Recent Developments in Personal Computers

Apple introduced the Mac mini, an affordable computer that sells for $499 and up. The computer includes a G4 processor and Apple's iLife software. The computer doesn't include a keyboard, mouse, or monitor though.
The EU ruled that Microsoft had to remove Windows Media Player from Windows. Microsoft didn't appeal and will ship the stripped down version of Windows to Europe in 2005.
Microsoft continues to make news. The U.S. appeals court finally approved Microsoft's 2001 anti-trust settlement with the Justice Department. However, the company's anti-trust problems are far from over. Microsoft as of Summer 2004 is challenging a European Union decision that it violated anti-trust rules, arguing that the rules were misapplied. Finally the company is under serious pressure as nations are frequently turning to open source software, such as Linux. In response, Microsoft has cut the price for its software in some poorer nations that are rapidly expanding computer use. For example, a Thai language version of XP with MS Office sells for just $36.
Software piracy continues to be a problem. The Business Software Alliance reported that $29 billion are lost each year.
Apple Computers released the newest version of its operating system OS X called ٌTiger.î
Apple announced in June 2005 that it will be switching to Intel processors. The chips will allow Mac computers to "run faster and cooler, and have longer battery life" according to Walter Mossberg of the Wall Street Journal. The first computers with the new chip are expected in Spring 2006.
Microsoft introduced the Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, which works with Media Centers PCs. The operating system includes Windows Media Player 10, DVD and CD burning, improved gaming and Windows Movie Maker 2.1.