June 1st, 2009
Microsoft’s plans for Windows 7 to allow users to disable Internet Explorer don’t go far enough, the EU is thinking. CRN reports that the Wall Street Journal reports that the EU wants to force Microsoft to bundle other browsers - I’m thinking Opera and Firefox - with Windows. A startup screen would ask users which browser they want to be their default.
The story said the EU may require Microsoft to offer a so-called ballot screen that would give new computer users a choice of browsers and the ability to designate one as the default browser. It may also demand that Microsoft contractually require computer manufacturers to keep the ballot screen on the systems they ship.
My guess is Microsoft doesn’t go along with this plan and another brutal new season of EU-Microsoft litigation unfolds.
Source: zdnet
