...danger of Microsoft's software bundling shutting out independent software, a concern that ended up becoming true.
However, an even greater concern was the blurring of the distinction between features that an OS needs to provide and the additional components and applications that users choose themselves. Windows enables vulnerable features without the knowledge or direct control of the typical end user and typical end users don't know how to protect themselves from such risks.
Making computers easier for people to use does not include enabling features that make a computer vulnerable the moment it connects to the Internet. For my money, I'd like nothing more than to see a "cafeteria" version of Windows. Such a version would be something that gets the computer going with only the bare essentials required to start Windows — and that allows me to choose everything else in detail.
Had Microsoft created such a Windows version 10 years ago, we wouldn't have the problems with Internet security that we have today. Microsoft is capable of producing such an OS, and it knows it — yet it continues to fight a losing battle.
If Microsoft really wants the freedom to innovate and provide users with more choices it needs to go back to the basics with Windows. If I don't want Internet Explorer on my system, that should be my choice; if I want to use a different program to play media files, that should be my choice.
Microsoft continues to spend more time and more money fixing problems in applications bundled with Windows than it should. Putting too much functionality into Windows was a mistake and everyone knows it — and it's time Microsoft accepted it.
Talkback
Here, here.
The barebones installation philosophy espoused here is echoed in the practices of the OpenBSD project. And one remote hole in the default install in 8 years is definitely something to brag about.
What about the average home user who just wants to buy a PC, take it home and surf the internet?
"I've just paid xxx for PC to go on the internet, now I have to download something called a web browser? What is it and where from?"
Even better, how does a noivice browse the internet to download a browser, when there isn't a browser on the computer.
Sure there are alternatives to web browsers, but how many people beyond techies know about them?
I can hear some chickens clucking about their eggs already.
What I do agree is that Microsoft should make it possible for you to choose a different browser. iIRC they didn't do it initially, but after a little pressure created the "Set Default Browser" option.
So there is choice, belatedly.
Creating a reduced version of Windows without Media Player has been a complete waste of time for MS that the EU imposed upon them. That package isnt selling well, and has a stupid name!
The user always have a choice to install alternate applications and assign the file formats (automatically or manually) to the new application. This is true of IE or MediaPlayer replacements. There are checkboxes to ensure it doesnt check for IE as the default browser.
Slating MS for inclusion of features is ridiculous as if it wasnt for them driving the OS then technology would not have progressed so quickly. As a corporation they do have their faults but overall they have done more good than harm. I do agree, however, that they should rewrite many apps from the ground up which is mainly what they are doing with WindowsVista and the 2005 versions of software. This process is very costly and takes many years to complete (millions of lines of code!) and may push up consumer prices.
Anyway, thats my view :)
I agree with the last person. anyone else who disagrees is, in short, wrong.
Just cos MS have IE and WMP on windows it does not stop me installing Firefox (im using it now) and real player!
So the previous correspondent has the spyware infested Real Player on his PC, which is no doubt gradually & remorslessly slowing to an eventual stop. Although before that happens, one of the bits of spyware will connect to a remote location that will download something really nasty onto his PC.
To which the only answer will be a complete re-format & re-installation job on his desktop or laptop.....