The antitrust case is already having a significant impact on the public's perception of the consumer computer business as the players are being portrayed in a light that is hardly flattering for any of them.

CNN: The future of desktop PCs

Related and supporting capabilities include computer network operations, electronic warfare, deception, operations security (OPSEC), intelligence, perception management, psychological operations (PSYOPs), and public affairs.

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In fact, the situation today could be very similar to the landscape computer manufacturers faced in the last quarter of 2008 when the meltdown in the financial markets led to a perception that demand would dry up.

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