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European versions of Windows to include multiple web browsers?
But a spokesperson for the European Commission says that it's likely regulators will require Microsoft to offer customers a choice of competing web browsers in addition to Internet Explorer. So basically, when you run Windows for the first time, you may be asked if you want to install Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Opera, Google Chrome, or another browser as part of the setup process. Presumably the browsers you don't install would be erased from your storage or wouldn't be downloaded in the first place, which is a much better solution than installing each 5 browsers when most users will only need one.
It's also possible that the decision could be left to computer makers. For example, Dell could decide to install Firefox, while Lenovo goes with Internet Explorer.
There's still another round or two of negotiations to go, but it sounds like the European Commission is already pretty close to requiring Microsoft to do something to make it easier for customers to use competing web browsers.
[via Electronista]
Comments
26
Subscribe to commentssjones411Feb 24th 2009 4:10PM
This argument starts to fall apart when you consider how many browsers there are out there. Who gets to decide of K-Melon is worthy of being a pre-install option?
hazardFeb 25th 2009 9:50PM
These things are never about equity or choice. I bet it cost MS a lot to get the European Commission to drop the requirement of removing IE from the OS. I'm sure the Commission doesn't give a toss about which browsers are there as long a MS puts a large donation in their coffer.
GenericFeb 26th 2009 12:36PM
@sjones411
Totally agree and since another reader mentioned that you need a browser to download another browser and then you have the new browser you just downloaded. Even if MS bundles IE with all versions of Windows, MS will ironically be enabling consumers to download their browser of choice. The internet changes the rules if and only if browsers remain free!
Michael K PateFeb 24th 2009 4:30PM
From what I can tell, as long as Opera is included, the EU won't care if Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Flock, Seamonkey, Iron, Webkit, PWB or K-Meleon make it in or not. This whole issue has been much less about Microsoft's business practices and more about Opera's inability to gain market share on Windows-based desktops.
DanFeb 24th 2009 4:45PM
Incidentally Opera is based in Europe.
KeerorFeb 25th 2009 7:37AM
@Dan: Opera is based in Europe, but not in the EU.
bigsoftyFeb 24th 2009 5:40PM
You guys need to catch this program...
"The True Story of the Internet: Browser Wars"
It was made in the U.S. not Euro, played on the Discovery channels... you might not be so quick to kiss up to daddy MS if you know how he used dirty tactics to kill off the whole commercial browser market for its own selfish long-term commercial interests...
Good for the E.U. its doing the RIGHT thing here.
r3loadedFeb 24th 2009 6:17PM
Most likely, what Microsoft will do is still pre-load IE8 onto Windows 7, and stick download links installers for competing browsers in its Welcome to Windows section. Imo, this is the most sensible option with the least amount of bloat.
On a different note, the EU is possibly the strangest organisation ever - I don't think the Eurocrats ever leave that building in Brussels to see the outside world. Speak to anyone studying EU law, and they'll understand...:P
bugmenotFeb 24th 2009 7:27PM
"It was made in the U.S. not Euro, played on the Discovery channels... you might not be so quick to kiss up to daddy MS if you know how he used dirty tactics to kill off the whole commercial browser market for its own selfish long-term commercial interests...
Good for the E.U. its doing the RIGHT thing here."
lol. selfish long term commercial interests eh? now why would those capitalist pigs want to make money? i mean no one starts a business to make money.
so when did Microsoft's OS block other browsers from being installed? i've never had a problem with it. this is like forcing a Christian heterosexual dating web service to provide matching services for homosexuals. crazy stuff. how bout i go to a vegan restaurant, and say "hey where's the beef? You guys are denying me services!!!"
cmsb55Feb 24th 2009 8:04PM
This is so ridiculous. These idiots need to realize that forcing Microsoft to install multiple browsers will establish a precedent that could later force them to install Explorer, Media Player, and Notepad programs as well, since there are many alternatives to those. The people who make Opera need to either live with the almost nonexistent market share that their browser has or get out of the business because they are never going to raise it by doing things like this. They need to make a browser that truly has advantages over the other, which in my opinion, Opera doesn't.
JamarFeb 25th 2009 10:06AM
Well, they do have a hit on their hands with Opera Mini. Better integration between Opera Mini and Opera desktop would be nice. For example, I don't like typing long URLs on a cellphone keypad. It would be nice if I could right-click a link in Opera desktop, say I want to download it to my phone, and have the download start next time I open Opera Mini.
MikeyFeb 24th 2009 10:28PM
This was originally not about Microsoft bundling IE, or any of its other software. Its the level of integration with the OS that is the problem. notepad and media player are not fundamentally part of the OS and can be uninstalled if you so desire, IE has its roots entwined deep inside Windows. Still, requiring them to distribute competitors software is deeply unfair. That said, IE is a shoddy browser and it will take years to undo the damage older versions have done to the web - pages bodged and tweaked to get them to display properly, because standards compliant pages got mauled by IE.
