Windows Media Player is nothing to sing home about but calling Real Player a viable competitor to Media Player is like saying that Tonka is up against Peterbilt.
This is nonsense. None of these companies are objective, third-party reviewers so of course they are going to engage in Microsoft-bashing.
Windows may not be the best product on the market, neither was VHS (in the comparable VHS/Beta wars). But Windows is the product that most computer users are comfortable with. IBM really doesn't have a dog in this fight since they just sold their PC division to China, so I don't know why they care.
I also agree with the previous poster's comment about RealNetworks. IMO, it's six of one and a half-dozen of another between Media Player and RealNetworks.
The Linux/Windows issue is the only real isue and it basically comes down to what the user feels comfortable using. Most are comfortable using Windows since it is compatible with more applications.
In my mind, however, it boils down to this: Should a Chevy be required to accommodate Ford, Chrysler or Toyota parts? That's what we are trying to do with Microsoft.