EU antitrust pressures mean that Windows 7 will be launched in Europe without a web browser.

CNET picked the story up yesterday after reportedly viewing a Microsoft memo on the matter. According to CNET News, the Microsoft memo states, \"PC manufacturers may choose to install an alternative browser instead of IE 8, and has always been the case, they may install multiple browsers if they wish.\"

This means that consumers could potentially buy a PC with a browser other than IE8, or even multiple browsers, preinstalled depending on the policy of PC makers.

Consequently rival browsers now have a real opportunity to take some of IE’s market share. This will, however, depend upon what kind of deals they cans strike with PC makers.

While consumers buying new PCs with a Windows 7 OS will be relatively unaffected by Microsoft’s decision to ship a browserless system, those upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 “E” will be left without a browser. Upgraders will therefore have to download their browser of choice before upgrading and store it elsewhere until the OS is installed. This is a bit frustrating, but users are left with few alternative.