Microsoft feels the heat as trial begins

Microsoft is a bullying company that has used Windows as a weapon to try and destroy Netscape in a battle orchestrated by Bill Gates.

This was the case presented to the judge by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) as the landmark antitrust case against the software giant got underway yesterday.

During three hours of opening arguments, barristers for the DoJ set out to prove Microsoft had broken antitrust laws to gain a monopoly over operating systems, and then used that power to try to break rival company, Netscape.

Allegations of buyouts, strong-arm tactics and underhand deals to squeeze Netscape out of the market abounded.

The trial will continue today with opening remarks from Microsoft's defence team and evidence from Netscape's chairman, Jim Barksdale.