Common Arguments in Defense of Microsoft

It seems that each time a debate arises regarding the viability of the antitrust investigation and trial brought by the federal government against the Microsoft Corporation, Microsoft proponents reiterate a series of common defense arguments or proposed solutions for Microsoft to consider.

Many of these common arguments and proposed solutions are presented on this page. Each link provides a response to the related argument or solution with reasons why the argument should be disregarded or the solution seen as unfeasible.

• Where would we be without Microsoft?
• The positives from Microsoft far outweigh the negatives.
• I'm a consumer, and I haven't been harmed.
• Every other company employs the same tactics as Microsoft. (i.e. Everyone else is doing it.)
• Apple is a monopoly.
• Quit chasing MS and fix the government.
• There are other OS choices.
• The market selected MS to establish the monopoly. Why complain now?
• Monopoly is when I have no choice, like in my local cable company.
• Why doesn't MS just close up shop?
• Why doesn't MS just pack up and move somewhere else?
• Microsoft is one of the most innovative companies in existence.
• Microsoft is not overcharging for Windows