Here are three reasons why Microsoft influence and monopoly are eroding quickly:
1. Microsoft used to be the biggest Internet Company in the world. Microsoft Internet Explorer was only internet browser that everyone should use. However, open source internet browsers such as Firefox and Google Chrome has given consumer free choices. Not only were they free, they were better and faster than their own software. As a result, millions of computer users changed software and started to change their computer habits.
2. The latest computers don't need to run new Windows operating system. Today, most people are satisfied with their current version of windows. Windows XP handles most tasks easily without upgrading to the latest Vista version. In fact, your computer may have more problems if you upgrade. The Vista operating system was bloated and requires the consumer to buy more hardware to be compatible.
3. Microsoft main competitor, Google, keeps releasing out free and better software. Google search engine is used more widely that Microsoft own search engine, Bing. In addition, Google is planning to give out more free services like Google Maps and Gmail.