Today in 1998, the U.S. Department of Justice began a suit against Microsoft, claiming they were illegally thwarting competition in order to protect and extend their software monopoly. Specifically, it centered around the bundling of Internet Explorer with Microsoft's Windows operating system and what that meant for other internet browsers at the time. After years of proceedings (including a ruling that would force Microsoft to break up, and Microsoft's subsequent appeal), a settlement was reached on November 2, 2001. Under the terms of the settlement, Microsoft was required to share their APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) with third-party companies and appoint a panel of three people…