Microsoft has made an interesting decision in regards to IE8 and the new Windows 7 operating system: an "IE8 off button". http://www.informationweek.com/news/...ubSection=News

Internet Explorer has always been a mandatory installation with the Windows operating system. Apparently, it will be the default for it to be included, but can be unchecked as an option and will no longer be mandatory. Also, after installation, Explorer could be disabled.

This is good news, because it could potentially increase the popularity of other browsers, which are still going to be a step ahead of IE8 in technological capability.

I saw that over the weekend. It's kind of surprising given the usual decisions of Microsoft, but maybe they're finally understanding that forcing people to use your products isn't a long term strategy.

Or maybe the EU is forcing them to do it.

It'll be interesting to see how many people do switch. Your average web user probably just uses whatever comes installed by default, but maybe this will get some to try something different.