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ChromeOS

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Google Chrome OS
DeveloperGoogle Inc.
OS familyUnix-like
Working stateAnnounced/unreleased
Platformsx86, ARM
Kernel typeMonolithic (Linux)
Default
user interface
Graphical (Web-based)
LicenseOpen source
Official websitewww.google.com/chromebook/chrome-os/

Google Chrome OS is a project by Google Inc. to develop a lightweight computer operating system devoted to using the World Wide Web.[1] Announced on July 7, 2009, the Linux-based operating system will be based on Google's Chrome web browser and is set to be released during the second half of 2010.[2] Chrome OS will run on systems with either x86 or ARM processors,[3] and designed for netbooks. Google has stated that the Google Chrome OS project will be open source[4] by the end of 2009, and that it will use "a new windowing system".[5]

Design principles

According to Google, Chrome OS is being designed with a minimalist approach, much like the company's Chrome web browser. Chrome OS will rely on cloud computing, with most, if not all applications residing on remote servers, rather than on the device itself. Hence Chrome OS is aimed at users who spend most of their computer time on the Internet. Google is targeting a range of devices, from netbooks to desktop PCs.[3][6][7] Google has stated that the Google Chrome OS is separate from its Android operating system, which was designed primarily for use on smartphones.[8]

Also, Google announced that the Google Chrome OS will feature a novel security architecture. According to Google's announcement, the company will be "going back to the basics and completely redesigning the underlying security architecture of the OS so that users don't have to deal with viruses, malware and security updates" [9].

Partner companies

One day after the official announcement of Google Chrome OS, Google named partners who would be developing devices for the operating system, including Hewlett-Packard, Acer, Adobe, Asus, Lenovo, Qualcomm, Texas Instruments, and Freescale.[10] A spokesman for Intel confirmed that company's involvement, as well.[11]

Daily build of October 14

On October 14, 2009, a daily build of the Chromium web browser (4.0.222.6-r28902) for Google Chrome OS was found on the Chromium daily build server. While the build has been removed, it is still available for download from other sites.[12] The interface has elements that are currently non-functioning but appear to be ready to link to the underpinning OS, and also elements that appear to be for internal use.[13]

Fake "previews"

Google Chrome OS has prompted some punters to release fake screenshots of it, and in one case even a fake "beta version".[14] These versions have not been released by Google, and in fact no preview of any kind of Google Chrome OS has been released yet.

Market implications

According to analysis by PC World,[15] Chrome OS represents the next step in the battle between Google and Microsoft ("the two giants of the digital revolution").[16] As of 2009, Microsoft dominates the usage share of desktop operating systems[16] and the software market in word processing and spreadsheet applications. The operating system dominance may be challenged directly by Chrome OS, and the application dominance indirectly through a shift to cloud computing.[16]

See also

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References

  1. ^ Mediati, Nick (2009-07-07). "Google Announces Chrome OS". PC World. Retrieved 2009-07-08.
  2. ^ Ahmed, Murad (2009-07-08), Google takes on Microsoft with Chrome operating system, Times Online, retrieved 2009-07-08
  3. ^ a b Womack, Brian (2009-07-08). "Google to Challenge Microsoft With Operating System". Bloomberg.com. Retrieved 2009-07-08.
  4. ^ Shiels, Maggie (2009-07-08). "Google to launch operating system". BBC News. Retrieved 2009-07-08.
  5. ^ Arrington, Michael (2009-07-08). "Google Chrome: Redefining The Operating System". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2009-07-08.
  6. ^ Hansell, Saul (2009-07-08). "Would you miss Windows with a Google operating system?". New York Times. Retrieved 2009-07-08.
  7. ^ Pichai, Sundar (2009-07-07). "Introducing the Google Chrome OS". Official Google Blog. Google, Inc. Retrieved 2009-07-16.
  8. ^ Helft, Miguel; Vance, Ashlee (2009-07-08). "Google Plans a PC Operating System". New York Times. Retrieved 2009-07-08.
  9. ^ Infosecurity magazine (2009-07-22). "Google promises 'the end of viruses' with Chrome operating system?".
  10. ^ Pichai, Sundar (2009-07-08). "Chrome OS FAQ". Official Google Blog. Google, Inc. Retrieved 2009-07-21.
  11. ^ Myslewski, Rik (2009-07-10). "Intel Cozying up to Google Chrome OS". The RegisterOSnews. Retrieved 2009-10-03.
  12. ^ Siegler, MG (2009-10-12). "Chrome OS Peeks Out Its Head A Bit Further. And What Is The Touchpad?". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2009-10-15.
  13. ^ Perlow, Jason (2009-10-15). "Sneak Preview: Chrome OS Browser Video Tour". ZDNet. Retrieved 2009-10-17.
  14. ^ Bradley, Tony (2009-10-28). "Beware the fake Google Chrome OS". PCWorld. Retrieved 2009-11-09.
  15. ^ Bertolucci, Jeff (July 10, 2009). "Google, Microsoft Invade Enemy Territory: Who Wins?". PC World. Retrieved July 11, 2009.
  16. ^ a b c Keegan, Victor (10 July 2009). The Guardian Can Chrome steal Microsoft's shine? http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jul/10/google-chrome-microsoft Can Chrome steal Microsoft's shine?. Retrieved July 11, 2009. {{cite news}}: Check |url= value (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)