So Long, Internet Explorer? Microsoft Working on New Browser

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Internet Explorer has had a bad rap since the beginning of the Internet, but it looks like Microsoft may be about to address that. Rumors have been flying that Microsoft is working on something big in the browser front; the company might be replacing or renaming Internet Explorer, or creating an additional browser.

A tweet earlier this month by Thomas Nigro, a Microsoft Student Partner lead, sparked even more discussion of the new browser. The developer said he heard Microsoft will be launching a brand-new default browser "that's not Internet Explorer." According to ZDNet, the public may soon get to see what the company has in store. 

Codenamed "Spartan," Microsoft's new browser may be ready just in time for Windows 10. So if you're buying a new Windows 10 computer in 2015, don't be surprised if Internet Explorer is missing or if you see a second browser pre-installed on your device.

Here are the current questions and answers about Spartan and what it means for your business.

With Firefox and Chrome taking the lead in the browser wars, the Spartan rumors raise the question of whether users actually need yet another browser. And is Spartan meant to replace Internet Explorer?

Although there were talks that Spartan will actually be IE 12 — the next version of Internet Explorer — sources say Spartan will be a separate, "lightweight" browser that will be available in addition to IE 11.

It's no surprise, however, that Spartan will reportedly look and feel like Chrome and Firefox and support extensions for additional functionality, like those browsers do. This would be similar to Chrome extensions and Firefox plugins that let you stay productive and customize your Web browsing experience for your business needs.

If your business is looking to purchase new computers in 2015, it may be one of the first to try out the new browser. Spartan will likely ship with the all-new Windows 10, and there's a chance the public will get a preview of the new browser during the Windows 10 unveiling on Jan. 21. Those who want first access to Spartan may also be able to get their hands on the browser as early testers sometime in early 2015.

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