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Opinion Editorial Consumers, don't be fooled by Gates Monopoly. No, not the game. It's Microsoft Corp. Sometimes spelled Micro$oft, for the software maker's consumer-be-damned approach to the personal-computer and server-software business. And a monopoly is a label many forget the firm legally earned. The issue is important this week because on Monday, Bill Gates, the firm's founder and chief monopolist, stepped aside to become a full-time "philanthropist." From the looks of this move, Gates plans to use his vast wealth — many consider him to be the richest man in the world — to buy himself a Nobel Peace Prize for throwing his money at the latest Gates-defined problem du jour. As the media fawn over this angelic transition of leadership, it is instructive to remember that much of what brought Gates this money was morally bankrupt and illegal. As a recent Time Magazine article pointed out, the move to tie the Internet Explorer browser to the Windows operating system was as at issue in a trial during which Gates was insolent and conveniently forgetful. It was, no doubt, a moment to show his true colors. Furthermore, Steve Ballmer, Gates' friend and chief executive for Microsoft, hasn't left, so the philosophy at Microsoft doesn't seem likely to change. What further marked Monday as a day that fully reflects Microsoft's callous disregard for its customers is that it is the last day of Microsoft's support for the XP operating system. The firm refuses to listen to those who argue that the XP system was stable, if not friendly. Microsoft also wouldn't concede its new system, Vista, is a piece of garbage. The Nobel committee will forget all this when it takes the easy way out in selling its award. No one, consumers or business people, should forget this when they make their next computer purchases. E-mail
comments about this story Posted: July 3, 2008
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