Gates and Apple

Ten reasons why Microsoft bought into Apple (Aug. 7):

1. $150 million is lunch money to Bill Gates.

2. Microsoft can’t get anyone to take its Internet browser seriously.

3. In two years, the Mac operating system will be called “Windows-M.”

4. In four years, the Mac operating system will be called “Windows 2001” and Macs will use Intel CPUs.

5. Microsoft doesn’t currently make computers (Apple does).

6. Gates loves surprises.

7. The industry won’t let Gates put Windows into digital cable boxes and charge a royalty every time you change the channel.

8. If Apple goes out of business by itself, Microsoft would look bad.

9. Gates can control 99% of desktop computers instead of only 90%.

10. If Apple went out of business, where would Microsoft get ideas from?

P.S. I prefer the Amiga!

GARY DAVIS

Culver City

The alliance between Microsoft and Apple comes as no surprise to me. Gates can’t afford to let his technology engine go broke, or even get stale. The new business arrangement only means he won’t have to steal the concepts, there will now be an open pipeline between Cupertino and Redmond.

ROB MUIR

Etiwanda

While it is admittedly easy to take aim at the tactics used by Microsoft these days, Richard Kain has presented the facts (Commentary, Aug. 8). As a computer trainer and consultant, it is rare, if not almost impossible, for me to discuss any software package with clients and computer novices other than Microsoft. While Microsoft does indeed make excellent application software, when you own both the application (Word, Access, Excel, etc.) and the operating system (Windows) to run it on, you are not only a monopoly, but the envy of Standard Oil ‘07, and AT&T; ‘80!

Whatever became of the 1995 consent degree regarding anti-competitive behavior that Microsoft agreed to with the U.S. Justice Department? It is my guess it was written in MS Word.

MICHAEL MASARSKY

Canoga Park