Information

Google Chrome OS, shortly known as Chrome OS or fully known as Google Chrome Operating System, is the new open source operating system designed by Google.  The Google OS itself is based around the Linux operating system and targets specific types of hardware. A stable and public release date for Google Chrome OS is expected around the second half of 2010 – there are already Beta versions circulating around the internet released by Google themselves.

Chrome OS is a very special type of Operating System that is designed for quite a specific purpose such as with web-based entertainment and programs like http://www.cheekybingo.com/ or with computers that have very little hard-disk space. The  user interface is very similar to Google’s Browser, Google Chrome and the browser is in fact the only application residing on the computer itself. To run other programs, you will need to access web based applications that will be available for the most popular programs. One thing to note is that you won’t be able to run any executable files (.exe) with computers that run Chrome OS. As you can see, the OS is meant for very light users who spend most of their time on the internet.

The biggest fans and users of Chrome OS will be users of small mobile devices like Netbooks, UMPC’s (Ultra Mobile Personal Computers) and eventually smart phones as well. Not too long ago, Google released another Operating System called Android, that has become quite popular on mobile phones. Even some Netbooks were planning on using Google’s Android Operating System. This can sound like a confusing strategy from Google’s part, and has even drawn large criticism from Google’s main rival Microsoft who have accused the Big G of not being able to make up their mind. Google has responded by saying that currently the Netbook market and smart phone market are two distinct groups, and have different needs, but have acknowledge that over time these two segments will converge.

So what’s so special about the Chrome OS? How about an already demonstrated boot up time of 7 seconds, and some have even gotten it to start in around 3! Another big advantage of the Chrome OS is that you won’t really need a hard drive anymore as all apps are web based, and data is mostly stored online – both taking great advantage of cloud computing. As you won’t be able to run executable files, and will hardly store anything on your computer, Google’s OS is expected to be virus-free. One major concern for users might be what will happen if you don’t have access to the internet – will your computer running Chrome OS be completely useless? Well, naturally Google has thought this through and they will enable you to use web-apps and programs in offline mode as Google already does for its online apps such as Gmail and its Chrome Browser.

Overall, Google Chrome OS is quite a unique software in this day and age where the usual sign of technological progress is MORE not LESS. This very minimalistic approach by Google with it’s OS is in fact just in line with the Netbook market that has unexpectedly skyrocketed over the past couple years. It seems that alongside the power users requiring more control and power, there is also a huge market for simple, fast, cheap, and effective technology. The Google Chrome OS represents the biggest competition that Microsoft Windows has faced since its creation, despite the fact that they are two completely different pieces of technology with opposing methodologies for achieving what is essentially the same purpose. It’s safe to say that Google Chrome OS will be a well adopted Operating System that will become a major part of our lives in the near future. Hope this introduction to Chrome OS gives you a good idea and background about Google’s latest and possibly best breakthrough.