Internet Explorer MANDATORY update???

Since when is internet explorer a non-optional update? Was just doing a clean install of windows 7 in a VM to test something... What the hell is all this now?! According to windows update / microsoft...

Apparently, in microsoft's delusional opinion:

Internet explorer 9 is:

• Fast
• Clean
• Trusted
• Interoperable

... wow I didn't know that. I'm sold!!!

 (that was dripping with sarcasm if you couldn't tell)

The following is according to windows update (quote... as such, I don't take any responsibility for dumb fucking misrepresentations and hype)

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Windows Internet Explorer 9 for Windows 7

Download size: 19.3 MB

You may need to restart your computer for this update to take effect.

Update type: Important

Windows Internet Explorer 9 delivers web sites and applications that look and perform like native PC applications through the power of Windows.

          Fast: Internet Explorer 9 is all-around fast.  Designed to take full advantage of your PC’s hardware through Windows, Internet Explorer 9 delivers graphically rich and immersive experiences that are as fast and responsive as native applications installed on your PC.

          Clean: Internet Explorer puts the focus on the Web sites you love with a clean look and increased viewing area that makes your Web sites shine.  Intuitive and seamless integration with Windows 7 provides one-click access to Web applications pinned directly to your Taskbar.

          Trusted: Internet Explorer is the trusted way to the Web because it has a robust set of built-in security, privacy and reliability technologies that keep you safer and your browsing experience uninterrupted.

          Interoperable: Support for HTML5 and modern Web standards architected to take advantage of the GPU means that the same mark-up not only works across the Web, but runs faster and delivers a richer experience through Windows and  Internet Explorer 9.

More information:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=71727

Help and Support:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=71719