Summer 2000: v7n124: Microsoft breakup important

Consumers on campus don't seem to be ruffled by the U.S. Justice Department's decision to break Microsoft into two big chunks. Even the lure of low prices can't beat out pure convenience.

"Prices definitely be competitive and that would be kind of nice, but then you have to ask about quality," said Jeremy Harris, a senior criminal justice major. "That's what I like about Microsoft, I know its going to work and I can go get help."

Like Harris, many consumers turn a blind eye to Microsoft's monopolistic methods, in exchange for ease of use. But there is a high price to pay for convenience.

Se J Reed

For too long the computer industry has been saturated with everything Windows. Finally, with U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Jackson's controversial ruling, Microsoft might finally be forced to loosen its hold on the computer industry, and consumers might finally see some real innovation.

Mac owners know the frustration of trying to find software that will work on their operating system; not just key communications software like Office, but games too.

A quick trip to any computer store can easily demonstrate just how much Windows dominates. Even recently released computer games like Quake III: Arena and SimCity 3000 have only a Windows version. The new policies would even out the playing field, creating software for all platforms.

It is highly plausible that the ruling will not hold up under appeal. Microsoft has a lot of money and a lot a stake and will not go down without a fight.

But even the chunks Microsoft was ordered to separate into are monopolies in themselves. Windows is still the dominant platform. Consumers are used to using Windows and are comfortable with its inefficiencies. The hassle of learning another system will deter most consumers from switching.

"It would be too much of a hassle," said Harris. "I wouldn't even bother."

One way or the other, Microsoft will still be a giant company with far too much power. The industry giant is already firmly entrenched here at CSULB.

"We have a contract site license with Microsoft that will go on for years," said Nancy Rayner, operating systems analyst at Academic Computing Services. "That will last at least through the next two semesters."

So kudos to the Justice department for exercising its power, but unfortunately it's too little too late. The company has made its mark and there's nothing anyone, not even the federal government, can do about it.

Se is opinion editor of the Summer Forty-Niner.