SharePoint Foundation 2010 is a web-based platform that can be used in most modern standard browsers. While the platform has been designed and optimized for Internet Explorer 8 and above, other browsers can be used, as well, with known limitations.

The optimum desktop environment in which to use SharePoint Foundation 2010 consists of a Level 1 browser, a complete installation of Microsoft Office 2010, and the Windows 7 operating system. While this is the optimum setup, you are can also use older versions of Microsoft Office (2007 & 2003) and Windows (XP or Vista), but you might experience some issues when trying to use some of the platform’s newer features.

While the platform has undergone significant upgrades from previous versions, the majority of functionality and features have been preserved in SharePoint Foundation 2010. As such, if you are familiar with Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, you will be able to perform the same operations that you did in that version on this new platform. The biggest change you will encounter, however, will be the new location of commands. But experience has shown that the new user interface (the ribbon) is quite intuitive; therefore, the learning curve is relatively small.

SharePoint Foundation 2010 provides a wealth of features and functionality in the area of end-user experience for working in lists and libraries. Improvements to the platform can assist organizations with gaining user buy-in, negating concerns expressed about earlier SharePoint versions by users and consultants.