Internet Explorer users will from today be given the choice of which browser they want to surf the web with.
Microsoft will distribute its browser choice software will via its Windows Update system, which is used to distribute security patches, to Windows 7, Vista and XP users that have IE as their default browser and have Windows automatic updates turned on.
However, those already using a browser other than IE, such Google's Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Apple Safari, will not be offered the software.
The 'web browser' choice screen' is part of a proposal by the software developer to help settle the EU's antitrust investigation, which was sparked by a complaint filed by Norwegian browser developer Opera in December 2007.
The browser choice software asks users to ensure they have an internet connection in place and then offers them 12 different browsers, along with more information on each and an install button.
As well as Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer and Opera, web users will also be offered less well-known browsers such as Sleipnir, Green Browser, Maxthon, Avant, Flock, K-meleon and Slim.
All of the browsers are presented in a random order, in keeping with the company's agreement with the European Commission.
Web users can choose to postpone selecting a browser. In this case a shortcut will appear on the desktop to allow them to make their choice when convenient for them.
See also: EU approves Microsoft ballot screen
Comments
DS said: Helen you can just roll back your system to before the update
Dave Street said: Total confusion No prior warning it was coming and no originator identified on the initial message I thought it was a virus hit at first What ever the argument between the EU amp Microsoft this has been badly handled My reaction is how dare the EU insist that MS make changes to my system without prior warning IE icon unpinned from the task bar and a new icon added to the desktop What next from big brother in Brussels Better disconnect that web cam
ChristianC said: 36 of web users are using IE6 well what makes you think they will use any other browser with this update They have to use windows update to get this or have automatic downloads setup its likely they dont hence they are still on IE6 as Windows updates has had IE7 and IE8 on windows updates for quite some time now
johnA said: Dont kid yourselfno browsers are secure once they are popular enough the malware writers will find things to attack in the most popular browser
jon said: The EU told MS they had to give European users the choice of browsers they did not ask MS to irritate everyone with an annoying-type update this is just MS childish form of compliance They probably went upstairs and slammed their bedroom door after they sent the update
Simon said: Given 36 of users of our website are still using IE6 then yes users not just in Europe are that thick that theyll use a slow insecure browser because it is there over a faster secure one that they have to install On the other-hand none of these users are likely to see the browser switch screen
cdb said: Is Europe that thick that they dont realise we already have the choice to changechoose browsers and weve had it for years
Helen said: Web users can choose to postpone selecting a browser In this case a shortcut will appear on the desktop to allow them to make their choice when convenient for themWhat if I am happy with the broswer I have IE 8 I do not want to change it and I do not see the point in clicking to install IE 8 again just to get rid of this program Maybe they should have thought of a button if we are happy with our one choice Seriously does anyone know how I can get rid of this Broswer Choice program
Helen said: Web users can choose to postpone selecting a browser In this case a shortcut will appear on the desktop to allow them to make their choice when convenient for themWhat if I am happy with the broswer I have IE 8 I do not want to change it and I do not see the point in clicking to install IE 8 again just to get rid of this program Maybe they should have thought of a button if we are happy with our one choice Seriously does anyone know how I can get rid of this Broswer Choice program
Skidz said: Plus turn off auto update I have had mine off for over 4 years in fear of guff MS try to install which you dont even need Leaving auto on is asking for trouble
Skidz said: I just selected never show this update again No point in it Whatever next
Squillary said: Ive received this on a couple of machines already The implementation is bizarre It comes up at every boot whether its been used or not and none of the links reach any site for any product I have no idea what its trying to tell me apart from uninstall it and hide all updates to any new version Thanks to the EU for this complete waste of time and effort
DavidC said: However those already using a browser other than IE such Googles Chrome Mozilla Firefox or Apple Safari will not be offered the softwareThat doesnt seem to be correct Im running Windows 7 and use Firefox and Opera as my browsers yet Windows Update has been offering to download the choice update for almost a week now I have no intention of accepting the offerI agree with MalcolmF about banks making their sites compliant with other browsersI used Firefox 35 with my banks site and all was OK When I upgraded to 36 the site will no longer let me access my account I use User Agent Switcher Add-on in FF to get round the problem But the bank has a notice on its site advising that only the latest releases of browsers should be used and even gives a link to download FF 36
MalcolmF said: Ensure sure you have an internet connection in place How did the message get there in the first placePerhaps the EU commission would have spent its time better persuading organisations such as banks to make their web appearances more compiant with other browsers Or directing browser originators that the use of common standards is not such a bad idea Of course that might have REALLY upset whoever i was that was responsible for IE