A big lawsuit certainly changes things. It seems Microsoft has learned its lessons. Reportedly, the software giant is planning to launch its Windows 7 operating system without its flagship Internet Explorer browser, at least in Europe. Though the news ain't confirmed officially, Cnet learned it via a confidential memo sent to computer manufacturer. According to the memo, the manufacturers would have an option of adding the browser back in, ship another browser or ship multiple browsers.

"To ensure that Microsoft is in compliance with European law, Microsoft will be releasing a separate version of Windows 7 for distribution in Europe that will not include Windows Internet Explorer," the software maker said in the memo. "Microsoft will offer IE8 separately and free of charge and will make it easy and convenient for PC manufacturers to preinstall IE 8 on Windows 7 machines in Europe if they so choose. 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."

[via Cnet]