Globalization Institute: ‘unlock’ PCs from Windows
Posted by Dennis Sellers 
Sep 24, 2007 at 11:58am
The Globalization Institute, a Brussels-based European Union think tank, has recommended the EU require all PCs to be sold without preloaded operating systems such as Microsoft Windows, reports CNET.
There is no reason why computer operating systems could not follow the same model as computer hard drives and processors, which comply with standards that allow for broad compatibility as well as competition in the market, said the report, which was submitted to the EU’s regulatory body, the European Commission. Such a policy would lead to increased competition and innovation in the area of computer operating systems, something the Globalization Institute report said it believes the EU is looking for, notes CNET.
“For two decades, Microsoft has enjoyed monopolistic power in the operating system market,” said the Globalization Institute report. “The Competition Commissioner has signaled the desire to see more competition in this sector. Unbundling would foster a competitive market, increase consumer choice and reduce prices.”
dave Says:
No, it’s more like requiring car’s to be sold without gas or maybe tires. It’s something that’s necessary, but can readily be changed for a different brand.
Windows became dominant because Microsoft illegally required bundling. Now that it is so dominant, the barrier to entry is HUGE. Unbundling makes that barrier slightly lower. It also eliminates the unfair Windows tax that is non-trivial to get rid of for those of us that are smarter than the average flea.
Posted on September 24, 2007
Brian Says:
This is probably unfair to the consumer. Think of new users being expected to load an operating system.
As an Apple user the thought amuses me of what this would do to the Windows users, but really it would be a bit unfair.
Posted on September 24, 2007
Rick Says:
No, it’s like requiring cars to be sold with petrol and diesel options. Quite sensible really.
Posted on September 25, 2007
sam Says:
to brian, RE:
“
This is probably unfair to the consumer. Think of new users being expected to load an operating system.
“
The whole point of this suggested unbundling is that it will force OS developers to make it EASY for the average consumer to install an OS. The reason it’s so difficult right now is because of the Microsoft monopoly.
It will also force open compatibility for filetypes and applications across OS’s and reduce the increasing polarity between OS’s.
The entire reason Microsoft has such piss poor products now is that they’re fat and bloated cos they haven’t had to run to get customers, and don’t have anyone chasing them.
This proposal is a wonderful idea for the FUTURE of home computing and for the consumer.
Let the best product prove itself to be so based on it’s own merits rather than being stumped on entry to the market.
Posted on September 25, 2007
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Dennis Sellers
Dennis has been a newspaper editor/reporter (seven years) and teacher (seven years). He has over 4,000 magazine, newspaper and online articles to his credit. He has also covered the Mac and tech industries for over a decade for such online publications as MacCentral, MacMinute and now MacsimumNews.
Oh Blah Dee Blah Dah Says:
Stupid!
This is like requiring automobile manufacturers to sell cars without engines, so that buyers can install one of their own choice.
I don’t use Windows on a regular basis, however expecting grandmothers, children, busy parents, and most NON-geeks to decide on an operating system is simply a case of government getting it’s nose into the wrong house. Before the world sees more competition with this newly suggested rule, there will be chaos.
Windows is dominant, and it is also the LOWEST price, fully functioning, fully supported operating system. Mac OS X is nicer, more intuitive, and more enjoyable; Linux may be cheaper and open-source; but ALL computer manufacturers should be able to decide which OS is shipped with their products.
Posted on September 24, 2007