Computer Services, Repairs & Sales

 

According to some sources (BBC News), figures suggest that currently, over half the world’s Internet users have Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, so what does this latest blow to Microsoft’s dominance of the computer industry mean?

 

Well, first of all let’s not forget that a lot of the browsers that are being offered as Internet Explorer (IE) alternatives have been out for years. Trusted browsers such as Opera, Firefox and Apple’s Safari have always been plugged as faster, leaner alternatives to IE and yet, although user numbers have grown, it does appear that a good majority of people stick with IE rather than switching. It’s this fact that led the competition commission to look into how Microsoft bundle their software.

How is the choice made?

 

PC Input had quite a few frantic calls when the browser choice first made its debut. Microsoft didn’t exactly let people know that this was a trusted Microsoft ‘pop-up’ – let’s face it, who would be happy to be forced into opening the gates to your competition? 

 

 

People were afraid that this browser choice window had just appeared and was asking them to install optional browsers – sounded like a virus to many – thankfully, PC Input was able to belay any fears, and people were able to make their choice without having to track down the software on the Internet. This crucially, is where according to other sources (Netbookboards.com) IE have taken massive hits across Europe. 

When people are not offered choice, particularly computer users, they tend to stay with what they have rather than possibly risk damaging their system. Of course, it is very rare that systems will be damaged by trusted software and it tends to come down to problems of incompatibility.

 

Having the choice to install any browser easily is a bonus to computer users and I do foresee a lot of people trying out the different browsers  but ultimately it is their default browser choice that interest the companies. The major hitters with a chance to halt Microsoft’s march to complete dominance are Google’s Chrome, Firefox, Opera and dare I say it, possibly Apple’s Safari for windows.

 

Apple’s success at hitting the Microsoft software platform has been quite significant but only time will tell if they can do the same without the cool eye-candy hardware to back it up – oh dear, is that an Apple iPad I see – better watch out Microsoft!