Windows 7: Microsoft fined by European Commission over web browser

I think he is saying it is not easily removable and is pre-installed the same way some programs come bundled with others even though you don't want them. I don't think anyone wants to get a new computer without a web browser and have to manually download the browser through ftp: How To Download Firefox Without a Web Browser | Matt Silverman


that being said, IE can be either uninstalled or disabled in the Programs and Features. not sure which.

I should have the choice to install which ever browser I prefer. It is my right to screw up if I choose to do so. Is that a little more direct?

Thorensen, investigate and tell me how you can uninstall it.

I don't have my Windows 7 in front of me, but in XP, you go to Add/Remove Programs then Add/Remove Windows Components. Select IE and it will disable it or uninstall it. I am not sure of which. I have not done in some time....

But it looks like it's possible (sort of) in Windows 7:


Internet Explorer 9 - Uninstall

How do I remove Internet Explorer from Windows as a troubleshooting step?

Windows 7 Lets You Finally Uninstall Internet Explorer (Kinda)

Uninstall, Disable, or Delete Internet Explorer 8 from Windows 7

How to uninstall internet explorer in windows 7



Edit: just so we understand each other, I am not arguing a point. I understand where you are coming from and these steps, disable IE, but due to it being used in different aspects of the OS, it won't be "uninstalled".

You cannot uninstall the IE. It is an integral part of the system. The only way to get rid of it is to slipstream the installation disc. Now try this on Joe Public.

I think the reason is because you need the IE for certain system operations and MS did not implement the support using other browsers.

I agree kinda.

Sorta

Well they did implement the choice screen, but they mysteriously "forgot" that SP1 would break it.

I didn't agree with the original ruling, because I knew it wouldn't apply to any other companies.
These type of rulings in the US and Europe are always flawed, because they only apply to one company.
At the very least, it should apply to every commercial company in the same sector (e.g. Apple, Google and Red Hat).

When Intel did, what MS did (in the 90s) they should have been fined a lot more than MS, because Intel couldn't use the excuse that they didn't know it was "illegal".

Hi there
This is another one of those stupid EU regs -- Bashing Ms on this topic IMO doesn't warrant the waste of time and money the EU commission staff and their overpaid lawyers spend on this stuff.

There isn't anything to stop you installing whatever browser you want to. If people can't be bothered or are too lazy to find out if alternatives are available then that's THEIR problem.

Ms has NEVER SHUT people out of developing browsers if they want to. It's just sour grapes -- IMO look at Apple -- the EU has never had a go at them and they probably have the most proprietary and rigidly controlled OS on the planet -- they even had their own unique USB hardware connectors etc.

Anyway if I were Ms I just would have said -- I'm NOT PAYING so Go and make a sexual move with a duck --End of -- what would the EU have done --sent the Bailiff's in.

Cheers
jimbo

Any body has a choice on which browser or browsers they choose to use. It's never been hard to do. Market share shows that it done quiet often.

I Joe public can choose which browser he wants why can't Microsoft choose which browser to include or not include.

Budweiser doesn't sell a 6 pack with 4 Buds and 2 Millers so you or I could make a choice. We made our choice when we chose the 6 pack.

Ford doesn't make cars and give you a choice of engines from General Motors, Chrysler, Toyota. You made you choice when you chose a Ford car.

The E.U. is telling it's own citizens that they are not capable of making their own decisions on browsers without the governments help. That is a slap in the face of every citizen of the E.U. Next will be choosing toilet paper with the governments help only.
I think the citizens of the E.U. are fully capable of making such choices all by them self. Just like the rest of the world.

Non-mobile web browser statistics on Wikimedia




Chrome  
37.20%
Internet Explorer  
26.17%
Firefox  
23.18%
Safari  
6.79%
Opera  
3.72%
Others