Browser choice for Europe

Which browser?

Following Microsoft striking a deal with the European Commission, the company is to ask millions of users across Europe if they want to use a different web browser in an agreement to resolve a long-running case in which the software giant was accused of abusing its market position.

A pop-up window will prompt people to choose and install one of 12 different browsers or let them stay with Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE).

From today, people will have the choice as part of the Windows Update system Microsoft usually uses to distribute security patches.

Although the update has been prepared for Windows XP, Vista and 7, not all users will see it. It will not pop up in front of those who already run a different default browser, such as Firefox, Safari or Chrome, the BBC report.

Users guaranteed to see it are those that have IE set as their default browser and have taken the option to let Windows automatically download and install updates.

Those that have this option turned off will be prompted to download, install and run the software. Those that have automatic updates turned off can go to the Windows Update site and run a "Check For Updates" to get it.

"An important choice"

Users will be presented with a window which says in bold text "An important choice to make: your browser". Users will see a screen which lists the 12 browsers available.

The Opera, Firefox, Chrome, Safari and IE browsers are randomly ordered on the first section of this screen. Another seven browsers - Sleipnir, Green Browser, Maxthon, Avant, Flock, K-meleon, and Slim, will be randomly ordered on the rest of the screen.

Below each listing will be a button giving more information. Another button lets users install one of the browsers.

If a user is unsure of their choice at that particular moment, they can make a choice later. A shortcut icon will appear on the Windows desktop that gives access to the browser choice window at any time.

Those who stay with IE will be prompted to upgrade to the latest version.

It is unclear what effect the browser choice will have on IE's market share.

Although exact estimates are hard to come by, web stats firm Net Applications said IE is used by 62 percent market share. Its closest rival is Firefox at 24 percent.

It is feared by some, that the browser choice system will confuse people. Already some who have been confronted with the choice screen have been worried that their machine has been taken over or fallen victim to a virus.

Jodie Humphries

Jodie Humphries graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA Hons in Creative Writing in 2008. She has worked for GDS Publishing for the digital group since July 2009. She has previous experience with writing for the web, running her own website since April 2007.

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