Microsoft to finally Offer a choice of web browsers?

Microsoft has said that starting March 1 2010, windows users of its Internet Explorer browser will be given the choice as to whether or not they want to continue using that browser, or switch to a different one.

The company says that Internet Explorer users will see a pop-up screen when opening Internet Explorer for the first time after installing a software update on or around Feb 28th. The pop-up will inform users of alternative browsers and allow them to install the alternatives.

Microsoft’s Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Dave Heiner, announced the news today in a blog post on the Microsoft On The Issues blog. He said that the pop-up notice would allow people to automatically install alternative browsers, simply by selecting them.

Microsoft will offer further information and a button to install either Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari or Opera in the notice, but it will also give users the opportunity to install Internet Explorer 8, if they are using an earlier version of Microsoft’s browser.

The move comes after the resolution of the European Commission in December with regards to a long-running competition case. Microsoft said that it was “pleased” with the agreement, in which they committed to continue to allow manufacturers and users to “install any browser on top of Windows, to make any browser the default browser on new PCs, and to turn access to Internet Explorer on or off”.

They also agreed to this “browser choice” screen, which would be displayed to users of Internet Explorer to help them make an educated choice of browser they wish to use.

It will be interesting to see what affect if any this has on Microsofts current dominance in the Web Browser Wars. I'm sure most people will automatically ignore what the notice has to say, but those who do stop and read it will be doing themselves a real favour.

Because Microsofts browser is the most popular it is also the one that is most exploited by browser hijacks, viruses and spyware applications. Not inherently any less safe (or more) then the other browsers, just more targeted.

By providing other browsers with a chance at the "top spot" perhaps the virus writers of the world will have to spread out their efforts? Either way, I’m glad that people are being given a more upfront opportunity to make their own mind up and I’m sure that the other browsers will not be happy to have a fair chance at gaining user share.

The Microsoft “The Browser Choice” Blog Post here

How to Improve Wireless Network Performance, A video for Dummies

The famous "Dummies" series publishes lots of great videos on making the most of everything in life, recently they posted a video with some great tips on getting the most of wireless networks (wifi) and extending signal range.

Enjoy!


How to Improve Wireless Network Performance

Grace period ends for cellphone ban, $155 fine kicks in today

Starting Monday Feb 1st drivers in Ontario could be paying a price for texting friends, picking up a cellphone to call the boss or browsing through song selections on mp3 players.

Drivers can be forgiven for thinking Ontario's so-called distracted driver law was already in effect -- and it has been, since October -- but as of 12:01 a.m. Monday the grace period ends and anyone caught breaking the law will be slapped with a $155 fine.

But if a driver challenges that ticket in court the judge has the discretion to knock it down to as low as $60 or boost it to up to $500.

Similar legislation has been in effect in British Columbia since Jan. 1, but starting Monday drivers in that province caught using a hand-held cellphone could be fined $167 and people texting or emailing will net three demerit points.

"There are an awful lot of distractions in your vehicle and really, driving is a 100 per cent concentration effort at all times," said Ontario Provincial Police Const. Graham Williamson.

"It only takes a moment of distraction for something to happen."

There was overwhelmingly positive support from a handful of drivers on Toronto roads Sunday afternoon, especially from Farid Qayoumi, who called it "the greatest idea ever."

"I see a lot of people make mistakes and they're busy with messaging," he said.

"I think they should be concentrating on the driving, not on the cellphone."

Ed Palmer, who bravely admits using a hand-held device behind the wheel, said he hopes the law will save lives.

"I've done it and I've been lucky," he said.

"I've never been in an accident, but I've been in situations where I've (said), `Wow, I just drove through an intersection texting somebody or talking on my phone and I didn't even know.' So it's a good thing, I think."

Palmer just got a new headset so he can use his cellphone hands-free while driving, but like many others was a little unsure what exactly is and isn't allowed under the law.

One push of a button is a good rule of thumb, Williamson said. If you can send or receive a call to your headset with the push of one button that is allowed, he said. Scrolling through the extensive music library on your mp3 player is not.

The law, which came into effect on Oct. 26, 2009, makes it illegal for drivers to talk, text, type, dial or email using hand-held devices. Calls to 911 are an exception. It is also illegal for drivers to look at display screens unrelated to driving such as laptops or DVD players.

Police expect it may take some time before those bad habits can be broken, Williamson said.

"I was around in the area of policing and law enforcement when the seatbelt law came into effect back in '76," he said.

"And you know what? Even now, 30 odd years later, we still haven't got full compliance. So it's the kind of thing where it's a long-term sort of effort."

Since Oct. 26 provincial police have issued more than 3,300 warnings to drivers and did issue several notices for drivers to appear in court for the most egregious cases.

Chris Colucci said he hasn't seen any improvement in the habits of his fellow drivers on the road since the law took effect in October.

"They don't pay attention to where they're going," he said. "You can't drive and talk at the same time. Especially trying to type -- that's even worse."

Colucci believes drivers need to feel the pain in their wallet before they get the message.

"They need to really start fining before people notice the difference," he said.

If you're looking for assistance attaching or installing your hands-free or blue tooth device give us a call at The Technology Coach, we're here to help! (and save lives!)

iPad Vs. Rock

Google Ditching Support For Internet Explorer 6

Google is set to end support for Internet Explorer 6 for all its services, beginning with Google Docs and Google Sites in March. If you’re still using the aging Internet Explorer 6 and want to keep going with Google, read on to find out what to do next…

In a post on the Official Google Enterprise blog, Google explained that it’s set to remove support for “older browsers”. That means anything prior to Internet Explorer 7, Firefox 3.0, Google Chrome 4.0 and Safari 3.0. The Google blog says: “…from March 1 key functionality – as well as new Docs and Sites features – won’t work properly in older browsers.”

Internet Explorer 6 vulnerabilities were allegedly behind the China originated attacks that lead to googles threats to leave China. The problems have now been patched but Internet Explorer 6 is nearing the end of its lifespan. Microsoft itself won’t support Internet Explorer 6 for its own Microsoft Office Web apps.

If you’re one of the 21% percent of web users who were still using Internet Explorer 6 at the end of 2009, all you need to do to keep using Google Docs and Sites is to upgrade your browser. There’s a lot of choice with Firefox, Google Chrome, Opera and Internet Explorer 8.

If you're not sure how to upgrade, or would rather leave it in the hands of the professionals, give us a call at The Technology Coach, we're here to help!