European users of Windows, the computer operating system from United States software giant Microsoft, are to be offered the choice of more internet browsers than just Microsoft's own Explorer. 

Microsoft promised the European Commission that, from March 2010, purchasers of new computers using Windows operating systems would be able to choose which internet browser they want to use when they configure their machine. The EC says the promise is legally binding and will apply for five years to users across the European Economic Area: the 27 members of the European Union plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

Internet Explorer is currently delivered as a default feature of the Windows operating system. The new agreement applies to computers running the Windows XP, Vista and 7 operating systems.

Microsoft has fought a long-running battle with the EC over the question of whether its bundling of Explorer with Windows consituted unfair competition.

Photo of Microsoft's Explorer logo by Danny Sullivan (flickr)