What is the relationship between the internet giants: Microsoft, Yahoo, and Google? (more questions included)?

I recently heard that Microsoft is attempting to purchase Yahoo!, and by doing this, they are trying to compete with Google. Here's the thing... I've always thought that Microsoft and Google had some sort of partnership; for Google is always the default search engine on new Microsoft computers. Since when were they rivals? And even so, what are they competing for? Google is a search engine, while microsoft primarily produces computers, software, and other equipment. Is microsoft trying to enter the search engine business?

Also, if this deal pulls through, will yahoo and MSN merge? And what will happen to services like Answers and eMail?

Google is not only a search engine. Google offers many things like news, email, and much more. I think Microsoft wants to buy Yahoo for the network. Currently, Microsoft has the MSN and Windows Live networks. And no...Google and Microsoft are no way affiliated. No one knows what is going to happen with the yahoo and MSN services.

I don't know about Microsoft purchasing Yahoo! or its subsidiaries, but I do not believe Google has a relationship with Google. On Microsoft Windows computers, the default search is always MSN Search, now under the "Windows Live" tree. Microsoft has been attempting to dominate the search engine business for quite sometime, ever since "the new MSN search," and before that also. If such a thing happens,services like Answers and e-mail should remain intact.

my understanding microsoft buys yahoo, so it can the buy out google and be come a monopoly, most search engines are compatible, the majority use goggle, not saying its the best search engine, thats another debate, I use webferret, google altavista. A monopoly won't survive due to public opinion and freedom to choose, that will be taken away, so it is a wait n see senario