Internet Explorer
Microsoft avoids all serious antitrust troubles until the advent of its own internet browser. In 1995, Internet Explorer was introduced as a startup kit that was to be used with the latest and most popular, Windows 95 operating system. Although originally sold separately from all Windows systems, Internet Explorer soon became bundled into such programs. This was because Microsoft Office was such a success on the marketplace as a bundled program, and the company felt that Internet Explorer would be able to duplicate that success. While Internet Explorer 1.0's rival Netscape Navigator enjoyed early success, when IE 3.0 was introduced in the summer of 1996, a mass migration of users crossed over. Internet Explorer maintained a variety of new features including support for video and audio, Java applets, and more. Despite the fact that there remain debate at this time over web browser superiority, one distinguishable aspect set them apart; Netscape charged nearly $50 for its web browser, while Internet Explorer was virtually free because of its integration with Windows.
By 1997, the extensive Internet Explorer 4.0 was introduced as an integration and bundle with the newest Windows 98, as well as full compatibility with all previous Windows systems since 95. This version contains the "Active Desktop" feature, which allows users to alter desktop wallpaper with images from the internet. Since it was completely bundled within the operating system, it could be integrated into other software such as Microsoft Office making it possible to actively incorporate its programs with the internet.
Microsoft advanced and developed its Internet Browser technology for several reasons. First, it wanted to initially break into the web browser market. Second, Microsoft programmers saw the internet as the future of computing, and that web-based operating systems were not for from reach. If the company could gain a foothold on the web browser community, when web based operating systems became operational it would have an advantage over its competitors.