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http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,17431...3119TX1K0000594

Software giant Microsoft Corp. hopes an impending court ruling on its five-year antitrust battle with the European Union will bring both sides back to the negotiating table, but EU regulators still balk at resuming direct negotiations, officials said Thursday.

The European Court of First Instance is expected to decide by Monday whether to stay pending appeal the EU's March order for Microsoft to change its business practices and pay a 497 million euro ($666 million) fine, lawyers said.

Considering that the full appeal could take years, the consequences of a suspension could be huge. If court President Bo Vesterdorf backs the EU, the U.S.-based software giant would be forced to divulge some of its long-cherished trade secrets to competitors and untie the digital Media Player from its Windows platform.

666 million dollars? Maybe Red was right, maybe the end IS near

Archived topic from Anythingforums, old topic ID:1447, old post ID:18276

Hmm interesting. More proof that Bill Gates could be the antichrist. LOL

Archived topic from Anythingforums, old topic ID:1447, old post ID:18277

Speaking of the antichrist, anyone catch southpark last night?

[on-topic]
Microsoft sure is having a rough time with the rules outside(and some would say inside as well) of the U.S.

Archived topic from Anythingforums, old topic ID:1447, old post ID:18278

I do actually hope that the EU gets thru and wins this case, anything that makes microsoft de-centralize it's 'built-in' programs is a good thing. Can't wait for the day when IE is no longer 'built in'... could be a long wait...

Archived topic from Anythingforums, old topic ID:1447, old post ID:18279

I agree sintekk. And it's not so much the build in, as the inability for the system to work without them or ability to remove them that is bothersome. They have lost quite a few in the global market.

Archived topic from Anythingforums, old topic ID:1447, old post ID:18280

MrSelf wrote: I agree sintekk. And it's not so much the build in, as the inability for the system to work without them or ability to remove them that is bothersome. They have lost quite a few in the global market.

IE, as we all know, is a huge source of vulnerabilities in windows. How much better off would people be if they had the option of not using it but instead going with Firefox from the get-go?
BTW, if anyone is interested in removing any windows 'components' like IE, try this freeware program:
http://nuhi.msfn.org/nlite.html

Archived topic from Anythingforums, old topic ID:1447, old post ID:18282

Obviously I agree with you, I was just trying to point out it's not so bad that it is build into windows, it is bad that it is not effeciently removeable. Saying just because it is included in Windows, it is bad is like saying that the CD you bought is bad because video was included on the CD as well. Microsoft Internet Explorer cannot piggyback on Microsoft Windows OS into fame, it has to be on it's own merits in it's own catagory with other like products.

Archived topic from Anythingforums, old topic ID:1447, old post ID:18295

I knew you agreed with me, I was just further venting

Archived topic from Anythingforums, old topic ID:1447, old post ID:18296

Only problem is though, if it does not ship with IE, how do you download firefox?

IE is good... for downloading firefox with.

Archived topic from Anythingforums, old topic ID:1447, old post ID:18301

sintekk wrote: I knew you agreed with me, I was just further venting

Ah, ok, just making sure we are on the same page regarding microsoft. Continue venting

Archived topic from Anythingforums, old topic ID:1447, old post ID:18303