If that is the case, then MS might as well ditch their plans for unbundling IE from W7 and include it anyway. I really don't see what all the fuss is about from the EU - as I have stated here Windows 7 to be shipped in Europe sans IE. IE may well be included in the OS, but you are under no obligation to use it.

That's one way for Opera to win users

Dwarf said:

. IE may well be included in the OS, but you are under no obligation to use it.

Unfortunately this sort of law is to 'protect' the mums and dads users who don't even realise there is a viable alternative to Internet explorer. (never mind protecting marketshare for rival companies)

Hell, some of these folks think 'Windows" is the internet....

Hey all.

What does FFS stand for....?
I know EU though.

My opinion on this...............
Its tough. Its not really fair to force something like this on an OS, especially because it IS a competitor (even if Opera isn't used by many. Perhaps they are doing this to boost their usage?)

How I think it should happen:
On OEM copies (as in you buy the OS from a store, not pre-installed) they should give an option to install the browser of your choice. This list would include FF, IE, Chrome, Opera, Safari, etc. Make them check boxes so you can install multiple ones. Also perhaps include a preview of what the browser looks like as well.
Even with this, I bet most people would still choose IE simply because it is the only one they know. Hell, M$ could even set it as a default install if they want, as long as the option is there.

On copies that are pre-installed on a PB computer (ew....) there could be the option on first start-up (with the setup files already on the computer I guess. The only thing with this is that the install files for all of the browsers will still be on there....) to select which browser you would like. Same type of menu, with a preview and everything.

Perhaps it will work, perhaps not. It doesn't bother me, because I just install FF first thing anyways.

~Lordbob

From the horses mouth - official Microsoft Statement

Working to Fulfill our Legal Obligations in Europe for Windows 7 - Microsoft On The Issues

UPDATE: June 11, 2009 – 5:30 p.m. Pacific
Posted by Dave Heiner
Vice President and Deputy General Counsel


Earlier today CNET reported that Microsoft had sent a memo to computer manufacturers and retailers about our plans for Windows 7 in Europe. We’re getting quite a few calls on this, so we thought it would be helpful to explain our plans.
First, a little context. For the past three years Microsoft has been working to develop the next version of our Windows operating system, Windows 7. We’ve taken feedback from literally millions of beta customers to ensure that Windows 7 delivers the power, simplicity and ease-of-use that customers want. We’ve also worked hard to ensure that Windows 7 will promote choice and competition in the computer industry, in keeping with our Windows Principles. We’ve held hands-on workshops with hundreds of industry partners to ensure they have the information they need to build products that work well with Windows 7. Customers running Windows 7 will be able to choose compatible products from among literally thousands of computer manufacturers, peripheral manufacturers, and software vendors.
The worldwide launch of Windows 7 is fast approaching, but a pending legal case raises concerns about the sufficiency of competition among the Web browsers that are available to Windows users in Europe. In January the European Commission provided its preliminary view that Microsoft’s “bundling” of Internet Explorer in Windows violated European competition law.

This update contains a history of Microsoft's fun and games with anti-trust

In late 2007 a European browser vendor filed a complaint with the Commission arguing that the reasoning of the WMP case should be applied to Web browsing software as well. We disagreed, but concluded that the most prudent course was to try to address any concerns before releasing Windows 7. Therefore, in September 2008, we told computer manufacturers that we would offer Windows 7 in Europe in two versions, following the approach of the Commission’s 2004 decision: one version with all features included and another version without certain programs (Internet Explorer 8 and WMP). Computer manufacturers could choose either version.
In January 2009 the Commission sent Microsoft a “Statement of Objections.” In it the Commission advised Microsoft of its preliminary view that the inclusion of Web browsing software in Windows violates European competition law. The Commission said in this document that it intends to impose a fine for this. The Commission also said that, with hindsight, the remedy adopted in its 2004 decision was not effective because there was very limited consumer demand for the versions of Windows without media player. We were, of course, disappointed to learn that the approach we took in September 2008 would not adequately address the Commission’s concerns.

So basically, all M$ is doing is offering the COMPUTER MANUFACTURERS the option of buying the pre-installed Browser (and WMP) or having to ADD THEIR OWN. That means that most companies will just buy the pre-installed version so they do not have to spend all that extra time installing their own.

~Lordbob

Lordbob75 said:

Hey all.

What does FFS stand for....?

Frightened Friars Sing

Fat Families Snuggle

Forgotten Fingers Society

Feeling Flippant Sir

Fap Fap Sore

For F**ks Sake

Farmers Fancy Sows

Fighting Fraudulent Suits

Fat Franks Shadow

*Hint: It's one of the above