Gates addresses shareholders

Microsoft chairman and CEO Bill Gates used his annual presentation at thecompany's shareholders meeting in San Francisco to lash out against attacksfrom competitors and the U.S. Department of Justice. Gates had some nastywords about Ralph Nader in particular, who organized a Microsoft "witchhunt" earlier this week.

"We think it's great that many shareholders are speaking out on our behalf," Gates said. "When we have a witch hunt--which [the Ralph Naderconference] is--it's nice to see the owners...speaking out on our behalf."

As for the Department of Justice Department, Gates believes that "the legalsystem will protect Microsoft's right to compete [though] we find it highlyironic that browsers are seen as a threat to operating systems, [and] we'retold not to put the browser in our product."

Gates said that the computer industry--largely dominated by Microsoft forthe past ten years--is a model for any industry.

"People do have a choice in hardware and do benefit from lower prices. Windows is very central here and we are keeping that price very, very low."

In a question and answer period that ended his presentation, Gates said that Microsoft is talking with a number of satellite companies abouttechnology licensing. Microsoft is also committed to the Macintoshplatform, despite decreasing sales. Gates pointed to Office 98 for the Macand Internet Explorer as the Mac's default browser as positive signs forthe platform