Windows 7 will ship without Internet Explorer in Europe, in an effort by Microsoft to offer the product on time and without running afoul of competitive regulations in Europe, the company has announced.
Browser won't be included in European version
Microsoft on Thursday confirmed a Cnet story quoting from a memo that the software giant sent this week to PC makers.
The move stems from a complaint that web browser developer Opera filed with the European Commission last year saying that Microsoft gets an unfair advantage by tying IE with Windows. Mozilla has joined Opera in the suit. By shipping Windows 7 without the browser, Microsoft avoids potential requirements to delay shipment or other sanctions.
The memo says that Microsoft will offer the computer makers a way to add the browser onto computers before they are sold.
But it's unclear how people who are upgrading to Windows 7 will be able to get IE.
The EC's browser case follows a landmark antitrust ruling against Microsoft in 2004, resulting in fines of more than $1 billion. Part of that case dealt with the bundling, or tying, of Media Player to the Windows OS.
See also:
Comments
redstringuitar said: Oh stop whingingJust download and save a copy of the Firefox setup file to external or USB driveI run Windows 7 with IE8 disabled anyway so its all good as far as Im concerned
Joe said: I have used various browsers in the past but I have noticed over the years especially with Firefox that it has been getting slower and slower I personally feel IE is a lot faster I think it is unfair that Microsoft have to compromise their software just because some people want their open source software with lack of professional support on machines instead The average PC user couldnt care less what their browser is So it should be put on
Markybhoy said: It is NOT Microsoft to blame - it is people complaining about Microsoft to blame as Europe then panders to companies complaining Microsoft are too good at providing IEAs for folk who are moaning about not having IE with Windows 7 but use Firefox what are you complaining about if you dont want to use IE If Firefox is so good why do you need IE Personally I use IE and hate Firefox It is a pity IE is not with Windows 7 but I dont blame Microsoft
Squillary said: Windows Update hasnt used Internet Explorer since XP which will be 2 versions prior to Windows 7 That point isnt relevant Also the internet is not limited to the web so the lack of IE isnt critical But there must be a link either FTP or email to a selection of browsers from an independent source What who or where that independent source should be is the only question Id personally have That said Ive found Safari Chrome and Firefox to be finicky or completely inadequate browsers and I wouldnt have a moments hesitation in grabbing IE anyway Its all such a complete waste of timeId also be very interested to know precisely how much of the cost of the current Windows is made up of the recovery of fines and cost of detaching IE from the rest of the OS in the EU region
David said: You just have to wonder how much influence the EEU has had over the development of Operating Systems from Microsoft ever since the Anti Trust Case in 1998Just what features did Microsoft want to put in were rejected by the EEU on the basis of fair competitionRemember Gates did say at the time the court ruling would stifle innovation and that according to many it what it seems to have doneThis is just plain silliness from the EEU when you consider just how the Browser Market has changed over those 10 years Internet Explorer while still maintaining a healthy user base is at this lowest uptake in years Firefox has jumped dramatically at the expense of IE to around 30 add to this the rise of alternative operating systems has steadly risen as well and you begin to see just how stupid the EEC is starting to look
Skidz said: LOL
Arcless said: So you choose to download a browser that is not ie Currently only ie supports MS Updates with sufficient easy for most people to useWill MS make their auto Update system available to all browsers or will people have to download ie just to get this capabilityI honestly dont think that this has been properly thought through - or has it
grey george said: Most novice users will be left with no browser because they will not know how to get on line without explorer Why not just offer a list of browsers for people to choose from when they first set up their PC
Simon said: Great now its going to have to be a case of going to another PC downloading the installation files copying them over to some removable media and running it from the new PC Talk about hassle most people will install IE8 on their PC anyway I use Firefox but it doesnt do everything so its good to have it as backup
Forum Editor said: The worlds finally gone madNow someone who for instance builds a computer themselves and buys an OEM copy of Windows 7 is placed in the ludicrous position of being unable to go online because they dont have a browser As anskyber says it will be necessary to download a browser in advance and store it on a memory stick or suchlike Its a step backwards and all because of some silly Brussels bureaucrats pandering to the bleating of rival software companies If Opera and FireFox are worth having people will use them - its not necessary to penalise consumers
Paul said: I DO NOT WANT THISPlease sell the standard version or I will just download it instead
That is crap!! said: Why does Microsoft have to remove their browser when the Macs come with their browser
anskyber said: How will someone doing a clean install get a browser unless it is already downloaded and saved to an external device