Microsft are pivotal in the existance in almost everything on our pc's today.

Even people who dont use Microsoft software or Mircosoft OS's have a lot to thank microsoft for: the massive influence microsoft has had on other companies, leading to greater compitition and a stronger market.

Also the level of support that Microsoft offer, not only for there own products, but also for the compatibility of other companies products. Microsoft bring customer value to the computer industry.

Plus they gave us msn :P