Browser Choice Screen: Update Starts in March
Between the middle of March and the end of May 2010, Microsoft will be providing a browser choice update to users of XP onwards. The update will allow alternative browser installation.
According to a Microsoft press release, Windows users from XP and upwards with Internet Explorer installed as default browser will receive a software update via a browser choice screen. This will enable them to easily define and install an alternative web browser as standard. According to the press release the move will begin with a short test period and should be completed by middle May. The update is said to deactivate but not uninstall Internet Explorer. In Windows 7, IE will automatically be removed from the taskbar but can be recalled as a quick-start button via the program menu.
In his blog posting, Microsoft's Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Dave Heiner, explains the browser choice screen in detail. Tests by Windows manufacturers will take place in France, Belgium and the United Kingdom before being rolled out in Germany and other European countries the middle of March. Software for the screen will reach computers in the form of an automatic update. For Windows users whose settings ask them to first confirm the download, the update is optional. The browser installation software starts with the first log in to IE after the update, then according to users wishes: after the preview screenshots (see gallery) a relevant link will appear on the Windows desktop.
The update is a result of a
resolution between Microsoft and the European Union, arrived at in December 2009. The simplified installation of alternative browsers is valid only in Europe. A dozen browsers are available including Firefox, Opera and Google Chrome. The software presents the browsers in random order, which according to Dave Heiner, is part of the EU agreement.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
KDE Unleashes Plasma 6.5
The Plasma 6.5 desktop environment is now available with new features, improvements, and the usual bug fixes.
-
Xubuntu Site Possibly Hacked
It appears that the Xubuntu site was hacked and briefly served up a malicious ZIP file from its download page.
-
LMDE 7 Now Available
Linux Mint Debian Edition, version 7, has been officially released and is based on upstream Debian.
-
Linux Kernel 6.16 Reaches EOL
Linux kernel 6.16 has reached its end of life, which means you'll need to upgrade to the next stable release, Linux kernel 6.17.
-
Amazon Ditches Android for a Linux-Based OS
Amazon has migrated from Android to the Linux-based Vega OS for its Fire TV.
-
Cairo Dock 3.6 Now Available for More Compositors
If you're a fan of third-party desktop docks, then the latest release of Cairo Dock with Wayland support is for you.
-
System76 Unleashes Pop!_OS 24.04 Beta
System76's first beta of Pop!_OS 24.04 is an impressive feat.
-
Linux Kernel 6.17 is Available
Linus Torvalds has announced that the latest kernel has been released with plenty of core improvements and even more hardware support.
-
Kali Linux 2025.3 Released with New Hacking Tools
If you're a Kali Linux fan, you'll be glad to know that the third release of this famous pen-testing distribution is now available with updates for key components.
-
Zorin OS 18 Beta Available for Testing
The latest release from the team behind Zorin OS is ready for public testing, and it includes plenty of improvements to make it more powerful, user-friendly, and productive.