I think that was just a bug with either Firefox, Google, or both. It doesn't happen now; I was directed to http.com. The results on the first page of Google does not contain even a single instance of the word "Microsoft". I have results on HTTP, Altavista, Apache, Ask.com, Wikipedia, and, strangely enough, Regulations.gov. I wonder how that got there. *shrugs*
Regarding instant messaging, I'm pretty sure Windows Live Messenger (formerly MSN Messenger) has the largest user base. I rarely go on Yahoo! Instant Messenger now, and when I do, not one of my (maybe six contacts?) are online. They've all permanently switched to Windows Live.
Serena
Comment/Reply (w/o sign-up)