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Microsoft starts bundling IE with Windows after anti-trust terms expire
A decade ago Microsoft lost an anti-trust case that effectively “loosened” the link between their operating system and its Internet Explorer browser. Yesterday marked the end of that ruling, and the Redmond-based firm looks set to return to old tricks by tightening up the link between the two products once again.
The upcoming release of Windows 8 is expected to have the browser integrated into the operating system with little or no way of removing it. According to CRN, they found the Windows 8 developer pre-release offered no way of uninstalling the browser completely. Microsoft included a switch-like option to enable or disable the browser in settings, though.
Upon further investigation they found that disabling IE with customized settings, and then enabling it again restored the previous settings, proving that the browser just disappeared from the menus rather than it being removed completely. Although unlikely, it is possible the feature will change before the new operating system hits store shelves.
When quizzed by CRN, a Microsoft spokesperson commented, “We have nothing more to share about IE10 at this time beyond what in the guides and the IE Blog.” Having looked on the MSDN Windows 8 blog and the MSDN IE blog it’s immediately apparent there is no documented way of removing the browser.
The move by Microsoft is understandable as the browser is a key aspect of the OS, especially when you consider Google’s Chrome OS integrates the browser with no way to remove it in order to be functional.
It is likely to infuriate those that dislike the product but find that they are unable to remove it. Ten years ago IE’s only competition was Netscape. But things have moved along considerably in that time with Firefox, Chrome and others now biting chunks out of the Redmond giant's browser market share. It seems very unlikely that IE’s re-integration into Windows will result in the browser once again dominating the entire market.
Early last month Microsoft released a developer preview of Windows 8, complete with the hotly debated Metro UI. Those wishing to experience the next-gen operating system can download a copy here. The dev preview will come in 32-bit and 64-bit versions, with no activation required, and will receive live updates just like a retail version of Windows.
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User Comments (30)
Post a comment|
Burty117
on October 28, 2011 9:37 AM |
But I like the ability to remove IE from Windows 7. I almost feel safer by doing so. One less hole for virus's to get onto my PC. |
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bugejakurt
on October 28, 2011 9:50 AM |
Don't care if it is completely removed or not. Doesn't make any difference. |
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treetops
on October 28, 2011 9:52 AM |
Some programs force me to use ie, like my schools online functions, its rare but its there or id completely annihilate IE from my computer if possible. |
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Guest
on October 28, 2011 9:54 AM |
Who in the world still uses IE anyway? Anyone who is really into computers knows that Opera is the only browser to use! |
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jonny702
on October 28, 2011 10:07 AM |
burty117 said: But I like the ability to remove IE from Windows 7. I almost feel safer by doing so. One less hole for virus's to get onto my PC. Ummm... are you aware that the current release of IE (9) is the most secure browser? There was a study done by NSSS labs confirming this |
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learninmypc
on October 28, 2011 10:16 AM |
Who in the world still uses IE anyway? Anyone who is really into computers knows that Opera is the only browser to use! Personally, I prefer SeaMonkey but I'm not going to start a browser war. Many people still use IE. |
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learninmypc
on October 28, 2011 10:17 AM |
But I like the ability to remove IE from Windows 7. I almost feel safer by doing so. One less hole for virus's to get onto my PC. Is it easy to remove it? If so, can you tell me? Not for myself,but for a friend. TIA |
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DanUK
on October 28, 2011 10:28 AM |
Guest said: Who in the world still uses IE anyway? Anyone who is really into computers knows that Opera is the only browser to use! I'm still pretty content with Firefox, however from what I have seen from the latest versions of IE, it isn't half bad anymore. They do still have a reputation to restore (from the old crappy version 6.0 and before).. Whilst when I read this it did seem a bit cheeky.. as the article states other companies do this sort of thing already too. |
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slh28
on October 28, 2011 10:38 AM |
danuk said: I'm still pretty content with Firefox, however from what I have seen from the latest versions of IE, it isn't half bad anymore. They do still have a reputation to restore (from the old crappy version 6.0 and before).. Unfortunately many of us are still forced to use IE6/7 at work... |
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Guest
on October 28, 2011 10:39 AM |
