Google takes on other operating systems | News | Techie.com.ph
5:26 PM | Friday | 30 July 2010

It looks like no one can stop Google from dominating the world, or at least from kicking everyone's butt in the online and computing arena.

The search giant just announced that it is currently developing an operating system based on and named after its nine-month-old Chrome web browser. Apparently, the release of this new operating system called Chrome OS is going to give the fellas from Microsoft a run for their money.

According to the Google Blog, Chrome OS is the company's "attempt to rethink what operating systems should be," noting that the Web didn't exist yet when today's operating systems were first designed. Google's OS is factoring in speed, simplicity, and security to help users get the most out of the Web.

Simply put, Chrome OS is an open-source, fast, and lightweight OS which will focus on getting users into a web browser as quickly as possible, with most of the user experience happening on the Internet. Many might say that this setup is more prone to virus and malware attacks, but our friends from Google said they're resolving the issue by redesigning the security architecture.

Download it for free

You read that right. One editor here said that it makes sense. "The influx of free applications on the Web made paying for software applications [and the OS itself] a pointless deed. Why install a desktop mail client, purchase an office suite, depend on a scientific calculator, and use a video player if you can do these with Gmail, Google Docs, Wolfram Alpha, and YouTube respectively? Not to mention that these sites are just a few clicks away and are free." Undeniably, Chrome OS will be Google's treat to users whose activities are greatly influenced by the Web.

Google's Chrome OS will run on both x86 and ARM chips. It is initially targeted to run on netbooks, to be followed by other machines, including full-blown desktops. The first set of netbooks with Chrome OS is set to be released on the second-half of 2010. Among the companies that have already agreed to partner with Chrome OS are Acer, Adobe, ASUS, Freescale, Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo, Qualcomm, Texas Instruments, and Toshiba.

To learn more about Chrome OS, visit this FAQ page.

Image from Google Books Chrome