Microsoft Adds Browser Ballot Screen To Comply With EU Antitrust Policies [Browser Ballots To Offer Browser Options To EU Windows Users From March 1st]

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As part of a plea bargain with the EU government, Microsoft has added a new range of browser options to Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7.  Starting March 1st, a “browser ballot” will appear, giving users a choice between 12 common web browsers including Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer and more.

Current and future users of the recent Microsoft Windows operating systems will be shown the prompt starting on March 1st.  When a new retail copy of Microsoft Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 is sold, new users will also be prompted to select their browser of choice.  Each browser will be given a description and a download link, and their placement in Microsoft’s ballot box will be randomized so as to avoid giving preference to any one browser, especially Microsoft’s Internet Explorer.

The use of the web browser ballot box is part of a plea bargain with the EU government, as the practice of force-feeding users the Internet Explorer web browser is considered an anti-competitive practice.  This writer would like to see this practice adopted in the US as well, as fair competition between browsers could breed new innovation in the web browsing experience… not to mention my general distaste for Internet Explorer.