Microsoft’s Monopoly

It may be that Microsoft broke antitrust laws; I’m not qualified to judge that issue. I will say, however, that as far as “sticking it to” consumers goes, I disagree with anyone who says I paid too much for the Microsoft software I use on a daily basis. I make my living with Microsoft Word for Windows, and it is an absolute marvel. If it cost 10 times what I paid for it, it would still be money well spent.

I use AOL as my Web browser, and Microsoft’s bundling of Internet Explorer with Windows has never inconvenienced me in any way. The main reason people resent paying taxes is the deplorable use to which the government so often puts our money. This ridiculous witch hunt, whose only real purpose appears to be the enrichment of lawyers, is one such use.

JIM HOUGHTON

Encino

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Re the April 5 commentary by Ronald A. Cass, dean of the Boston University Law School and consultant to Microsoft: It is unfortunate that Cass does not have the ability to evaluate Microsoft’s gross violations of antitrust principles.

Ever hear of bundling, Ron? How about the choking of Netscape? Without a doubt MS is dominant, but it is because others have been choked by their methods. When Cass states they are innovative, this is true; but most of Microsoft’s innovations have been to tie its products together and then tie the package to the Internet--and to do what may be necessary to quell competition. Also, a good portion of its innovations have been rip-offs.

As a user, all I want is the opening page to the Internet. And the coding to that should be open to all and should not be the sole property of Microsoft. If necessary, that coding should be controlled by the government.

RAY A. McINTOSH

Redlands