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Talkback: Bill Knows Best
http://www.g4tv.com/articles/33916/talkback-bill-knows-best/
Article_33916

Talkback: Bill Knows Best

By Dave Roos - Posted Apr 26, 2002
Dave Roos
Here's the latest shocker from the ongoing (and going, and going) penalties phase of the Microsoft antitrust suit. Christopher Jones, Microsoft's vice president in charge of Windows, testified that Microsoft must reserve the right to design Windows in such a way that it impairs the operation of competing software -- all in the name of protecting the Windows consumer. On Friday's show we ask if you want Microsoft making your software decisions.
The story
The New York Times (registration required) points out that it was Jones who wrote the controversial 1995 memo to Bill Gates proposing that the company inexorably tie the Internet Explorer browser to Windows so that "running any other browser is a jolting experience."
A "jolting experience"? Will that involve a Taser of some sort? Either way, it sounds painful, and not something I'd want from my operating system. Of course it's in Microsoft's best interest to optimize its operating system for its own Web browser and media player, but don't try to say that it's all in the consumer's best interest. That's just ridiculous.
Our question
Do you think that Microsoft is looking out for the consumer or looking out for No. 1? Do you want Microsoft deciding what's best for your PC? Share your thoughts in the Talkback section below the poll.

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