I have to give MS kudos for recent work. WIN7 is superb and IE 9 (with the exception of the 64-bit flavor) is greatly improved and relatively secure (all browsers have holes). I just hope that WIN8 for tablets continues the trend of improve OS. I'm am old Unix guy, so saying good things about MS is unusual for me. When NT arrived we called it "Neanderthal Technology". |
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madboyv1
on October 28, 2011 11:24 AM |
Guest said: I have to give MS kudos for recent work. WIN7 is superb and IE 9 (with the exception of the 64-bit flavor) is greatly improved and relatively secure (all browsers have holes). I just hope that WIN8 for tablets continues the trend of improve OS. I'm am old Unix guy, so saying good things about MS is unusual for me. When NT arrived we called it "Neanderthal Technology". "Me discover fire, invent wheel, build server." Even primarily a Windows user I've always found that funny. =) |
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gwailo247
on October 28, 2011 12:25 PM |
The only thing I don't like is that even if you set another browser as default, sometimes some programs still end up using IE when they need to open up a web page. Not all, but some. I would prefer that if you select another browser as the default, W7 would always use it. I'm sure I can screw around with the options but still, its annoying. |
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RH00D
on October 28, 2011 12:43 PM |
Guest said: Who in the world still uses IE anyway? Anyone who is really into computers knows that Opera is the only browser to use! There's no such thing as "best browser". Different browsers excel at different things. I have IE9, Firefox and Chrome all installed on my computer and I use all for different reasons. Stop being a fanboy. |
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Nima304
on October 28, 2011 2:01 PM |
If anything, the only thing integrating IE into Windows is going to do is piss a lot of people off. A good number of people will install another browser anyway. |
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mattfrompa
on October 28, 2011 2:45 PM |
RH00D said: Guest said: Who in the world still uses IE anyway? Anyone who is really into computers knows that Opera is the only browser to use! There's no such thing as "best browser". Different browsers excel at different things. I have IE9, Firefox and Chrome all installed on my computer and I use all for different reasons. Stop being a fanboy. Exactly. I switch between those same three at home. |
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learninmypc
on October 28, 2011 3:10 PM |
I have IE 8 but don't use it. My default browser is SeaMonkey. I also have Google Chrome & Firefox. |
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Guest
on October 28, 2011 3:26 PM |
Who in the world still uses IE anyway? Anyone who is really into computers knows that Opera is the only browser to use! So you're saying the majority of the planet is "really into computers?" |
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NTAPRO
on October 28, 2011 3:56 PM |
Netscape brings back memories... Good times |
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fimbles
on October 28, 2011 4:11 PM |
Whats wrong with ie9 anyhoo? Security issues come with popularity, its like the old macs cant get viruses myth. Pick a UI you like and stick with it |
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NTAPRO
on October 28, 2011 4:18 PM |
Didn't know ie could be removed from Windows 7. |
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caravel
on October 28, 2011 5:38 PM |
Security issues come with popularity So, while we're on the subject of myths... |
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Guest
on October 29, 2011 1:30 AM |
It's mindnumbingly easy. You go into the control panel, select "Programs and Features", then click on "Turn Windows features on or off". Then in the list of items, uncheck "Internet Explorer xx" where xx is the version you have (it's usually the third item on the list). Click "OK" and it will remove as much of IE as it can without breaking the system. However, what you think of as 'the browser' isn't really the browser.. IE is really just a thin shell over the IE active X object and these days, so many parts of Windows rely on it that if you could really remove it - you'd break the system. Still, by doing what I've described - you can remove all visible traces of it - it won't be available as a standalone browser. PS: I'd recommend installing some *other* browser first as once you've done this - you'll be browser free with no easy way to download a new one. Cheers. |
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fimbles
on October 29, 2011 8:48 AM |
So, while we're on the subject of myths...
If i want my virus to infect as many machines as possible im going to write it for the most popular browser. Thats common sense. |
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fpsgamerJR62
on October 30, 2011 9:06 AM |
I install multiple browsers in my machines including betas and developer/nightly builds so I don't really mind IE being there. Besides, I still on occasion come across company websites optimized for IE including one of the companies which i do business with. |
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caravel
on October 30, 2011 1:48 PM |
If i want my virus to infect as many machines as possible im going to write it for the most popular browser. Thats common sense. Oh I see... so even browsers have their own proprietary languages these days...? silly me... |
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