Windows Internet platform and services.
Meanwhile, back in court, the battle continues with the government. The government ruled
Microsoft of illegally bundling the software and was ordered to break up into two
companies. Microsoft has been appealing this since it was ruled. Microsoft is strongly
trying not to be broken up, due the consequences that they fear might happen if they are
broken up. They are trying to stay one strong company, and their interest is in the
consumer and in everything that Microsoft can do to help the computer age.
In conclusion, today, this issue is still going on in court. In my own opinion, I think
that the government should leave Microsoft alone, because they are taking this process
too far. I want Microsoft to be left as is, one company. It could spell disaster for
computer technology if they are broken up into two companies. We just have to wait a
little longer to see what the government is going to do about this.