Knowra Microsoft Microsoft Microsoft is an American technology company that develops and sells software, cloud services, computers, and other products. Founded in 1975, it became a major force in personal computing and cloud computing.
Microsoft Windows : A family of graphical operating systems developed by Microsoft for personal computers and other devices. Windows made Microsoft a defining supplier of desktop operating systems.
Bill Gates : An American software entrepreneur who co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen. Gates led Microsoft during its rise from a small software venture to a major company.
Software licensing : The legal and commercial arrangements that govern how software may be used, copied, or distributed. Licensing let Microsoft sell software broadly while retaining ownership of its products.
United States v. Microsoft Corp. : A United States antitrust case concerning Microsoft’s conduct in the personal-computer software market. The case challenged Microsoft’s bundling and platform practices and led to a major settlement.
Apple Inc. : An American technology company that makes consumer electronics, software, and digital services. Apple competes with Microsoft in personal computers, productivity software, and operating systems.
Microsoft 365 : A subscription service combining Microsoft productivity applications, cloud storage, and collaboration tools. It extends Microsoft Office into a cloud-based service used by organizations and individuals.
Paul Allen : An American entrepreneur and computer programmer who co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates. Allen helped establish Microsoft and shaped its early technical direction.
Application programming interface : A defined way for software components to communicate and use one another’s functions. Microsoft platforms attract developers through interfaces that let applications use system capabilities.
Antitrust law : Law that regulates business conduct and market structures to protect competition. Microsoft’s dominance prompted scrutiny under competition law in the United States and elsewhere.
Google : An American technology company known for internet search, advertising, software, and cloud services. Google competes with Microsoft in cloud computing, productivity tools, and web-based services.
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