Google and Sony have come to a deal that will package Google Chrome Internet browser onto new Sony PCs. The deal between Google and Sony represents the first Google has made as it pushes to compete with Microsoft IE and Mozilla Firefox in the browser market. According to the Web firm Net Applications, Chrome currently has just 3% of the market while Microsoft enjoys a large 2/3 share. Google described its plans: “”User response to Google Chrome has been outstanding, and we’re continuing to explore ways to make Chrome accessible to even more people.” [via BBC]

My grandpa doesn’t know very much about the Internet; in fact, I don’t believe he’s ever owned or used a computer. But I think he could theoretically come up with better anti-malware protection than is offered by that slipped into Snow Leopard, if given a day or two to catch up. The buzz is that the anti-malware protection only scans for two trojans: OSX.RSPlug and OSX.Iservice, and it only does it for a handful of applications like Safari, Mail, iChat, Firefox and a few other Web browsers. Other applications like BitTorrent are left unprotected. [ZD Net via Crunch Gear] [Picture: Alaskan Dude]

While there’s no disputing the dominance of Internet Explorer, Firefox has good reason to celebrate today. The Web browser from Mozilla reached the one billion download mark at 15:00 UTC, and it continues to be downloaded at a rate of roughly 24 times per second. You could’ve followed the lead-up to this momentous occasion on Twitter, so sorry we didn’t notify you earlier, but it’s really the achievement itself that counts. Of course, Firefox doesn’t have a billion active users — that’s just preposterous — but it means a lot of people were fed up enough with their existing browser to give it a try and even stick with it through subsequent updates. If you’re still using IE6, do yourself a favor. [via PC World]

Microsoft is sounding the alarms on a computer security vulnerability that it hasn’t fixed yet. The worm, referred to obtusely as “Vulnerability in Microsoft Video ActiveX,” attacks through Internet Explorer when visiting hacked or malicious sites, often through spam e-mail. But here’s thing: Windows Vista users are safe, as the problem only affects computers running Windows XP or Windows Server 2003. Until the patch arrives, those users will have to disable Microsoft Video ActiveX Control, and then re-enable it later. This can be done through Microsoft’s Web site. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say this is a subtle advertisement for Windows Vista. Either that, or more ammunition for Apple ads. [via the Associated Press]

What’s one thing that wakes up Microsoft execs in a cold sweat even more than the thought of Windows 7 flopping as hard as Vista? Apparently, antitrust investigations.

If you happen to live in any of the member nations of the European Economic Area, Croatia or Switzerland and are looking forward to tearing open your brand new Windows 7 complete with IE 8, you can forget it. It’s not happening. Due to a European Union antitrust investigation revolving around Microsoft’s stake in the OS and internet browser, Microsoft will only be distributing an Explorerless version called Windows 7 E in Europe. It’s then left up to the OEM or consumer to install Internet Explorer 8, a different browser or a potpourri of multiple browsers.

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