Microsoft to offer its millions of users a 12 browsers alternative
March 1, 2010
Due to a deal with the European Commission, Microsoft is in position to ask its users if they wish to use a different browser, other than Internet Explorer.
Following a trial in which Microsoft was blamed for taking advantage of its market position not giving Windows’ users the option to choose a browser on their will, this agreement is set to solve those issues once and forever.
People using Internet Explorer must expect a pop-un window that prompts them whether they will choose from a 12 browsers’ list or they will stick with using Microsoft’s browser. This browser choice will be delivered as a component of the Windows Update system only to IE users, while people using Firefox, Chrome or Safari will not be asked to make this choice. However, if Automatic Updates are turned off this service will be available only if requested by users through Windows Update website’s “Check For Updates” service.
Once downloaded, this software announces users to ensure they are connected to the Internet and they will have to take a decision – “An important choice to make: your browser”. A 12 browsers list will be available for download: Opera, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer and other seven less known in browsers’ market: Sleipnir, Green Browser, Maxthon, Avant, Flock, K-meleon and Slim. Each browser will be accompanied with an information button and an install one. On the other hand, a user may ignore the prompted window and decide on for choosing another browser later, but the screen for selecting their future browser will keep pop-up until the user makes a choice.
Approximate figures say that Internet Explorer is used by half of the Internet users, more exactly IE holds a 62% market share, followed by its rival Firefox with 24%.(source: Net Applications ), therefore some effects are to be expected in the next weeks, whether people will switch in massive numbers to other browsers or they will stick to using Internet Explorer as they used to.
Windows 7 pre-order in UK almost sold out on day one
July 15, 2009
Reaction of British users to Microsoft new operating system Windows 7 seem to be far more enthusiastic than the way Window Vista was received. Windows 7 which was made available in the UK today via pre-order service at selected outlets was almost sold out within the first 8 hours users can pre-order the OS.
Amazon.co.uk one of the retailers offering Windows 7 pre-order service said that sales of Windows 7 in the first eight hours it was available outstripped those of Windows Vista’s entire 17 week pre-order period. Customer can keep placing orders for the pre-ordered copy till 9 August, it will be sent out to customers on the 22nd of October, the same day as it goes on sale in stores.
Windows 7 is much cheaper than Vista and almost all previous version of Windows operating system at £50 for the home version, while the professional version costs around £100.
The limited number of pre-ordered copies will be shipped on 22 October, the same day it goes on sale in stores.
Pre-orders are available from a number of retailers, with the period ending on 9 August.
195 Billion Pounds more in Microsoft kitty
Analysts IDC predict that about 177 million copies of Windows 7 will be sold by the end of 2010 world wide. 50 million of this will be sold in Europe. The firm estimates that products and services surrounding Windows 7 will generate $320bn (£195bn).
No upgrade from previous Windows OS
One of the downside of Windows 7 is the fact that it has to be installed on a clean PC, you cannot upgrade from previous versions of Windows OS to Windows 7, you will have to first uninstall previous OS and then install Windows 7.
The version of Windows 7 sold in Europe will not be bundled with Internet Explorer because of EU anti-trust laws against Microsoft.
You can discuss Windows 7 and other computer and software related issues at UK Webmaster Forum.
