Microsoft tweaks browser ballot

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Microsoft has fixed an algorithm problem that affected just how randomly its browser ballot displayed alternatives to Internet Explorer.

The browser ballot hit European computers this week, following an EU edict forcing Microsoft to do something to allay anti-competition charges regarding its bundling of IE with Windows.

Since then, reports have suggested the list of rival browsers - including Firefox and Chrome - isn't exactly random, although one researcher claimed it wasn't "nefarious," but the result of poorly written code.

Microsoft has now confirmed the error in the algorithm, and said it has set things straight.

"We can confirm that we made a change to the random icon order algorithm in the browser choice screen for Europe," said Kevin Kutz, director of public affairs for Microsoft, in a statement.

"We are confident the algorithm change will be an improvement. As always, we are grateful for the feedback we get from developers, and we thank those who commented on the topic and suggested changes."

Read on to find out how much the ballot will actually change browser market shares.

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