Microsoft to randomize browser ballot for EU

[Win7User512]

I don't know why MS doesn't just scrap this idea and simply present the user a prompt at first startup that states that they may choose a browser.

 

[Zidane24]

I don't know why MS doesn't just scrap this idea and simply present the user a prompt at first startup that states that they may choose a browser.

It is the only idea that the EU approved...all others (inlcuding yours) was scrapped

 

[Jonathan_King]

If a company makes a program, shouldn't they be allowed to put what they want on it? In effect, the EU is saying, "You can make the OS, but you've got to do it a certain way".

Here is a question: how does this apply to OEMs? Can they put their customized browsers on their machines before they sell them?

 

[severedsolo]

thats a good point... likewise, does this mean OEM's cant load their own branded bloatware onto it? or their own drivers? for instance, my gf bought a laptop with an intel chipset, however the intel website wont let her update the driver because its a "toshiba modifyed one" surely this falls into the same category?

 

[Lordbob75]

I have an awesome idea.
The EU will hate me for it, and so will MS.... For a while.
So will a lot of you however, just bear with me.... Scream at me later.

When this first happened, ok MS presents a reasonable response. But no, its not good enough. So why doesnt MS just revoke all further sales and support to the EU? Yeah, they would lose revenue, but the idea is to make a point. Remove support from the Government and big corps that need it there, and suddenly there is a problem. The EU will have to bend to get them to come back...

Ok after typing that it does not seem as cool as I thought it was when I thought of it. But it might be the kind of response to wake the EU up to their RETARDED law making!

~Lordbob

 

[severedsolo]

I have an awesome idea.
The EU will hate me for it, and so will MS.... For a while.
So will a lot of you however, just bear with me.... Scream at me later.

When this first happened, ok MS presents a reasonable response. But no, its not good enough. So why doesnt MS just revoke all further sales and support to the EU? Yeah, they would lose revenue, but the idea is to make a point. Remove support from the Government and big corps that need it there, and suddenly there is a problem. The EU will have to bend to get them to come back...

Ok after typing that it does not seem as cool as I thought it was when I thought of it. But it might be the kind of response to wake the EU up to their RETARDED law making!

~Lordbob

given the original response of Microsoft, which was to turn round and just say "fine, we're not giving you a browser," i much prefer the "ballot" option, but surely, it should only be on NEW installs? for that matter, how would one go about installing a browser without one preloaded? am i right in thinking this would be impossible without using someone elses pc?

 

[Lordbob75]

I have an awesome idea.
The EU will hate me for it, and so will MS.... For a while.
So will a lot of you however, just bear with me.... Scream at me later.

When this first happened, ok MS presents a reasonable response. But no, its not good enough. So why doesnt MS just revoke all further sales and support to the EU? Yeah, they would lose revenue, but the idea is to make a point. Remove support from the Government and big corps that need it there, and suddenly there is a problem. The EU will have to bend to get them to come back...

Ok after typing that it does not seem as cool as I thought it was when I thought of it. But it might be the kind of response to wake the EU up to their RETARDED law making!

~Lordbob

given the original response of Microsoft, which was to turn round and just say "fine, we're not giving you a browser," i much prefer the "ballot" option, but surely, it should only be on NEW installs? for that matter, how would one go about installing a browser without one preloaded? am i right in thinking this would be impossible without using someone elses pc?

Your right.

What I meant was a complete withdrawal. Just leave the EU. Completely. See how that feels.

~Lordbob

 

[severedsolo]

believe me, most of the UK would love to see that happen.... unfortunately our politicians seem to be in love with handing over our rights to Unelected officials....

but back to your original point, thats a terrible idea! why should we all suffer because some politicians have too much time on their hands and think up stupid laws?

 

[Barman58]

Dear Mr EU Commissioner

Can you make the browser ballot in Windows 7 Multiple Choice as I have all the possible browsers loaded on my machine at any time

 

[severedsolo]

Dear Mr EU Commissioner

Can you make the browser ballot in Windows 7 Multiple Choice as I have all the possible browsers loaded on my machine at any time

like it, still failing to see why those of us who have ALREADY bought our copy of Win 7 have to choose our browser again though. Fair enough for new installs. but it just seems pointless to me

 

[Barman58]

The download through WU was part of the agreement that Microsoft made with the EU commission.

If they (Microsoft), had waited until the browser ballot could be included into the install media they would have missed the October 22nd release date

It would also mean they would have to make a special install media just for those markets affected by the agreement, rather than the universal media they prefer to use.

What will be interesting is who will receive the Ballot update,

Will all users whose purchase was made in the EU receive it - even those who are no longer located in the EU boundary, or will everyone in the EU market receive it even if they purchased outside the EU.

