Microsoft has enjoyed a fine year, pretty much across the board. Windows 7 (and its “My idea” PR offensive) continues to be a huge success for the company, while Internet Explorer 9 is the best and most competitive version of the web browser in years.

It wasn't just PCs that saw Microsoft at the top, though. Kinect, the motion-sensing gaming platform for Xbox 360 has been massive. It promises to change the gaming landscape, but also has untold potential in the real world. Last but not least, the innovative and refreshing Windows Phone 7 operating system made Microsoft a serious smartphone player for the first time in years.