Microsoft forced to provide more browsers

European regulators have now forced software giant Microsoft to ship its Windows operating systems with a number of different browsers other than its flagship Internet Explorer program.

The decision is the result of an antitrust battle which has lasted a decade. The binding agreement will now see computer users given 12 browser options when installing their systems.

These browsers will include Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Opera. The remaining seven will be changed based on popularity.

The decision is binding for five years from early next year, with EU competition commissioner Neelie Kroes saying it is “a Christmas present for hundreds of millions of Europeans”.

However, these regulations only apply inside Europe. Microsoft will continue to ship its Windows software with just Internet Explorer in the US and other regions.