IE8 Update Forces IE As Default Browser

We discussed Microsoft making IE8 a critical update a while back; but then the indication was that the update gave users a chance to choose whether or not to install it. Now I Don't Believe in Imaginary Property writes in with word that the update not only does not ask, but it makes IE the default browser. "Microsoft has a new tactic in the browser wars. They're having the 'critical' IE8 update make IE the default browser without asking. Yes, you can change it back, but it doesn't ask you if you want IE8 or if you want it as the default browser, it makes the decisions for you. Opera might have a few more complaints to make to the EU antitrust board after this, but Microsoft will probably be able to drag out the proceedings for years, only to end up paying a small fine. If you have anyone you've set up with a more secure alternative browser, you might want to help check their settings after this."

Re:Death to IE6!

[Anonymous Coward]

It amazes me how when firefox has a new version, everyone downloads it with a warm and fuzzy feeling that it is going to be an improvement. However, whenever IE has a new version, people are so reluctant to download it that MS now has to force the public to upgrade.

Way to go Microsoft!!! If your users are uncomfortable with upgrading, force them anyway.

Re:Death to IE6!

[SirLurksAlot]

You are correct, however this is true only in the short term. The whole argument of "We're saving money by not switching." will only hold water for so long. Eventually there will come a point at which their enforcement of IE6 will prevent them from being competitive. While everyone else is moving forward with new technologies that allow them to do more (and more securely) they'll still be stuck with applications that depend on ActiveX and open them up to attack. Also, if enough people are using IE8/Firefox outside of work (or more importantly enough management-types) their frustration with the older browser will eventually leak into the workplace, and there will be a push to upgrade intranet apps to get with the times. Change does happen in the corporate world, it just happens slowly.

Re:If you check the "Custom Settings" it doesn't.

[E IS mC(Square)]

But that's the point. Those people (grandma/grandpa) are already helped by others and set to work with an alternate browser. Now if this is true (that MS automatic update set to "install updates automatically" and it makes IE8 default), then all that hard work is lost.

I don't know about you, but I can count at least 10 computers (other than mine) I have set FF to be default browser. I don't think its fair to undo that work (if this article is true, which I doubt).

Re:How much difference would it actually make?

[Rinnon]

You are SIGNIFICANTLY overestimating the general public, leading me to believe you have never worked in a technical support call center. Remember how when you install Windows, it gives you an Icon at the top of the start menu that says "Internet" and then if your default changes, that icon changes? Surely, those of us in know laugh at this as a potential problem, but I can't count the number of people who claim they have "lost" their browser or (more commonly) they can't open Outlook, and instead Outlook Express is opening, and they don't know why. And do you think the average user is going to click on the "custom" button when installing IE8? Are you kidding? That "custom" button to them, means "crazy details I'm not supposed to touch"; but just because they don't know this and that about computers, doesn't make them any less deserving to not have their settings pulled out from underneath them. They're the ones who really suffer from things like this. Not us on Slashdot, who spend 20 times more time typing up the complaint than actually fixing the issue. ~2 Cents

Microsoft Choice Guard

[bigbigbison]

I didn't experience any issues updating to IE8 but I did experience MS hijacking my firefox search and homepage when I installed their Live stuff.

I restarted my computer after installing the latest updates including the Live stuff and when I restarted Firefox, the addons window popped up with something called "Microsoft Choice Guard." With a name like "choice guard" it sounded like spyware to me and I was basically right.

It turns out that if you aren't paying attention MS will install this http://help.live.com/help.aspx?market=en-us&project=wlinstallerv3&querytype=keyword&query=draug_eciohc [live.com]

This isn't going to win MS any friends...