Meanwhile longtime rival Apple (nasdaq: AAPL - news - people ) hit a gold mine in digital music, and search engine Google (nasdaq: GOOG - news - people ) evolved into a new threat as it moved from upstart to online goliath.

FORBES: Vista's OK. But Microsoft May Not Be

Revelations waited for them like all the silent seconds on a digital alarm clock before the shrieking starts or else like a land mine.

NPR: Excerpt: 'Estrellas y Rascacielos'