Look at the sanctions imposed on Microsoft by the European Union over Windows Media Player being included in Windows. Nearly two years after they forced the creation of WMP-free "N" versions, not one major manufacturer has decided it's in their best interests to license it. Why? Only a few want it! It's one thing if it wasn't possible to set another media player as the default application and there was a mass demand for a WMP-free version, but the EU seemed more interested in flexing their muscles than making a difference.
In the case of the desktop search, I support the 'compromise' Microsoft has come up with. If you want to use a different desktop search that's your prerogative, and should have been an option from the start. However, forcing Microsoft to design the OS to enhance the performance of a competing product? Last I checked it was Google's product that they are supposed to design to work with the OS, not the other way around. As long as Microsoft hasn't designed Vista to specifically throttle Google's performance, it's on Google to make their product better, not Microsoft.
I wonder what's next. Shall we sue Microsoft for bundling Internet Explorer as opposed to Firefox or Opera, Windows Sidebar as opposed to Yahoo! Widgets, or the new PC backup as opposed to Norton Ghost? Personally, I believe everyone's simply getting to greedy and looking to sue anyone if they think they can talk their way through it. (Remember the lady who sued McDonald's because she spilled hot coffee on herself? I never knew coffee was hot!
) If it continues they'll end up forcing Microsoft to relabel Windows 3.0 Windows Vista because there won't be a new feature left in the 'reduced' version.
Just my little rant for the day.
John
Background: Google...claim Vista?s desktop search tool slowed down competing programs, including Google?s own free offering, and that it?s difficult for users to figure out how to turn off the Microsoft program.
Microsoft Action: Microsoft will let PC users and manufacturers like Dell Inc. set a non-Microsoft program such as Google Desktop as the default. Google, however, said the compromise didn?t go far enough.
My comment: This is all nonsense. Its time people are realistic and let microsoft make their software the way it suits them. If google wants in, let them make software that works. If people really do not like the microsoft's search, let them go and download google. Microsoft does not have to do anything for them. If people really do not like microsoft products, let them buy apple computers or use linux or ubuntu. Its time we realise that microsoft is a company competing with other companies. If they are so horrid and people "really" hate them that much then google should design its own OS or prepare its software for apple and urge people to buy apple products instead. Hardware compatibility issues I understand but microsoft should not be facing stupid companies like google who pick on every stupid issue and regulators should have more important issues to discuss.

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