The largest independent software producer in the world, founded by Paul Allen and Bill Gates in 1975. Microsoft produces a very wide range of software products ultimately based on its Windows operating system. Microsoft’s business practices have often been criticised; this has led to successful legal action, in the United States and elsewhere, resulting in Microsoft agreeing to change its practices. The company also publishes books and multimedia titles, offers email services, and sells electronic game systems, computer peripherals (input/output devices), and portable media players.