Many consumers do not feel comfortable installing or reconfiguring software or hardware. They're likely to use their PC in the condition in which it was bought. Not surprisingly, Microsoft rivals often find it difficult to distribute their software through the OEM channel. Internet navigation is important. If a single firm exercises too much control over Internet browsers, competition in e-commerce markets will suffer.
Interoperability is important.
The usefulness of software programs often depends on their ability to work with other software programs. As indicated by the record in the trial and extensive documentation elsewhere, Microsoft has used interoperability as a weapon against its competitors. Applications are important. People buy PCs to run applications, and these applications have to work with other applications. Happily for those who place themselves entirely in the hands of Microsoft, files can be easily shuffled between the dominant Windows applications and the company's Microsoft Office applications.