European regulators Thursday accused Microsoft of abusing its monopoly power to thwart competition from rivals in the computer-server and digital-media-player businesses, intensifying the software giant's legal woes around the globe. The European Commission, which is the executive arm of the European Union (news - web sites) and serves as its antitrust enforcer, filed the charges against Microsoft after a year-and-a-half investigation into the company's tactics to extend its dominance from PC operating systems into new businesses. Microsoft's Windows software runs more than 90 percent of the world's personal computers. If the EC ultimately finds Microsoft guilty of antitrust violations, the company could face conduct restrictions or a fine of up to $2.5 billion.
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