Windows 7 users will have choice of browserEuropean Commission approves Microsoft plans
08 October 2009
The European Union has backed Microsoft’s proposals to offer people a choice of browsers within its upcoming Windows 7 operating system.
Windows 7 will feature a ballot screen that will allow consumers to choose from browsers including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Apple Safari and choose these as there default browser.
Previous versions of Windows came with Microsoft’s Internet Explorer as the default browser.
'The Commission welcomes Microsoft's proposal as it has the potential to give European consumers real choice over how they access and use the internet,' said a statement by the European Commission.
Microsoft ends 'browser monopoly'
Microsoft has made improvements to its proposal since July to help consumers to make an informed choice of browser.
Consumers will see an initial screen explaining what web browser are as well as a series of ‘Tell me more’ buttons for each browser to learn more about the web browser they want to install.
The browser screen won’t be available in versions of Windows 7 when it goes on sale on October 22 but will be rolled out through an update.
Microsoft’s proposals are a response to European concerns that Microsoft had abused its dominant position in the market for client PC operating systems through the tying of Internet Explorer to Windows.
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