The findings-of-fact released last Friday by U.S. District Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson in the antitrust case against Microsoft Corp. outlines the court’s position that the software giant is a monopoly.

But local opinion isn’t as clear-cut as the court’s findings, which state that the company not only has a monopoly, but has used its power to stifle competition and inhibit innovation in the computer industry.

John Boysen, Computation Center senior systems analyst, uses a PC with Microsoft products running on it to do his own software development, and he said he doesn’t feel like he’s been robbed of new innovations by Microsoft’s dominant position.

“I guess it’s sort of a mixed bag with whether or not the government should be involved in how software is designed,” he said. “I don’t know what will come of these findings, but I don’t particularly feel like Microsoft has kept away better products.

“You really can’t say for sure how things may have been if Microsoft wasn’t in the position they are, but I’m satisfied with the products they’ve offered,” Boysen said.

Bob Brammer, spokesperson for the Iowa Attorney General’s Office, said they are pleased with the findings.

Iowa is one of 19 states that joined the U.S. Justice Department in the case against Microsoft.

“Our position is that the findings are a victory for consumers at all levels,” he said. “This holds promise for healthier competition, fostering much wider innovation, giving consumers many more choices in the years to come and keeping computer and software products at the lowest possible prices.”

Ross Wirth, freshman in pre-business, supports Microsoft and believes that the findings aren’t an accurate reflection of the industry.

“I’d agree that Microsoft does have a monopoly when it comes to operating systems,” he said. “But still, it’s not like there are no other options for consumers. Platforms like Linux and Macintosh do exist. If someone really has a problem with Windows, they don’t have to use it.

“I also don’t believe that Microsoft should be prohibited from building Internet software into Windows,” Wirth said. “Internet Explorer is a part of Windows, as it should be.”