GOOGLE CHROME OS (GOOGLE CHROME OPERATING SYSTEM)

Google Chrome OS (Google Chrome Operating System)

Google Chrome OS

Desktop-based operating systems have been a core component to computers for the last few centuries yet Google's Chrome OS claims to eliminate the desktop all together. Some feel that this approach is inline with the uptrend in cloud computing and a natural progression for the operating system while others argue that this approach will only benefit the less technical computer user who only relies on their computer for menial web related task. This document intends to look at the reason why Google's Chrome OS may not be the be-all and end-all in the ever-competitive operating system space.

Chrome OS requires a Gmail account.

Although the Google operating system may not be officially released for another year it is currently available for testing and review in the form of a virtual machine image. I found one of these images over at gdgt.com website. (http://gdgt.com/google/chrome-os/download/) Like most operating systems upon launch of the Chrome OS you are presented with a login screen. Unlike typical operating systems Chrome OS requires a Gmail account. Your Gmail account is used for the username and your emails password doubles as the operating system password. After login and launch you are given a full screen window, which closely resembles that of the Google Chrome web-browser. Also included is a list of shortcuts to Google related services and a few other web applications.

The major flaw that I see in the Google OS operating system is the very feature that makes this operating system unique. This is the absence of a desktop environment and native applications. The operating system makes the assumption that you are always online.

Google Centric OS

Given Google's business and revenue models I can see how the company would like to steer people towards a Google centric always online operating system however this approach makes little sense to the user who is not always online. Say you are traveling and you are on an airline that does not yet include in flight Wi-Fi service, while others next to you are listing to music, watching movies, or working on a spreadsheet you have a laptop system that will do little more then start up.

Apples Error

Apple made a similar error early on in development of the iPhone. When the first iPhone was unveiled to the public in 2007 there were only a few propriety applications. If one wanted to develop an application for the iPhone they were expected to create web applications that were only assessable via the iPhones web-browser. This limitation severely limited developers as well as users and any such applications required an Internet connection for use. A few months after the initial release of the iPhone Apple announced they would be developing and releasing a SDK (Software Development Kit). Since the release of the iPhone SDK and Apple app store the iPhone has revolutionized the way people use mobile devices. As intuitive as the iPhone was with its touch screen controls it was really the ...