These Economics W.I.R.E.D. activities recommend web links that relate to key concepts of each chapter of the textbook. For each link, there are instructions to guide you to specific information, followed by several discussion questions or exercises.

Key Concepts: A Model of Monopoly, The Generic Diagram of a Monopoly and Its Profits, Competition, Monopoly, and Deadweight Loss, Why Monopolies Exist, Price Discrimination

U.S. Department of Justice—Microsoft Market Share Projection

Review the "Exhibit 1" evidence presented by the U.S. Department Justice during the Microsoft "antitrust" trial to convince the federal judge that Microsoft was a monopoly.

• Is Microsoft Corporation a monopoly? What potential barriers to entry may exist? (Hint: visit www.Microsoft.com)
• Review the Federal Court ruling on the existence of "barriers to entry." Explain how monopolies can earn "above-normal" profit.
• Enter "Microsoft" in the "Search the Site" box at opensecrets.org and access the related documents. Explain why Microsoft spends millions of dollars in political contributions (Hint. Consider rent seeking).