What I will be interested in is what information Microsoft has to decide the distribution

 

[severedsolo]

What will be interesting is who will receive the Ballot update,

Will all users whose purchase was made in the EU receive it - even those who are no longer located in the EU boundary, or will everyone in the EU market receive it even if they purchased outside the EU.

What I will be interested in is what information Microsoft has to decide the distribution

well as you say, the Installation media is universal, therefore i can only assume that anybody requesting updates from an EU registered IP address will recieve the ballot

 

[Zidane24]

The download through WU was part of the agreement that Microsoft made with the EU commission.

If they (Microsoft), had waited until the browser ballot could be included into the install media they would have missed the October 22nd release date

It would also mean they would have to make a special install media just for those markets affected by the agreement, rather than the universal media they prefer to use.

What will be interesting is who will receive the Ballot update,

Will all users whose purchase was made in the EU receive it - even those who are no longer located in the EU boundary, or will everyone in the EU market receive it even if they purchased outside the EU.

What I will be interested in is what information Microsoft has to decide the distribution

I believe that I read that the update will be distributed to anyone who has a Windows machine that is globablly yet in a European Union controlled area...

They apply this same method to control Windows 7 Starter and Windows 7 Basic...you can't activate either of these two unless you are in a specfic country

 

[Barman58]

The download through WU was part of the agreement that Microsoft made with the EU commission.

If they (Microsoft), had waited until the browser ballot could be included into the install media they would have missed the October 22nd release date

It would also mean they would have to make a special install media just for those markets affected by the agreement, rather than the universal media they prefer to use.

What will be interesting is who will receive the Ballot update,

Will all users whose purchase was made in the EU receive it - even those who are no longer located in the EU boundary, or will everyone in the EU market receive it even if they purchased outside the EU.

What I will be interested in is what information Microsoft has to decide the distribution

I believe that I read that the update will be distributed to anyone who has a Windows machine that is globablly yet in a European Union controlled area...

They apply this same method to control Windows 7 Starter and Windows 7 Basic...you can't activate either of these two unless you are in a specfic country

Hi Z

What I'm interested in is what will happen to someone in the UK who uses a US based proxy - or the case where the copy of the software is of US origin but is in use in Germany.

If Microsoft use IP location then the 1st case would not get the update but the second would.

if there is anything different with the actual distribution then Microsoft would have to be using other data from somewhere else

 

[severedsolo]

ahhh.. you mean you want to see exactly what out pc's tell MS about us.... good point actually, ill be interested to see too, my guess would be, if it isnt IP based, Windows will tell MS what we put as our country on the installation screen, and that will be the basis of the ballot,

i really hope my 2nd idea isnt the case, i think id have to leave windows for fear of what else is being sent home about me.....

 

[ratePV]

I actually said that it should be randomized abt a month ago:sarc:

Is MS spying this forum?

 

[Joan Archer]

I suppose we'll all have to, as they say, wait and see

 

[Zidane24]

The download through WU was part of the agreement that Microsoft made with the EU commission.

If they (Microsoft), had waited until the browser ballot could be included into the install media they would have missed the October 22nd release date

It would also mean they would have to make a special install media just for those markets affected by the agreement, rather than the universal media they prefer to use.

What will be interesting is who will receive the Ballot update,

Will all users whose purchase was made in the EU receive it - even those who are no longer located in the EU boundary, or will everyone in the EU market receive it even if they purchased outside the EU.

What I will be interested in is what information Microsoft has to decide the distribution

I believe that I read that the update will be distributed to anyone who has a Windows machine that is globablly yet in a European Union controlled area...

They apply this same method to control Windows 7 Starter and Windows 7 Basic...you can't activate either of these two unless you are in a specfic country

Hi Z

What I'm interested in is what will happen to someone in the UK who uses a US based proxy - or the case where the copy of the software is of US origin but is in use in Germany.

If Microsoft use IP location then the 1st case would not get the update but the second would.

if there is anything different with the actual distribution then Microsoft would have to be using other data from somewhere else

Hm...I see your wondering of what information they keep of us. It is a little spooky considering we aren't even sure...here is my theory

On the day that the update gets sent to WU, most Windows machines are set to automatically download updates and will recieve the data for it. The update will check to see what region the machine is set to and apply the update to any machine that is set in an EU area. This would also catch recent travelers who let an EU country for another...most would not have changed their global settings (or even know how to). This method would be as good as an IP lookup or better and they wouldn't have to collect more infomation than they need (even though they probably have...)

Just my two cents

 

[Lordbob75]

Is MS spying this forum?

They are. Haven't you met the Windows Outreach guys? (OK, guy and girl I believe).

~Lordbob

 

[Gornot]

In the end, there is always a solution...
Windows Update -> 1 Important/Optional Update available -> (uncheck) Browser Ballot-> Hide Update -> OK.
Then I will call my lawyer and beat the crap out of the EU XD j/k