Final answer:
Microsoft's bundling of Internet Explorer with its dominant Windows operating system and the alleged exclusive dealing and predatory pricing strategies were seen as anticompetitive and a threat to other browsers,
reinforcing its market monopoly.
Step-by-step explanation:
The antitrust cases against Microsoft highlight how the company's integration of Internet Explorer with its Windows operating system posed a competitive threat by leveraging its monopoly power.
Microsoft's strategy of bundling Internet Explorer and offering it for free with Windows meant other browsers couldn't compete effectively. This eliminated the incentive for users to try other products like Netscape Navigator, substantially hindering competition in the market.
Further, Microsoft's actions, including exclusive dealing arrangements and accusations of predatory pricing, reinforced its dominance and were argued to be anticompetitive.
The internet browsers pose a competitive threat to Microsoft's operating system monopoly because Microsoft bundled its Internet Explorer browser with its Windows operating system where it had a monopoly.
This practice of bundling made it difficult for other browsers, such as Netscape Navigator, to compete for market share. Since nearly everyone was using Windows, including Internet Explorer as the default browser eliminated the incentive for consumers to explore other browser options.