Microsoft's decision last week to give Windows' users in Europe a so-called 'ballot screen' so they can decide which web browser they want to use, rather than being forced to use Internet Explorer, which previously came bundled with the OS, stunned tech fans across the world.
Although the move is a bid to settle the company's antitrust charges, which were brought by the EU in January this year, some likened it to waving the white flag. After all, a 'ballot screen' has been the commission's preferred strategy but Microsoft has regularly resisted, going so far as to dump Internet Explorer (IE) from its next operating system, Windows 7, in the hope that the sacrifice would appease regulators.
However, after what the commission called "extensive discussions", Microsoft caved yet again. But what does it mean for you? That's what we're here to answer.
Have your say: Vote in PC Advisor's MS Browser Ballot Screen Poll
What's Microsoft proposing exactly?
Microsoft has agreed to provide a ‘ballot screen' to EU customers that will offer links to downloads of rival browsers. EU antitrust regulators in the European Commission have been high on that idea for more than half a year now.
From the commission's point of view, Microsoft's bundling of Internet Explorer (IE) with Windows is an abuse of its dominant position in the operating system market.
Earlier this year, the commission said Microsoft "shields" IE from true competition, and wanted the company to make it easier for users - some of whom may not even realise that there are other browsers besides IE - to download alternatives like Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Opera and others.
How will it work?
If the commission accepts Microsoft's proposal, users who have IE as their default browser - that's the way virtually all new PCs are set - will see the ballot screen the first time they log on after the screen is distributed (more on that in a moment).
As envisioned by Microsoft, the ballot screen will list two links for each browser - one reading 'Install', the other 'Tell me more' - under a logo for each. The install link will take the user to "a vendor-managed distribution server, which, upon the user's confirmation, can directly download the installation package of the selected web browser", says Microsoft in its proposal.
The informational link will lead to the browser maker's site for more details about the application and other installation options.
How many browsers will be on the ballot?
Microsoft's proposal was unclear on that. At one point, it said five; at another, it said 10. But yesterday a source close to Microsoft said that the ballot screen would likely offer five browser options initially, and later expand the list to as many as 10.
The ballot will actually be a web page hosted by Microsoft, with the browsers in a horizontal line, with the placement left to right determined by usage share.
NEXT PAGE: Even more about the 'ballot screen'
Comments
Welshlion said: Sounds like a smart move by MS they can now bundle IE with Windows 7 surely it will be needed to make the optional downloads whilst satisfying the regulators by informing users of other browser optionsI wish someone would take the time to explain why its only MS thats having this problem as Linux operating systems come bundled with Firefox and as far as im aware Apple operating systems come bundled with Safari I havent heard of either offering a choice of browsers during the installation process
Brian (Dublin) said: Does this change mean Vista upgraders to Win 7 EU version 7E will now be able to follow an upgrade path on Oct 22 like the rest of the world or still have to do a clean reinstall thus having to spend many wasted hours reinstalling their applications over the new OS This has huge implications for small amp owner operated businesses amongst others
TonyC said: Nice to have the choice nothing against IE but I have been using Firefox for many years
seeyouentee said: Peter you can use IE plugins for windows update in FirefoxVery handy
Peter said: The fact is a lot of people who have never used another browser will just play safe and pick IE its probably what I would have done a few yrs ago before I discovered Firefox That said Ive nothing against IE8 and still use it occasionally if for no other reason than for the purpose of running a Microsoft update scan which you cant from Firefox
justabloke said: Wouldnt have hurt to put the much better IE based browser Slimbrowser on that list as well its what IE should be properly imowwwflashpeakcomsbrowser
richmeister4eva said: finally i can download a proper browser and get rid of the ugly slow incompetant browser that is ie the piece of crap browser could not distinguish viruses embedded in images from clean images
murphyman said: just another crazey eu scheme like the straight bananaif these browsers are any goodpeople will find them on their own i will be sticking to ie it has a lot going for it let these people in the eu focus on world hunger people who are displaced in the world then they might get some respect