Overall, we think that these three divisions are in a relatively good shape even though they are subject to increasing competition and that their dominance is key for Microsoft since its other products rely on the Windows and Office ecosystem.

FORBES: An Overview Why Microsoft's Worth $42

The government cites an e-mail sent by Mr Gates in July 1999 that showed a willingness to change Office applications to favour devices that run on Windows, even if that damaged the interests of customers who rely on the ubiquitous Palm Pilot.

ECONOMIST: Microsoft: Nasty medicine | The

TiVo and Windows Media Center users that rely on CableCARDs to get 'em HD goodness have had a unique reason to prefer Verizon FiOS TV over the competition, which is apparently at its last stop.

ENGADGET: Verizon FiOS TV finally getting tough on CableCARD users HD

The leading smartphone and tablet PC makers, such as Samsung and Apple, rely more on operating systems such as Android and iOS, rather than Microsoft's Windows, which has enjoyed a dominance in the traditional PC market.

BBC: Google and Microsoft see a jump in profits