Originally Posted by Jerrek

Right, which is why the EU wants to force Microsoft to strip functionality, the improvements they made, out of Windows? Come on.


Yes it is. Microsoft is the owner of its own products and can make ANY restrictions for the sale and use of its product. If you don't like it, TOUGH. Don't use it.


Actually, we were. The original topic was Real, Windows Media, and other media players. The EU decided to force Microsoft to remove the improvements it made to the operating system by offering Windows without Media Player. That is NOT free enterprise.

You moved towards the IE/Netscape issue, where Microsoft said that in order to pre-install our product, you have to do [this]. That is completely acceptable, because MICROSOFT OWNS THE SOFTWARE. If you don't agree, YOU CANNOT USE IT, because IT IS NOT YOURS. Don't install it then.




So? It is FREE ENTERPRISE. Microsoft should have the right to FREELY improve its products in ANY WAY THEY WANT without interference from the government. If the rest of the world can't come up with something better, tough ****. If they can, then great! Because most people would want the best product for the lowest price.


They are not abusing anything. They are not a monopoly either. The only thing that harms competing products from entering the market is their good products that people love. If others can't come up with something better, then TOUGH ****. This is the fundamentals of free enterprise.


The consumer isn't forced to do anything! Did you know that you can go out and buy Linux? Or an Apple? DID YOU KNOW THAT? Did you know that there is NOTHING that FORCES you to put up with products that are less good? NOTHING. SHOW me the law if you disagree with me. PLEASE.


So?


No one is FORCING anyone to pay for ANYTHING they don't want. You either accept the product Microsoft has to offer, or you don't. I can't go to the store and buy water, but not the plastic bottle, because I don't want it. I can't go to the store to buy a can of corn, but I want only the corn, not the can. YOU PAY FOR THE PRODUCT. If Microsoft, or any company, chooses to break the product down into individual parts, THAT IS THEIR PREROGGATIVE. If they don't, THOUGH ****. NO ONE is forcing ANYONE to buy anything.


There is no such thing as regulated competition. It isn't competition then. You're advocating socialism. Thats fine, you have that right, but I completely disagee with it because I'm a capitalist and believe in the free enterprise system.



Microsoft has NO OBLIGATION WHATSOEVER. They are a corporation, and they offer products to the general public. If you are interested in acquiring it, you make a deal with them with stipulations that both parties agree to. If you can't reach an agreement, you take your business elsewhere. THERE IS NO OBLIGATION. Microsoft doesn't owe anyone anything.


Unfair advantage? Absolutely not. ANYONE can write their own operating system and market it. They do have an advantage, yes, and that is their RIGHT since it is THEIR product.