In what is definitely a first, Microsoft’s Windows 7 will offer European customers a ballot screen that offers to download alternative browsers and lets users turn off Internet Explorer, the New York Times reports.

The E.U. was as enthusiastic as the bureaucracy is capable of being, gushing in a statement:
The proposal recognises the principle that consumers should be given a free and effective choice of web browser, and sets out a means – the ballot screen – by which Microsoft believes that can be achieved. In addition OEMs would be able to install competing web browsers, set those as default and disable Internet Explorer should they so wish. The Commission welcomes this proposal, and will now investigate its practical effectiveness in terms of ensuring genuine consumer choice.
zdnet

The line “The proposal recognises the principle that consumers should be given a free and effective choice … ” is very interesting. By whom? Who decides if the consumer does have a choice? After all the consumer *does* have a choice, there are alternative products and the consumer can install other browsers without any problem. It’s a typical “The ends justify the means” decision, mixed with some “The consumer is too stupid” attitude. Maybe Internet Explorer IS the browser of choice for most people? Maybe they accept the time they save to install a browser (or the time to find out which browser is best for them)? But noo. It’s important that all products have a certain market share, no matter of their preferences. It’s impossible that one product could be better than the other, let’s give all competitors a fair chance, right? ….

In other news: The EU demands McDonalds to serve Burger King products.

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