Microsoft will randomise the choice of browsers offered when installing Windows
Microsoft agrees to randomise browser choices
/v3-uk/news/1983413/microsoft-agrees-randomise-browser-choices
05 Dec 2009, Shaun Nichols , V3
Microsoft has reportedly introduced a plan to shuffle browser ballot choices as part of its ongoing legal negotiations with the European Union (EU).
Reports from Bloomberg and The New York Times cited internal sources in reporting that the company will randomise the choice of browsers offered when installing an operating system.
Such a system would put all of the suggested browser choices on an equal footing, and prevent Microsoft from being accused of favouring its own browser when offering customers the choice of what they use to surf the web.
The ordering issue had been a point of contention with critics of Microsoft's deal with the EU. Some had argued that by setting up the order to put Internet Explorer (IE) first on the list, or by burying competitors at the bottom of the order, Microsoft could continue to manipulate the market.
Microsoft has been working with the EU to finalise a deal and put a formal end to its anti-trust wrangling in Europe over the inclusion of IE with Windows.
Microsoft has been accused since the mid-1990s of illegally undermining its competitors in the browser market by bundling IE as a free component within Windows. The issue was central to the landmark anti-trust decision against Microsoft.
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Do you agree?
Browser
I want my new Chevy to have a choice of engines from different companies, Toyota, Ford, ect.
Posted by Ray, 06 Dec 2009
Silly Thing
This is the silliest thing I have ever heard. Who are these Microsoft critics, 40 years old frustated virgins or bloody 3 years old kids. If I ever come in front of someone with such a stupid demand, I'l spit on his face.
Posted by Maxi, 06 Dec 2009
Lollypops!
Couldn't agree with Maxi more. It's a flamming BROWSER we are talking about here. What will they want next - free bag of sweets with each of the other browsers and none with IE?
Posted by Gareth, 07 Dec 2009
Boycott Opera
I think everyone should boycott Opera in favour of any of the other browsers. Opera is the company responsible for this last ridiculous complaint, so I think they should pay for it by reduced market share!
I definately won't be using Opera and will make sure that none of my software supports it. :)
Posted by amw, 07 Dec 2009
WIN 7 No choice given
I upgraded Vista to win 7
it removed my default choice of Firefox and installed IE8
I simply found the Firefox.exe file, (still there, just hidden from view) made a shortcut and have never seen IE8 or want to.
I wasn't offered any choice on installation.
It's not rocket-science; but for the average punter - it might as well be, they simply have no idea how to do this.
A choice would at least be cricket chaps!!!
Chris
Posted by chris wheatley, 09 Dec 2009
Freedom!
At the end of the day even if IE is pre-loaded on nobody has a gun to your head to use it! Opera is rubbish anyway and generally there is no technical support provided by the major websites as only people who think they know what they are doing use it!
Posted by Dave, 10 Dec 2009