Making the World Safe for Microsoft

I was taken aback by The Times lining up with the claque that charges Microsoft with interfering in the free market against the best interests of consumers (editorial, June 29). I believe it is fatuous for either The Times, the U.S. government or states’ attorneys general to criticize Microsoft on grounds that it is anti-competitive and unfair. If these voices professing to be looking out for the interests of consumers want to be helpful, they should look into the tactics and policies of the telecommunications conglomerates, the oil companies, the utilities, the pharmaceutical manufacturers and the many other groups that really harm consumers.

I recently noticed that a laptop I bought in 1984 had Microsoft software. I didn’t notice at the time because the name meant nothing to me. I’ve been using Microsoft Office programs in my Apple computers for nearly 15 years, and every time I use Microsoft Word I thank Bill Gates for presenting the world with such a useful tool. It’s not predatory practices that put Microsoft where it is. The company got there by having great products and marketing them well.

Wallace R. Danielson

San Diego