IT and society: Microsoft offers web browsers choice to EU Windows users

After reaching an ambiguous agreement with the European Commission on Windows alternative browsers, Microsoft reported that a special version of Windows with a post installation choice option would be mounted for users in Europe from March, 1.

The last year the European Commission accused Microsoft of foisting Internet Explorer browser upon Windows users, causing losses to other competitive browsers. What is wore, Windows was blamed for the structure of Windows biased towards Internet Explorer browser, as it was closely integrated with an operational system and it was practically impossible to turn it down. Initially Microsoft offered to mount Windows without any browsers at all, but that very plan didn’t meet the requirements of the European Commission authorities. Finally, they agreed to offer web browsers choice to end users.

From March, 1 Windows 7 users in Europe will be presented with a ballot screen with five choices, as part of a Windows Update. These will be Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Internet Explorer and Opera. The program will provide a random selection of browsers. What is more, all the users will have an opportunity to install all five browsers.

From March, 1 Windows Update will run as a compulsory package for users of the European Union. Original equipment manufacturers are now to provide new computers with a choice option. Thus it will be up to users to make a decision.