Dell UK has started bundling the open source Firefox browser with its desktop PC systems, a sales rep for the computer maker confirmed to vnunet.com.

Dell will also support the application, according to the representative, who identified himself only as 'Jay'. An official spokesman for the company was unable to comment due to the holiday period.

The computers will ship with both Internet Explorer and Firefox. The bundling deal appears to be limited to the UK for now.

The move could offer a major push to Firefox's market share. The open source browser rose to a 11.5 per cent share in November, according to data from Onestat. The same data pegged Internet Explorer's market share at 85.5 per cent.

Bundling Internet Explorer with Windows in the past allowed Microsoft to beat Netscape to the number one position in browser market share because most users will use whatever browser ships with their system.

After a judge ruled that the exclusive browser bundling deals were unlawful, Microsoft began to lose its grip on the browser market.

HP said earlier this year that it would start bundling Netscape with its desktop and laptop computers by 2006.