Windows users to receive choice of alternative Web browsers

by Stevie Smith - Feb 22 2010, 09:05

Tech-savvy Internet users are already aware of the wealth of online options available when it comes to Web browsing platforms other than Microsoft’s Internet Explorer (IE).

However, the availability of alternative browsers may be something a large chunk of general PC users are ignorant of – not least because IE is the default Windows platform and, as such, enjoys significant market dominance through the world’s most used operating system.

That lack of information – and perhaps Microsoft’s dominance in the browser market – looks about to change following news that pressure exerted on the software giant by Europe’s Competition Commission will soon see Internet Explorer users given the option to switch to another browser.

According to Redmond-based Microsoft, users of Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 will receive an automatic update notification from March 01 offering them access to rival browsers such as Firefox, Safari, Opera, and Google Chrome.

While free to shift their allegiance to another browser, existing IE users can, of course, opt to remain faithful to that which they know via Microsoft’s platform.

“Millions of people who have never really thought about which browser to use will now be forced to make a choice,” wrote BBC technology correspondent Rory Cellan-Jones regarding the announcement. “This presents Microsoft’s rivals with a unique marketing opportunity.”  

If the input of The Tech Herald is worth anything whatsoever, we’d strongly suggest IE users snap up one, or perhaps even all, of the aforementioned browsers to have available alongside Internet Explorer.

Choice is never a bad thing. Plus, quick and streamlined browsing is Chrome’s forte, while Firefox is fast, secure and notably user-friendly.

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