On Thu, 30 Mar 2006 21:21:09 GMT, John Doe
wrote:

My post was properly labeled off-topic and posted to an associated group.

But I wanted to ask David Maynard again anyway, does Microsoft
possess monopoly power over the personal computer desktop operating
system market? In other words, is Windows a monopoly?

I'm not david but try this. Since 99.99% of all computers sold in
retail are Windows OS based, and 99.99% of consumers do not "build"
their own computers then I would say, without a doubt, that
microsoft's OS is a monopoly.

One could argue that people can choose a MAC or build there own
systems, but do we make these arguments with other things?
Are we to assume AT&T was not a monopoly because EVERYONE could have
signed up with a phone carrier which was 300% more expensive but they
all choose to stay with AT&T?

What about cars? There are around 12-15 car makers in the world. There
was a time when GM and FORD were basically the only choice. What else
can we build one our own?

I bet if we all spent enough research and time on it we could all
build our own LCD monitors too.

ALSO there is the thing with profits. A business is designed to turn a
profit. Where did people get the idea that a company with stock and
cash reserves of 1/2 a trillion dollars needed to be "protected"?

If Microsoft needs protection, then I should have 100 armed guards
around me 24/7/365