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Microsoft has released the first version of its much anticipated replacement for Internet Explorer.

Called Project Spartan it is part of Windows 10, the firm's next generation operating system set for release this summer.

It promises a faster browser, along with the ability to write notes on web pages using a stylus.

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The Spartan browser is designed to be faster, clearer and even let people wrote on web pages using a stylus

'It is fast, compatible, and built for the modern Web,' said Joe Belfiore of Microsoft.

'Project Spartan is designed to work the way you do, with features enabling you to do cool things like write or type on a webpage. 

'It's a browser that is made for easy sharing, reading, discovery and getting things done online.' 

However, the firm says this is an early version. 

'This preview is NOT a polished, ready-for-everyone release,' cautioned Belfiore.

He also admitted the firm would still allow users to install Internet Explorer. 

'At the same time, we recognize that for some of our enterprise customers, it's important they have the support they need and can continue to use Internet Explorer when and where they need it. 

'This is why we will continue to make it easy for our enterprise customers to make Internet Explorer 11 the default browser via group policy. 

'Internet Explorer 11 is supported on Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 for all customers, also providing a consistent platform that's great for enterprise Web apps. '

The move to kill off Internet Explorer was rumoured in December but now the Redmond-based tech giant has said it will use a new name for its forthcoming browser, which is currently code named Project Spartan.

Mary Jo Foley of ZDNet first shared the rumour of a new browser in December.

'Microsoft is building a new browser, codenamed Spartan, which is not IE 12 - at least according to a couple of sources of mine,' she wrote. 

The software has been redesigned with a new 'clean' look

Microsoft's Bing search engine has also been integrated into Project Spartan

A BRIEF HISTORY OF IE 

Internet Explorer, which was first called Windows Internet Explorer, was first released as part of the add-on package Plus! for Windows 95 in 1995.

Internet Explorer was one of the most widely used web browsers, attaining a peak of about 95 per cent during 2002 and 2003.

However, it struggled in the face of competition, and in May 2012 it was announced that Google's Chrome overtook Internet Explorer as the most used browser worldwide.

The brand has struggled to shake off the bad reputation of Internet Explorer 6, which was notoriously insecure. 

Thomas Nigro, a Microsoft Student Partner lead and developer of the modern version of VLC - a media playing app - claimed on Twitter in December that he heard Microsoft was building a brand-new browser.

'However, if my sources are right, Spartan is not IE 12. 

'Instead, Spartan is a new, light-weight browser Microsoft is building.'

The re-branding move is unsurprising as Microsoft has tried and largely failed to shake off the bad reputation of Internet Explorer 6, which was notoriously insecure and has regularly made 'worst tech products of all time' lists. 

The company is thought to be testing names using market research, but so far no final name has been announced.

Capossela mentioned that putting 'Microsoft' in front of the secret name boosted the browser's appeal to some Chrome users in the UK, suggesting the company's name could appear in the final brand. 

It is believed Windows 10 will ship with both Spartan and IE 11 to ensure compatibility with all web sites.  

Last year, it was derided for 'missing one' when it announced  it has decided to jump straight to version 10 of its Windows software in a bid to convince consumers the software is different from current versions.

The firm announced the latest version of its Windows operating system, called Windows 10, at an event in San Francisco.

It admitted the software was 'at a threshold' after the poorly received Windows 8. 

Terry Myerson, Microsoft's Windows chief said: 'There's about one and a half billion people using Windows today.

Microsoft has not publicly set a firm timetable for the release of Windows. 

The browser, which does not yet have a name, is likely to be rolled out with Windows 10. The new operating system marks the return of the Start Menu, which has the traditional list layout of previous versions of the interface, combined with the tile set-up that Microsoft introduced in Windows 8 (pictured)

Internet Explorer, which was first called Windows Internet Explorer, was first released as part of the add-on package Plus! for Windows 95 in 1995, but since then it has gained a lacklustre reputation. A stock image showing the software package in 1998 is pictured

'Devices outnumber people. 

'Windows is at a threshold and now it's time for a new Windows.

'Our new Windows must be built from the ground up for a mobile first, cloud first world.

'It wouldn't be right to call it Windows 9.' 

Microsoft said its new operating system will run on the 'broadest types of devices ever' and will see various app stores merged into one platform, called the One Store. 

The new software will also allow users on hybrid devices like the Surface Pro tablet to jump between and keyboard and touchscreen modes (pictured)

This will cover all of the company's smartphones, tablets and desktop computers. 

Myerson said Windows 10 will be 'a whole new generation' and, as expected, works across a variety of devices - from phones to gaming consoles.

It also sees the return of the Start Menu, which had been removed from Windows 8 to many users' annoyance.

In addition to offering a list of a user's favourite applications, the menu brings up re-sizable tiles - similar to those featured in Windows 8's touch-centric interface - on PCs and tablets.

The current version, Windows 8, has been widely derided for forcing radical behavioral changes.

Microsoft is restoring some of the more traditional ways of doing things and promises that Windows 10 will be familiar for users regardless of which version of Windows they are now using. 

'Windows 10 will deliver the right experience, at the right time. 

'Windows 10 will be our most comprehensive platform, ever,' said Mr Myerson.

'We're delivering one application platform. One store, one way for applications to be discovered, purchased, and updated across all of these devices.' 

Introducing Windows 10: 'The best Windows yet'

Windows 10 is designed to bring together all of Microsoft's different hardware, such as a the surface tablet (left) and the Xbox One (right) under the same software

The start menu in Windows 10 will appear similar to what's found in Windows 7, but tiles opening to the side will resemble what's found in Windows 8.

Joe Belfiore, a Microsoft executive who oversees Windows design and evolution, said Windows 10 will offer 'the familiarity of Windows 7 with some of the benefits that exist in Windows 8' to help business users make the transition.

Belfiore said that the company was going 'back to basics' with Windows 10, and confirmed that the famous Start menu, which was removed from Windows 8, would be returning.

'We're looking to find the balance, so that all the Windows 7 users get a familiar experience on the devices they already have,' he said.

'It gives the familiarity of Windows 7 with some of the elements of Windows 8.'

He said that going from Windows 8 to Windows 10 is like going from a Prius to a Tesla. 

'They don't have to learn any new way to drive.' 

Mr Belfiore also confirmed that Windows 10 would be compatible with both traditional and touch-based device users like tablets through a new task view with buttons scaled up so that they're more friendly to those on touchscreen devices. 

Users on hybrid devices like the Surface Pro tablet will be able to jump between and keyboard and touchscreen modes, with Microsoft demonstrating how the interface will change as you do.

Although the new software won't be formally released until later this year, analysts have already said that its success is crucial for Microsoft and new CEO Satya Nadella.