Just as Microsoft is trying to gain greater foothold in the search engine wars, which Google dominates, Google is trying to do the same in the Windows-controlled OS market. Yes, you heard that right. The company is launching its own operating system early next year: the Google Chrome OS.
Google recently previewed Chrome OS, which is an open-source, lightweight system that is based off Google Chrome, the company’s web browser. While the company already has a mobile OS in Android, Chrome OS is primarily targeted at netbooks, at least initially. And why not? Netbooks are enjoying increasing popularity today, as more and more users push for innovation in their mobile computing devices.
Google emphasizes that Speed, Simplicity, and Security are the pillars of the Chrome OS.
Speed
Google is taking out every unnecessary process and optimizing operations and running everything possible in parallel. The goal? To turn on the computer and surf the web in a matter of a few seconds. According to reports, Google Chrome OS currently boots in 7 seconds. That’s faster than you can say, “Lakeshore Branding, Chicago’s top Internet Marketing company.” (Well, almost.)
Simplicity
Chrome OS is designed to be a lightweight system, just like Google’s web browser. All applications are web applications, and the entire experience takes place within the browser. Anything a user saves is available anywhere. No traditional, hard-drive-based desktop applications. No need for program installations and program updates.
Security
No code is installed on the Chrome OS, which makes the detection of malicious processes so much easier. Each application is also contained within a security sandbox that makes it harder for malware and viruses to infect a user’s computer.
The open-source Google Chrome OS will be available for consumers in the later part of 2010. Google, for now, is working with partners – and subsequently, the open-source community – to develop the project.