Comments on: Microsoft hopes charity push will spur IE downloads

The software maker will donate meals to a food bank for each person that downloads its new browser through a special Web site.

[catstartk]

Why does MS need to always PUSH their software down our throats. Why do they feel the need to dominate everything.

If IE is good enough based on it own merits then use it, but don't bribe us. What's next, buy Windows 7 so they can donate $7 to another charity-of-the-day too?

America is being taken over buy corporatism and MSFT is right in the thick of it.

MSFT.. go to hell with GM and AIG.

[Vegaman_Dan]

Be sure to include Google because they push software onto your system that you didn't want either- you want Google Earth? Congratulations, you just got Chrome too. Apple? You wanted iTunes? You get Quicktime as well.

Your argument is very idealistic, but not very realistic.

[monkeyfun14]

Yeah I know why can't they be more like Apple it's not like they try to get us to use Safari every chance they get.

Oh wait...

[tm_anon]

Funny, when MS does bad, you two always give the same argument "they did it first". When Apple does bad, you two are the first to point it out and to try and call foul on anyone using your own arguments.

Maybe you both should grow up and realize that every company has good sides and bad sides. MS gives away a lot to charity, the bad side is that now MS is trying to tie in that giving with the downloading and installing of its browser.

Apple makes very innovative products, the downside is that they try and sneak one by you when you're not looking.

Some of Adobes software is the best in the business. The downside is that the really good quality software costs more than many people spend on their home computer.

They all have good sides and bad sides, the point is that neither of you has ever been willing to see the bad sides.

[malcarada]

Linux gives back to the community far more than Microsoft.

[akvasu]

Last week when I installed Linux - it came bundled with Mozilla FF in the GNOME window, and with Konqueror browser on KDE. I want to understand a little more on Europe's Problem with MS and IE - any links pls?

[tm_anon]

MS has been using its majority share of world wide PCs to push its browser. That gives it an unfair advantage over its competitors.

As much as you want to see a correlation between MS and Linux, there's not one. Each Linux distro uses whatever its designers say. Some use Opera, some use Firefox, some use Ice Weasel, some use Konqueror and others use a different browser altogether.

Just the simple fact that you can get Linux with more than just Gnome or more than just KDE shows a completely different mindset.

[drhowarddrfine]

Some of you guys need to Google for the article in the LA Times about Gates "charitable contributions" and the dirty hands involved. It's quite enlightening and should give you a different view of that foundation.

[monkeyfun14]

Why don't you post a link nothing comes up.

I'm sure its bull **** anyways.

[tm_anon]

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-gatesx07jan07,0,6827615.story
http://www.democracynow.org/2007/1/9/report_gates_foundation_causing_harm_with
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003513256_gates070.html
http://theenvelope.latimes.com/la-na-gates16dec16,0,875578.story

Those four came up by searching 'LA Times, Bill Gates' and 'la time gates foundation'. They were on the front page.

Maybe that's why monkeyfun14 likes Bing so much, a lack of understanding of how to use Google will do that to a person.

[monkeyfun14]

I smell a one sided story here tm_anon.

I doubt that articles gives both sides of the story..

[pcdude2143]

@monkeyfun14 You are always shooting yourself in the foot by acting like a stupid moron. Get a hold of yourself. The world will not end if people use different operating systems or programs than you or like different companies than you. You can debate till your blue in the face, but some people just like different things.

Also, what's the deal with the fixation on all things Microsoft? Have you even tried Apple/Open Source Software??? Why do you hate them so?

[monkeyfun14]

@pcdude

Find me a comment where I say I hate Apple or Linux?

I don't hate the software I hate the fanboys.

[jake3373]

They would get more downloads if they fixed IE and actually improved it than if they start giving money away. It's just like Live Search cashback, where MS paid people to use their search engine.

[quikboy2]

A bet a lot of people that voted no, just hate Microsoft in general.

This is a good thing, compared to other companies that just don't give a care.

[ivandrago]

It just seems kind of silly, but doesn't Apple pre-install Safari on to Macs? It just seems trivial to have MS remove IE. IE was on my Vista OS when I got it, but I rarely use it. I use Firefox 99% of the time. The only time I use IE is when I want to use my fav integrated text to speech program (TextAloud) or, if a web site won't work corrently with a non IE browser (very rare now).

[stockyjoe]

Hey IE why not use webkit and put it in the next version of IE because IE8 is still full of fail.

