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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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9

To Appease EU, Microsoft Offers Browser Choice With Windows 7

Company allows rivals, settles antitrust case

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(Newser) – Microsoft will offer a choice of web browsers to European users of the new Windows 7 operating system to avoid an antitrust fine, Bloomberg reports. “When you’re looking at ongoing fines in a downturn, it makes more sense to settle,” one analyst says. The EU says the software giant will ship Windows 7 with a “ballot screen” allowing users to choose a preferred browser at setup.

Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates.
Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates.   (AP Photo)
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, right, and Windows president Steven Sinofsky announce the anticipated release of Windows 7.
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, right, and Windows president Steven Sinofsky announce the anticipated release of Windows 7.   (AP Photo)
This is an image of a page on the Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 Web site.
This is an image of a page on the Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 Web site.   (AP Photo)
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Microsoft is basically capitulating. Microsoft was able to absorb fines and be more aggressive with their legal strategy when business was good, but when you’re looking at ongoing fines in a downturn ...
- Matt Rosoff, Directions on Microsoft

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9 comments
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TerrifiedCitizen
Jul 24, 09 2:23 PM CDT
It's interesting that the EU can so easily succeed where the US congress keeps accepting lobbying money to shelve the antitrust issues.. Reply
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+6
westonism
Jul 24, 09 2:56 PM CDT
Could someone tell me why people can't just download a different browser? I've used a bunch of other browsers, and have never had to spend a dime. If you need help deciding, ask a friend. If you can't find a friend look up my user-name on twitter or Facebook. There are dozens of free choices out there. Reply
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0
IN RESPONSE:
Yourself
Jul 24, 09 3:16 PM CDT
cause the average john doe isn't as computer literate. The average computer user only uses what is given to them, now they finally have an actual choice.
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+4
IN RESPONSE:
IndependentThinker
Jul 24, 09 4:57 PM CDT
You need a browser to get a browser... yes they CAN install another one but to do so you HAVE to install IE.
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IN RESPONSE:
Yourself
Jul 24, 09 5:42 PM CDT
independantthinker, no offense, but you're not thinking, let alone reading..."the software giant will ship Windows 7 with a “ballot screen” allowing users to choose a preferred browser at setup. " As in, there will be a small application that will run instead of a browser, giving you the choice of browser to use...
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