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LeePC users may be forced on choosing whether they want to use Internet Explorer or another web browser when they set up their machine according to a The Register article.
The order may be made by the European Commission. If this ruling passed, then OEMs will be required to install other browsers as well as Internet Explorer.
In January 2008, Opera alleged Microsoft of not following web protocols by tying IE to Windows.
Microsoft warned its shareholders that it may be hit with a “siginifant” fine by the Commission.
Source: The Register
I run Firefox, only using I.E. for that 2% of sites that were designed by bigots and assholes (I.E.. only) and for updates. This would be a non-issue if MS servicing (like Windows Updates) could be done through other than I.E. and without using ActiveX or .NET technology.
I do hope the EU gets this kind of legislation passed. It’s doubtful that doing so will make an iota of difference on MS’s home ground: the grand ol’ U.S. of A., the home of the ruling corporations and wanna-be free. :\
I agree IE should not be tied to windows like it is and would love for it to be removable. I do not want to have 2-4 browsers pre-installed making me need to delete 1-3 more things on a fresh install.
I think that option should be available. But i also dont want to have multiple browsers preloaded. If that were the case i could just download the browser and remove IE. i use google chrome and havent had a problem with it so far.
I would also like MS to disengage IE from Windows, but I don’t own MS and have no right to force them to design their product around my preferences. I like using FireFox, so I downloaded it. Big deal. Being free means letting other people be free too and not forcing them to conform to your ideals. That includes all the Microsoft boards and hordes. As long as they aren’t actively sabotaging their users and other companies, let them attach whatever boat anchors they want to their OS.
Yes Jay I agree. Windows is a Microsoft product. They have a right to install their browser with their product if they want. If you designed a product would you want government to tell you what you could include and not include in your product? Do you also think that car makers be forced to put other brands of radios in their cars? Why can’t I go to Burger King and order a Whopper and force them to sell me McDonald’s french fries? This jealousy and hatred towards successful companies is ridiculous. If I was in charge of Microsoft I would pull out of the EU completely. No more sales or services and let them fall apart.
I agree with Goldnsquid – why won’t we force Microsoft to remove mediaplayer, drivers for soundcart and e-mail support just because there are other companies developing same software.
Does microsoft block installing flock, firefox, chrome or opera? No! So what’s the problem?