[sethvel1]

Mr. Gates IS a clever man, extremely smart business man whether you like it or not. I know a lot of people kind of shun from him just for the simple fact that he has been one of the most successful business people in the world. I'm sure a lot of you are jealous of him and that may cloud your judgment of him. I have dealt with him personally several times and he is down to earth and kind, and smart as hell. Anyway, no one is forcing anybody to use any program. If you want to use the old IE, then use it. Think about it though, any company that comes out with a new version is going to incorporate all new applications along with their new product, look at adobe. Flash player, reader, shockwave etc... Otherwise why make a new product. Personally, I suggest everyone use mozilla firefox instead of IE anyway. I won't download it, I'll ignore the update for it, the only thing I ever use IE for is the windows update site after a new or reinstall. but to each his own. Bill, or no one else is trying to shove IE8 down your throat, force you to use it, this publicity is just like a cambell's soup commercial on tv, advertisement. If you want MS to contribute $1.15 for you download the program then uninstall it if you don't want it, it's that simple. Hell, you could always use the Opera browser if you wanted to.

[JuggerNaut]

To help give way the world's worst web browser, I guess playing on people's sympathies just might help!

[bueller_29]

Until our government buys/bails out some software company and mandates the use of one browser, I don't see what the big deal is? If you don't like MS, don't use their products. If you don't like the other browsers, create your own. That is what is great about America. People are still free to choose which browser to use - or to start a software company in their garage.

[play7]

Well unlike some people looking for problems, atleaset i posted about the story and not direction flamming words without trying to even reply to the topic at hand tm_anon June 14, 2009 3:12 PM PDT .

[play7]

there is a freedom of choice when using browsers...nobody is forcing you to use IE...........Do you really care if people are using it or not? Because the anti MS people say so? To each their own. whatever they use

[gbsnider]

Wow. Just. Wow. And now I get to register on frigging CNET because some power nerds have a plomper in their panties over Bill Gates. Again.

$1.15 to a food bank. All you have to do is install and uninstall a ****** browser. Nobody here has denied that IE is not ideal. I'm using Firefox right now. All you have to do is download a damned program, and uninstall it, and some kid might get a piece of bread and some f***ing government cheese tonight. You little entitlement cases and your objections. Really? Will a couple hundred thousand downloads of IE tear down your computerized world? Are you people just completely gone? Some of you jagoffs make me pray for a real Y2K.

The objections, sure, they're understandable. To a point. You "Open source has donated blah blah blah" folks, though, really need to either close your useless Funyun funnels, or take a walk on the real side of life. As someone actively involved in African charity, as a mechanic, and as a computer user with no real bone to pick with any tech company... you're off of your f****ing rockers. As another poster so astutely pointed out, who gives a ****** if Linux provides stuff open-source? That's mainly benefiting Americans and Europeans. So that African children can learn? Are you really that stupid? Does your condescension really span all six populated continents? You do know that those children need to survive to learn something in the first place, right? Well, you fellas (and ladies, I suppose is possible, I'm not going to make assumptions though I have my own ideas...) are adept at missing the point, I'll give you that. What in holy hell is diddling around on a Linux laptop going to do for an African child born into a situation in which he/she will be lucky to make it past twelve? Bill Gates and George W. Bush, two demons of this little community, have provided more for Africa in their respective capacities than any two people on earth in HISTORY. Look it up, with your self-admitted Googleiciousness.

You have a problem with MS? Fine. You have a problem with Bill Gates? Who cares? You won't download a browser and then uninstall it because it is spymalevilware? That's the stuff of pure evil, not ol' Bill Gates. And by the by, what say you freedom lovers about Pres. Obama? I'll tell you now, I'm not a fan because I think he does what you're claiming Bill Gates does. Opinions? I'm here to be enlightened by the technorati. Banter!

[play7]

I really dont think people care that much about ones person comments on cnet. Unless your flaming someone.

Again no one is telling you you have to down load it? Strange how people just love to put themselves inthe spot light.....

[gbsnider]

Way to dodge a point. Obviously, I didn't say anything about anyone forcing anything. All I'm saying, is that downloading and then uninstalling a browser probably won't kill you, but MS was offering a donation to a foodbank for the two minutes of effort. People that took objection to that offer, in my mind, are either crazed with anti-MS rhetoric, or just plain stupid.

[god0fgod]

This is what Microsoft do all the time to try and receive as much market share as possible.

Most people are unfortunately too stupid and fall for it.