Minimalist Computing With Google Chrome OS
A Stripped Down Operating System For Internet Use Only
Google unveiled its open source Chrome Operating System on November 19, 2009 with a public demonstration and scheduled release date set for late 2010.
Built on a minimalist approach, this new operating system is geared primarily for those who use their computers for Internet usage and not much else. Stripped down to the barest of computing and Internet needs, the Google Chrome OS has been highly anticipated since the company's original announcement of the creation of the OS in July of 2009.
Critics Say Lacking
Upon its release, critics were quick to proclaim the new operating system as lacking in all areas and simple - the exact reasons why the OS was created in the first place. The Google Chrome OS is specifically designed to work with and interact with web applications and cloud computing solutions. It is geared toward eliminating the need to download desktop applications and simply use the browser and Internet connection to enable it to be a faster, leaner operating system than what is currently offered by the competition.
Completely Without Hard Drive
One of the first substantial differences between this OS and others is it is designed to work on computers that boot from disks rather than hard drives. The hard drive is put the wayside in favor of cloud stored computing. The next immense difference is its restriction in only running web applications. For those used to pulling up Microsoft Word, with Chrome OS the alternative is Google's Docs and instead of loading Adobe Photoshop, Chrome OS users will surf on over to Google's Picasa.
Reliability Issues
On the surface, this new operating system sounds great. The problem is going to lay with getting computer users on board. Cloud computing has been shown to have some major issues as of late and confidence in the security of this technology is shaky at best. Many users may not wish to give up their desktop applications in favor of online applications. Additionally, the loss of an Internet connection can equate to a completely useless computer. All these factors can equate to very few users willing to make the Chrome OS leap.
Open Source Is Good
The one outstanding detail regarding Chrome OS is that it is open source. Opening up the coding to the programming world is going to offer up some seriously interesting variations. One particular variation that could prove popular is a Mozilla style operating system. As with any open source program, the sky is the limit and this works well for end users.
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