Microsoft announces a 79% profit, but everyone hates them?

Microsoft announces a 79% profit:
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/01/24/microsoft_sales_up_30_profits_up_79.html

Yet, yesterday I read that Microsoft comes dead last in a consumer confidence survey (although its a 2006 article):
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20060330-6491.html

So how can a company and its products (like nasty Vista) be unloved by most and yet sell more than most?

Personally, I don't love or hate Microsoft. I bought an Xbox360 because it was much cheaper than the "mega over-priced" Sony PlayStation 3.
But I think there is a slightly better selection of games on the PS3 (though some games are available on both platforms).
Halo is "HIGHLY overrated". Vista is a slow HOG (XP is proven to be faster), and in general Microsofts User Interfaces leave a lot to be desired (nice shiny graphics but a case of "find the hidden features").

But until Linux is easier to install/setup, and Apple is cheaper and more compatible with more software (and games), MS will have the majority of users.
http://www.informationweek.com/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=199201179&pgno=8&queryText=

I know Google is supposed to be bringing out this magical open source (free) OS, but I'll believe it when I see it, working.
I remember years ago seeing a demo of a flash based OS (created by Macromedia, now owned by Adobe) which looked cool, but never seen the light of day (was not released).