Google, Inc. recently announced the company is developing a complete operating system for personal computers. Google Chrome OS is a free system initially designed for affordable netbook machines.
As the popularity of low-cost netbooks continues to grow, the decision to start with newbooks may be a wise choice. In fact, research firm International Data Corp, anticipates 21.5 million netbooks will be sold in 2009. While Google will offer the new system for netbooks, the OS will be available for laptops and full-size desktops at a later time.
Chrome Operating System Benefits
Chrome OS is being specifically developed for users that spend time online. With assistance from open-source programmers, the new operating system will be user-friendly, simple to use, fast and secure. Based on the Linux kernel, the Chrome OS will be optimized to work seamlessly with the Internet and all web applications will work automatically.
The new operating system, also based on the Chrome web browser, is compatible with x86 processors and ARM chips used in smart phones. The security architecture is also being redesigned to help alleviate malware, viruses and constant updates. Google Chrome OS is set to launch in the second half of 2010.
Potential Chrome OS Issues
It is estimated that 95 percent of personal computers run on Windows. And with the new Windows 7 debuting this fall, it could be an uphill battle for Chrome OS. Due to the fact many people are already comfortable with Microsoft’s Windows operating system, persuading computer users to switch to a brand new OS could be difficult.
Some people who purchased netbooks without the familiar Windows operating system, ended up returning them. Paul Jackson, principal analyst for Forrester Research said, "It was not what people expected. People wanted Windows because they knew how to use it and knew how applications worked," according to a recent article in the Associated Press.
Chrome versus Microsoft
With more than a 70 percent market share, when it comes to search engines, Google is king. But Microsoft is tapping into the search engine business with Bing, the new “Decision Engine” launched earlier in June, 2009.
Chrome OS is not the first time Google has developed an operating system. The company also developed an open source operating system for mobile applications, Android. As the search engine giant and software giant go head-to-head in this operating systems duel, a little competition between the two may ultimately benefit computer users. In the end, consumers may end up winning the operating systems battle.
Source:
Michael Liedtke and Barbara Ortutay, (July 8, 2009). Associated Press.
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