Before anyone accuses me of turning this into some sort of covert anti-Microsoft wank, it could be rather interesting. Basiclly the scenario is, what would it be like if IBM did not permit compatible versions of it's PC (now the industry standard which most personal computers are made under) and only procuced it's own propretry versins? What does this hold for the future of the computer industry: do other platforms which disappeared have a chance at surviving, assuming they are made? Is IBM still in the PC game in the present day, rather than concentrating on servers etc.? Does the computer market suffer due to lack of a coherent standard? What, indeed, is Microsoft doing right now?