Or windows will not operate correctly.

On my latest update, all other downloads were hidden till I loaded IE-8

There is no choice any more, I get the feeling that M$ are saying "You want to use our O$, then you must load everything we tell you to load.

Good on the EU and Germany for separating the browser from the OS.
With M$ policies I feel that they are digging a hole for me that one day I wont be able to get out of.

"In fact there are now Americam companies that just do not plan on marketing their products into the upcomming islamic social states of Europe."

Hahaha, your the dumbest I've ever seen comment on an INQ article and that's saying something.

Actually most trends are for American companies adopting EU practices in business becuase if they don't they won't be able to sell their products here.

For example, I wonder how many European cars (fuel efficient, low emissions and made to stringent safety regulations) are sold in America compared to American cars (gas guzzling, high emissions, "can't have the Government dictacting safety standards, that's Socialism") are sold in the EU?

For all those that don't understand what is going on, it's about freedom to chose from the start, not to be imposed something then change it later. And the EU asked MS to think a solution, for WIN7, where the buyer would install his choice of browser at the install stage. MS is just bad with competition and decided to eliminate IE. The good point for the EU is that this will result in another fine from the EU. More money for us.

This entire EU thing is rediculous, I mean really.

I dont see KDE and Gnome jumping up and down cos windows has its own desktop, its beyond stupid. If MS want to include the browser they make FOR FREE then why the hell not?

Anyone who compains that it takes up precious HDD space is an idiot and should check how cheap 1 terabyte drives are even becoming (I'm a student and my computer has 2 x 1.5tb).

It doesnt take up resources when its not running, you can easily change the default and get rid of the icon when you install firefox (which I did for ages). The only thing left that used it at all was windows update, and tbh who gives a crap?

MS Made the operating system let them do what they want with it

Perhaps people will start exploring the (free) alternatives to Microsoft.
Its not hard.

The solution to the need for those who need a preinstalled browser is for the vendor to ofter a selection of optional components.

These would include a selection of the most commonly used MS extras & 3rd party apps. Microsoft should welcome this EU order and extend it to their other markets.

Why? Simple ... They sell a Plus Pack that includes IE, WMP and other selected MS "bonus" programs. Price it at US$20-US$30 MSRP and instantly they generate revenue in addition to the OS. Just as they now do with MS Office and other de facto standard programs.

This change will allow power users to customize their program selections and non-geeks can just the box checked that says "Pre-install recommended extras +$30" :)

I just use portable Apps on a Flash Drive.
http://portableapps.com/
Anything else just shows you, don't
have a clue.

No IE! How on earth are we expected to download Firefox if the OS has no IE? I wonder what percentage of new PC users download Firefox (or Chrome) as one of their first few uses for IE.

Perhaps the EU should fine MS again for not allowing users to download Firefox now that their OS has no browser.

Safari, Firefox, Konquerer, Chrome, who really needs IE anyway, its junk. Most of the people I know use alternate browsers, and the ones who don't have IQ's equivalent to Forrest Gump on ethanol.

You haven't actually tried that in Windows 7, have you?

If you remove IE, open My Computer and type in a web address then you either get an error or your default browser launches.

MS should have done this ages ago. Its the first step in curing their megalomanic delusion that because we pay them to use their operating system, they can do what they like with our PC.

Shoe is on other foot mate, dogs and tails, wagging etc you know what I mean! He-she-it what pays the piper, calls the tune.

Its not just legal wangling, its common sense and decency. They have been crossing that boundary for years and now they can bloomin'well get back in their box, do it nicely and be happy about it!

Cute and cuddly boys, cute and cuddly...

Gee, more work for the OEMs having to make custom installations of Win7 for EU users so they won't have have to install a browser from CD. The EC is 8 years too late and too lame. Enjoy your Windows 7 F-EU edition.

Not sure why do you hate the EU. Maybe you are some kind of religious red neck, but anyway. I don't get that "Servs the EU right" thing. Having windows without a browser is actually a blessing... but anyway. Everyone interprets things in their own way...

That article you refere to is for OEM editions

which in my mind is fine, you buy OEM at a reduced rate because it is supposed to ship only with a computer or computer parts.

If you change the parts then its no longer what you originaly paid for, if you think your going to be buying upgraded components the to what the rest of us do and buy the retail versions where you will not be restricted.

This restriction was also within Vista.

No its like buying a car with no petrol in it, or without a battery. Yes they are simply just down the road, but its a bit of a pain isnt it, you would be peed off just as anyone else would be, then once you get to the petrol station you can buy your super unleaded or stick with the regular unleaded YOUR choice, you just dont use the otherone.

Cars and trucks seldom come with floor mats. Duuuhhhh, you have to get your own. I wish I could get Windows with no browser and no Windows Media Player. Damn, a "clean" version like that would be welcomed. That way I could have Firefox and VLC media player and not have to contend with the MS crapware.

But apparently there are some people just too frakking stooopid to know how to get either.

Yeah I know...how do you surf initially with no browser. Very minor inconvenience.

Shame on you Microsoft you should atleast offer Internet Explorer 7 and Netscape Navigator

As usual the E U tries to squeeze anyrhing they can get out of successful American companies. I do not blame MS. In fact there are now Americam companies that just do not plan on marketing their products into the upcomming islamic social states of Europe.

You don't get to install whole lotta upgrades on your Machine. Once & thats IT. if you lose partition & you will, thats it. DONE. Fini. NO MOre. Have to BUY 7 Software after ONE Install, ?then buy it again & again & again &....Remeber upgrade won't allow 'puter aNY Upgrade....So Go Figure.Its NO BRAINER on Yesterdays Platform. Heck theres
NO Guarentee of Drivers, Software Nor Even Feassibility. Just Click"Help Microsft Take Your Money".Ka Bam, Partition Over.
Program Rules Are Here:

http://www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=609!

vondrashek

I have Mozilla on a flash drive to load on any machine i want whats the problem with loading IE on a flash and installing it on any machine

Right, firstly the EU did tell MS to remove the browser, why? Opera is why god knows how many under the table deals were made on this one but now they have got their own way and STILL its not enough.

What they actually want is MS to provide the option to install one of several browsers, well it would need to be every browser on the planet because if one gets left out then law suits will probably follow from those not included. Now here is the problem with this, and ill make it real simple for those with anti-Microsoft feelings.

MS is in no way responsible for anything 3rd party programers make, they can not and should not be held to account if it doesnt work, or worse still, some browser royaly screws the OS its self, the issue is most people on this world would see such an issue as an MS issue. Not a problem because some nit wit eating pizza in a dark room cant program right, who do you think will get the tech support call?

SO Well done microsoft, i will of course be buying my copy states side, which will also have the advantage of shafting the EU in tax revenue.

To be honest, I wish there was an IE-less and a WMP-less version here in the states.

it makes no difference. open up "my computer" type in a web address, and download all you want. this works even if you "uninstall" IE. the browser is hardwired into the os. IE just has a few extra bells and whistles. to say they aren't giving you a browser is disingenuous and patently false.

To be honest, I wish there was an IE-less and a WMP-less version here in the states.

I remember when Novatech were nothing more than a small upstairs office in a small block on an industrial estate in good ole Pompey. Come along a bit since then, now they're being written about on The Inq!

"Microsoft is apparently behaving just like a sulky child about the EU Commission's decision"

Keep telling yourself that but the EU is getting its just deserts. The EU cried, complained, and eventually fined Microsoft into making this decision.

UE never asked Microsoft to banish it's browser from Windows. It was MS decision.

Blame your stupid EU for this mess. NO it is NOT Microsoft's fault that a browser in not included. Wake up and smell the silicon...