Microsoft pays charity for Bing searches... as long as you use Internet Explorer

What's wrong with that.

And why not? they're hardly likely to make donations for searches on Google using chrome.

If you're going to take this route to supporting sport relief then why would'nt you want Bing as your default search engine for the duration. Anything else would involve actively changing to Bing from whatever, every time you make a search. A process unlikely to be rigorously continued for very long.

By chapelgarth on 1 Mar 2010

Yeah, I agree, I would say Microsoft are perfectly entitled to do this and it seems perfectly reasonable to me.

By Grunthos on 1 Mar 2010

Good For MS

Sorry Barry but your 'It also cheekily attempts to install Bing as the default search engine and homepage, using pre-ticked boxes during the installation process' comment is pretty pathetic and unnecessary as all your other loves, Google, Apple, Yahoo etc. do exactly the same thing.

Also, who are these critics that argue against MS donating to charity?

Impartial reporting please Mr. Collins. Some critics may cheekily argue that you've made your money off Microsoft and are after fresh loot from the other big boys.

By vikarmo on 1 Mar 2010

It also cheekily attempts to install Bing as the default search engine and homepage, using pre-ticked boxes during the installation process' comment is pretty pathetic

Bit of a harsh reaction. It is cheeky. The other companies that do it are cheeky. I'd say damn right annoying really

By TimoGunt on 1 Mar 2010

Best of Both Worlds

I'm sticking with Firefox / Google, but I'll happily spend 10 mins a day on Bing making meaningless searches through IE to help sport relief!

By milliganp on 1 Mar 2010

Is it that wrong to be a giant?

I don't really get it why so many people just hate Microsoft so much, and whatever Microsoft does, they can find some points to blame. What Microsoft has done is exactly the same as the other companies, only more successful and do some charity from time to time.

By Numen on 2 Mar 2010

Thanks

Hi Barry,

Thanks or sharing this article.
I hope the charities will be able to benefit from this partnership with bing. As for having to use Internet Explorer, I hope it makes more people try out IE 8 and finally give users some protection from all the online phishing schemes I am seeing lately. IE 8 actually protects its users from getting their accounts compromised and that is a great thing!

If you're on Twitter, I'd love to get your input! We're @CIOsConnect

Cheers,
Alex
Microsoft Windows Client Team

By MSFT_AlexT on 8 Mar 2010