Taking the leap: upgrading to Windows 10 and the Spartan Browser.

• Author: Counts, James C., II
• Position: Internet providers

The decision for CPAs to either update software or hold out until a new version is always a delicate one. Most CPAs--as most people--get into a comfort zone with their products and moving to a new version may being new and better functionality, but processes may be different.

Take Windows and Internet Explorer, for example. Microsoft says it will release Windows 10 this summer with its new internet browser, called Spartan, as well as release IE 11 to work with Windows 10 and Spartan. Microsoft may not be updating IE 11 in the future, other than for security fixes, and Spartan will be the default internet browser going forward.

So, given the likelihood of a new operating system and new web browser, what features may each have?

The Buzz About What's Coming

First there is a version of Windows 10 out there (you can download a full version at https://insider.windows.com/) that's a combination of Windows 7 and 8.1. It has the start button and the list of programs like Windows 7 and the tiles like 8.1. Thus, depending on what version of Windows you're using, you're likely to feel comfortable with Windows 10 and not have as large of a learning curve with the new software.

Microsoft has said they will allow users of Windows 7 and 8.1 a free upgrade to the new OS for up to a year after it's released. Thus, from a cost viewpoint, it appears there is no reason not to upgrade.

I have read that the Spartan browser will be slimmer than IE, and will work on desktops, phones and tablets using Windows 10. Microsoft said that Windows 10 will work with all Lumia phones except Lumia 930 and Lumia Icon. So far, Microsoft has not announced other Windows 10 compatible smartphones.

Microsoft released its second, insider version of Windows 10 in early April, with an expanded--but not complete--desktop version of Spartan. It does not have all the expected features that should be available upon release, but it's the second public view to what Spartan is likely to look and feel like, including new apps that will be available with it.

While Microsoft has released the second version of Windows 10 Mobile, I would...