How do you feel about this case?

Well if IE didn’t come with Windows I would say that the number of people using it would very sharply decline. On the other hand if no browser came with the OS, how would you download a good browser? Most novice users don’t even know what a browser is, they just click on “the internet” or “the big blue e”. Apple bundles Safari with the OS, so I don’t really see a difference there. Of course it’s easy to delete Safari, it’s not completely embedded in the OS and almost impossible to remove. Complicated subject!

I really don’t think it’s that big of a deal: the people who use IE generally aren’t computer savvy enough to understand why they should use the other browsers.
Microsoft has to include a browser of some sort with the operating system, I know several people in person who haven’t a clue what a “browser” is. As far as I’m concerned, including IE in the operating system is a good thing. What I don’t like is when websites are built specifically around IE, and refuse to acknowledge any other browser.

I generally dislike microsoft, but I think this is a bit silly. Why not sue apple for including safari in their operating system?

Edit: Stellar, your mind works the same way as mine does =)
Edit: Also, since they have to include a browser to start with, it would be a bit unfair to microsoft to force them to bundle a competitor’s software with their operating system. That would be like forcing BMW to use GM parts in their cars.

I think monopolies in general are bad, I also think Internet Explorer is bad. I think the real attack is not that they’re dominating, it’s that it’s so used because it takes a certain level of tech geek to bother going out and searching for a different browser so most people just use what they’ve got. It’s complicated, i’m not sure who to support! Though I do kind of see Microsoft as the devil itself…it might be nice to knock it down a few notches…
On the other hand…let them bundle IE, then let google just do a shit-ton of advertising for chrome! It’s not like they can’t afford it…then they can just STEAL IE users from Microsoft!

IE is the worst broswer of all time
rom http://www.jeffwu.net/?p=204
* Major security issues – Prone to viruses and worms.
* Spyware and Adware issues in Internet Explorer.
* Internet Explorer’s lack of modern user-centric features – its missing many handy features such as tabbed browsing and integrated search.
* Internet Explorer is the slowest browser available.
* Internet Explorer has abysmal Web Standards support.
* Renders pages incorrectly – Web designers then need to spend extra time working so that pages work in Internet Explorer. This puts costs up, and slows the web down.
* Far larger program than other web browsers.
* Doesn’t support PNG images properly
* Doesn’t let people resize certain text sizes. This means those with poor sight cannot read small text on many sites.

the computer emergency response team-(aka the FEDS) asked people to use ANY browser except ie6.
0_o

open source is the way of the future.

and competition is a good thing,

And, I know I’ve been kinda negative, but IE is good for one thing…
DOWNLOADING ANY OTHER BROWSER.
:D

Microsoft was under attack by the govt in the 90’s and they came out just fine,

IE works just fine for a lot of people, a lot of whom don’t care about getting every bell and whistle available. It’s like one person drives a basic four cylinder subcompact because all they want is to get back and forth 5 miles to work, while another guy wants all the add-ons including On-star, Sirius and a custom paint job-whatever floats your boat.

As the learning curve progresses. people can move up or not, it’s their choice.

As long as Microsoft is the big guy, other corps will make it the target. It is easier to sue than compete directly.

I disagree that IE works fine for people. The only reason they keep using it is because they don’t know there are better options. Everyone I’ve ever installed Firefox or another browser for on Windows has been like “OMG WHAT HAVE I BEEN MISSING ALL THESE YEARS”.

Well, I guess I’m not everyone because I have a couple of options on my work computer, including Firefox and Mozilla and I have never needed anything I couldn’t get with IE.

@galileogirl
Its not about more features, it’s not about needing something “fancier”, your metaphor about a car is all wrong

IE is the Pinto that has a garbage bag duct taped over the rear window, the locks don’t work, the windshield is cracked, and all your personal information (credit card numbers, SS numbers, family photos, tax information, etc) is inside and you park it every night outside in a very rough neighborhood.

Oh yeah and it tops out at 40 mph

It’s not about fancy and boring
It’s not about “good enough” and “superfluous”
Its about a quality experience, its about safeguarding the things you hold dear, and about protecting yourself and your investments.

Would you take your family out in the Pinto on the highway?

Of course not,
because you love them

sheesh.

Where did you see my car?

@galileogirl – hahahahaha.

I would be fine with Microsoft giving IE the prime treatment so long as it was a browser that didn’t deserve to be hung and burnt in effigy for all time. but nonetheless, car companies will continue to dish out Pintos, simply because people will use them regardless of their quality.