The official name of XP sold in European markets is Windows XP Home Edition N. The "N" stands for ... now get this ... "not with media player". I saw a blog post that pretty much says it all and illustrates what I think is a growing anger at the EU by American's. Here is imconfused blog:
the company abusively wielded its Windows software monopoly to lock competitors out of the market. The EU ordered Microsoft to offer consumers an MP-less version, compatible with other competitor software, such as Real Player, to allow consumers to decide which media player they wanted to use. Um, as opposed to the regular version? Because, I can install other media players willy-nilly, actually, with no problems whatsoever, except as those players may be badly written. Are Europeans too afraid to install other players with WMP present? Are they too stupid to change their file associations, even though whenever you install a new media player it kindly asks you whether it may take over all your existing associations? Too lazy to install other players when a reasonably good one is already there? And if it's any of those, how is that Microsoft's fault? I honestly don't understand how it's a problem that WMP is included with Windows operating systems. It absolutely does not interfere with a user's freedom of choice of media player. This imposition on Microsoft is really absolutely ludicrous. murdok which publishes over 200 websites and email newsletters.
Rich also publishes his blog
Found an error or have a suggestion? Let us know and we'll review it.
Suggest a Correction
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!