We don't know exactly when Windows 7 will hit the streets yet, but we do know this weekend that Microsoft will respond to criticism of its shoehorning Internet Explorer into every PC by allowing users to effectively switch it off.
IE8 joins the list of other, lesser programs that Microsoft has allowed users to dump since Windows Vista came out. Windows Media Player is also on the list published by the company on Friday.
Choice and balance
Microsoft's Jack Mayo explained: "We want to provide choice while also making sure we do not compromise on compatibility... We also want to strike the right balance for consumers."
The inclusion of IE8 on the exclude list will lead to inevitable claims that Microsoft is resigned to other browsers, such as Firefox or Chrome, eating into its market share.
Antitrust claims
Although formal and informal accusations of being anti-competitive have long dogged Microsoft, it now seems inevitable that it will have to bow to the will of the masses and open up a little.
Your comments (2) Click to add a new comment
amit290
March 8th 2009
2. Great idea, and one that should probably have been included in Vista. Might keep the the anti Microsoft taliban quiet for a bit now and can finally see if people really want 'choice' or just something that works out of the box.
Alert a moderator
louis058
March 8th 2009
1. what's the point of getting rid of IE8? it takes up so little space, you could easily set the default browser to a different one, removing it would just be a waste of time
Alert a moderator
Tell us what you think
You need to Log in or register to post comments