Windows 7 to allow users to install Chrome, Firefox and Opera?

Though it may have seemed unlikely for some of us, Microsoft finally opens its doors and decided that users will be allowed to choose which web browser they want to install on Windows 7.

There were several cases battled between Microsoft and the European Union, stating that Microsoft was blocking its competitor out of the market through anti-competitive practices by including their own web browser and media player. However, it is of common knowledge that these attempts to stop Microsoft monopolization were futile since Internet Explorer is still the most used web browser today due to the fact that it´s bundle with Microsoft Windows.

Nonetheless, Internet Explorer reign may be over after a presentation held by the software giant in Brussels, enabling users to choose which web browser they want to install on Windows 7.

What Microsoft proposes, basically, is that users be allowed -through one of its set up wizard options- to choose their default browser, as well as disabling Internet Explorer completely. These will allows Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Opera, Apple Safari and even other less known browsers to enter the browser battle, but a battle fought mostly against Internet Explorer domination.

It´s quite obvious that Microsoft´s fine of €1.700 millions –imposed by the European Commission- would force them to change its business strategies.

After the announcement was made, the European executive informed in a press release that “The Commission embraces this proposal and will now investigate its practical efficiency when it comes to guaranteeing what consumers can opt for”.

It´s a matter of time until a resolution to the conflict be reached after endless years of dispute, whose outcome hopes to ultimately favor users.

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4. Improvements and breakthroughs in the upcoming release of the Firefox web browser.
5. Critical security hole found in Firefox 3.5