When Microsoft's new operating system Windows 7 launches on October 22 there will not only be a set of different versions but there will also be local differences within versions. After being fined almost 500€ million for breaking anticompetitive laws in the EU Microsoft has chosen to play it safe. It has simply removed the browser Internet Explorer 8 from all Windows 7 versions in Europe.
To avoid risking any further fines and going up against any European commissioner again European PC builders will get the option of installing Microsoft's browser with all of its Windows 7 systems, or simply install a competing browser from factory.
Internet Explorer 8 will not be shipping with European versions of Windows 7
This solves the problems for those who buys computers from OEM builders but for retail clients there is a slight problem. Usually you need one browser to download another, something Microsoft will solve through a combination of services. It will make IE8 available via FTP download, CDs and regular stores. A technique Mozilla, Google, Opera and Apple can also use to make its browsers available to European Windows 7 users. Windows 8 should also be available through Windows Update.
The EC has proposed that Microsoft would ship Windows 7 with multiple browsers from third-party developers, but instead it has chosen to remove the browser completely.
Windows 7 with Google Chrome, could become an option for PC builders
The effects of this will be very interesting to follow, Europe has been strong market for Mozilla it will most likely become even more now.
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