Apple Computers

Apple's UK-based unit provides desktop and notebook personal computers, servers, and peripheral displays. Other products include multimedia and operating system software, wireless networking equipment, portable multimedia players (iPod), wireless handsets (iPhone), and third-party hardware and software. Apple also operates a music and video downloading services called iTunes, and it offers online services such as Web hosting and email as part of its .Mac package. The company markets to the consumer, government, education, and corporate sectors. Apple operates a chain of retail stores that includes several locations in the UK.

Microsoft

Microsoft's ambitions are anything but small. The world's #1 software company provides a variety of products and services, including its Windows operating systems and Office software suite. The company has expanded into markets such as video game consoles, server and storage software, and digital music players. Microsoft has reached settlements to end a slew of antitrust investigations and lawsuits, including agreeing to uniformly license its operating systems and allowing manufacturers to include competing software with Windows. In 2008 Microsoft made repeated efforts to acquire Yahoo! but was rebuffed by that company's board of directors.