Microsoft's new system easier for switch

Microsoft Corp is developing a feature in its new operating system
that allows users to turn off Internet Explorer and other key
Microsoft programs.

The new feature is a major step for the world's largest software
company, which has been accused by competitors and regulators of
forcing consumers to run its own software, squeezing rivals' offerings
out of the marketplace.

"In addition to the features that were already available to turn on or
off in Windows Vista, we've added the following features to the list
in Windows 7," said a Microsoft blog published on Friday, listing
Internet Explorer 8, Windows Media Player and a host of other
Microsoft programs.

The new design will make it easier for users to remove any traces of
Internet Explorer from their desktop, although the software will
remain installed on the computer, and allow them to run other browsers
more smoothly.
Last month Google Inc, which recently launched its own Chrome browser,
joined the Mozilla foundation, producer of the Firefox Web browser,
and Norway's Opera, in protesting Microsoft's dominance in the browser
market.
In January, European regulators brought formal charges against
Microsoft for abusing its dominant market position by bundling its
Internet Explorer Web browser with its Windows operating system, which
is used in 95 percent of the world's personal computers.