Apple computer introduced its pioneering, user-friendly Mackintosh computer in 1984. The "

Mac"quickly became popular and appeared likely to 【21】______ the field. But Apple officials were reluctant to 【22】______ the Mac's 【23】______ system to other manufacturers and give up control of their project.

Meanwhile, Microsoft developed the" Windows" system for rival IBM computers and 【24】______ machines. Microsoft licensed its operating system to whoever could pay the price, and its sales 【25】______ Last September Apple finally licensed the Mac technology. But by then, most computers were 【26】______ to Windows and few customers signed 【27】______ . Our lives are a 【28】______ of our decisionwhether in business or personal 【29】______ . And in every decision, there comes a crucial point when you must make up your mind. Deciding too quickly can bring disastrous consequences; 【30】______ too long can mean missed opportunities. And everyday life and history are full of 【31】______ that can help us recognize that critical moment.

In July 1862, in the 【32】______ of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln 【33】______ his Cabinet members to the White House to 【34】______ them of a decision he had made. The president read aloud the Emancipation Proclamation, 【35】______ for freeing slaves in the Southern states at war with the Union. It was a 【36】______ idea for the time and bound to 【37】______ controversy even in the North. The Secretary of State, William Seward spoke 【38】______ . The Confederates had recently routed the Union Army, Seward said, and Lincoln's 【39】______ might be interpreted as a 【40】______ move.

【21】

A．overwhelm

B．overcome

C．dominate

D．overtake