Microsoft bundling IE with windows deemed illegal by EU (IBM, Adobe agree)

[JunkfoodMan]

It's a way of reducing Microsoft's "monopoly" over the browser market share, as internet explorer still takes up 66% of the total share.

[Phopojijo]

I'm not really sure I understand what the problem is. I mean, it isn't as if people pay for browsers anyway :S? So what if it seems as though some people are being "tricked" into using IE or whatever.

"Back in the day" You used to have to go to the computer store and buy a browser disk... that's their plan.

[rossmum]

Probably their argument is that it must be installed on an Apple PC according to their EULA.

That and lets face it, Apple gets a free ride because they're "the underdog".

Good old double standards.

I seriously cannot believe they even considered doing this, let alone went ahead and said it. Surely someone there must have the common sense to realise just how idiotic they're being?

[Heathen]

Good. IE sucks.

[rossmum]

Doesn't make it any less stupid.

[thehoodedsmack]

I kinda like the idea of getting browsers via disk, though. Admittedly, a lot of people would simply pirate, but there's still a lot more computer illiterate people than we think. The tech industry might be able to do some good with that money. I wouldn't mind paying an extra $15-$20 fee with a new computer. What do you guys think? And I want you to give it at least some thought, and not dismiss it just because you're used to getting browsers for free.

[Phopojijo]

Yeah because Open Source browsers would really stand a chance there. Sure admittedly Mozilla would be popular enough to get a publisher/have enough money to self-publish... but lets say a new guy has a breakthrough browser... and lets say they want to charge for it...

Not enough money for a CD distribution?

Sucks to be you.

The only reason why we broke free of buying browser CDs was because AOL mailed versions to us and the other ISPs needed to compensate by giving disks of Netscape Navigator or whatever... then Microsoft jumped in with Internet Explorer.

[ThePlague]

The only reason why we broke free of buying browser CDs was because AOL mailed versions to us and the other ISPs needed to compensate by giving disks of Netscape Navigator or whatever... then Microsoft jumped in with Internet Explorer.

I remember back then, when internet speed didn't matter and browsing was never heard of being fast.

I like having IE installed, even though I just get on it to go download Firefox. It's a nice way of saying "have this browser, and here's the internet" and stuff.

[rossmum]

Exactly... it's hardly as if it blocks the Mozilla site and pops up with "DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DOWNLOAD ANOTHER BROWSER" all the time. If you don't want it, all you have to do is browse to the site for your browser of choice and download that. I see absolutely no need for any of this bullshit.

[p0lar_bear]

This makes me particularly angry because this is the same fucking bullshit that got the Address toolbar removed from the Taskbar in XP SP3.

What next, they gonna claim that Explorer (not INTERNET Explorer) is also illegal and evil and force everyone to revert to DOS?

e: I really don't see where they're pulling this out of their ass. Last I checked, bundling software was quite legal and a good business tactic.

Based on what I've seen in this thread, sounds like the Opera guy is getting angry that people are using stock software instead of his browser. Little tip there buddeh: try adding features to your browser that make people want to use it, mmk?