JamesFeb 24th 2009 10:28PM
These fucking retards are beyond parody. I couldn't make up a dumber ruling if I tried.
MalteserrFeb 24th 2009 10:28PM
I'm a European citizen and this is by far the most retarded thing they've done in a while... Well at least I hope they make Internet Explorer display links to competing browsers when you first install/start it, as opposed to installing half a dozen useless browsers.
Z MonsterFeb 24th 2009 10:28PM
So.... why not force Apple to do the same? Why not sue Apple for coming preloaded with iTunes? Why not force Linux build to come w/o Firefox? Why not force every OS to come with 5+ browsers? How about a prompt to install VLC or Winamp instead of WMP and iTunes?
Good too see that Europe is run by the same caliber of dumb politicians as the rest of the world. Everyone must have the right to be governed by idiots. Equality for all!
Mc.FishieFeb 25th 2009 3:15AM
The reason why the EU is doing this is because MS are monopolistic. When you install firefox on XP/Vista and set it as default, some MS apps still open IE, regardless. Messenger 8 is a prime example, install Firefox set as default and wow, clicking view emails bring up IE.....
Apple allow you to install other browsers and when its default, it's the only one used.
Linux as u said usually come with Firefox, but there is nothing stopping you from installing another one, and once again when its your default one its the only one used.
Thanks,
Luke
Z MonsterFeb 25th 2009 3:44PM
Couldn't Microsoft just require an IE component for some of its services? Some websites, like some MSN autos pages don't open correctly with Webkit-based browsers like Chrome. It would be quite annoying if this happens with a paid Microsoft service like Xbox Live. some sites open well
Like iPods require iTunes, or like some websites require Adobe Flash, or like Netflix streaming required IE?
Jash SayaniFeb 25th 2009 4:10AM
Most hilarious thing I've heard today!
Europeans are seriously dumb (No offense), I mean the EU. If they are so workless and want to die after browser wars, then they should stop using Windows and make their own crappy OS with whichever browser they want to get mad after...
I think MS should ban Windows in Europe and let them use what they want...
petertoshFeb 25th 2009 7:37AM
#7 bugmenot
"lol. selfish long term commercial interests eh? now why would those capitalist pigs want to make money? i mean no one starts a business to
make money."
Nothing wrong with making money but Microsoft is a CONVICTED monopolist who used UNFAIR and ILLEGAL tactics to drive other options/competitors out of the market and thus SCREWING YOU OVER.... I am sorry if you don't appreciate that.
"so when did Microsoft's OS block other browsers from being installed?"
They didn't. But they blocked me from uninstalling it and forced it on me for updates or when using the windows help system etc.
"i've never had a problem with it."
Well I have spent many years as a computer technicians in the field and I have seen hundreds of computers infected through IE. I mean litteraly in 30 second from first install and just enabling of the network, doing nothing else. IE is a liability for some.
#12 Z Monster
So.... why not force Apple to do the same?
Apple is not a convicted monopolist.
#14 Jash Sayani
"I think MS should ban Windows in Europe and let them use what they want..."
This would spell the end of Microsoft desktop dominance. This is very last thing that Microsoft would ever do. How would businesses in Asia/USA
share documents & photos with their EU offices or partners if this happened? Through new software, and file formats not owned by Microsoft. Think about it for a second....
Oh, and the EU has the largest GDP in the world so if Microsoft doesn't want to play by the their rules then they are welcome to leave that market. I am sure their shareholders would be ecstatic.
DeathSkullFeb 25th 2009 10:13AM
This is nothing more then a farce. Microsoft has not committed any antitrust violations with regards to browser being part of the OS. I think it is completely wrong of the Mozilla rep. that stated he whole heartily believes that Microsoft committed antitrust violations.For the Mozilla rep that made this comment it is quite obvious that they are doing it just to gain more market share (especially considering mozilla's browser is continually gaining market space on a daily basis).
Any person can easily download another browser if they feel like it. There is no reason to require Microsoft to have multiple browsers installed. If Microsoft is required then why not Apple or even to an extreme every Linux distro (and yes I know that Linux already has more then one on average). This whole idea is ridiculous and those responsible should be brought up on charges of abuse of power/illegal charges.
Anyone that thinks that antitrust violations should be made against Microsoft for the browser issue is a complete idiot and has no idea how technology much less OS's work. People need to get a life and get over it. I'm sure there are much more important things to do. How about going after Apple for not allowing installation on any other hardware other then there own. Apple may or may not be be able to apply antitrust laws against them but they definitely are violating anti-competition laws and quite blatantly for a matter of fact.