Google Chrome OS

The long awaited Google Chrome OS has finally arrived! Today, Google announced its long awaited Operating System, Google Chrome OS, taking its name from the Google Chrome browser, and for a good reason. For Google this OS is all about the cloud and the vision  is "nothing but the web". So this is pretty much an Internet browser running on a Google flavoured
linux, accessing all necessary applications directly from the web. Simple, but ingenious at the same time.

Google has long been running Google Docs, which is a productivity suite based on the cloud computing concept,  free in its consumer version but with a paid for enterprise version that allows the user to run office compatible applications from any computer in the world, as long as it is connected to the Internet and has a browser installed. This also voids any necessity for service packs, updates and upgrades, since the applications reside in Google's own server farms and all the updating is done at the server side, without any intervention or interruption to the user. The documents are also stored online, making them accessible from anywhere.

As for Chrome, the browser, as well as the OS, the same worry free concept applies, since it will be automatically updated in the client machine in an operation initiated at the server side.

The other advantage of such a computer, and this could be the saving miracle for netbooks and tablets alike, is that the hardware requirements for such an OS are minimal, as the computer is only running a browser and accessing the web. The running of the applications as well as all the necessary calculations for the most complicated spreadsheet are taken care of by the server where the app resides.

Using Citrix technology not only typical office apps like Excel and Word run smoothly but it is also possible to run heavier apps like "Solidworks eDrawings", a CAD application and similar software.

To go with their novel OS, Google is also launching their own branded netbook, the Chrome notebook Cr-48, a 12.1" display machine that offers you over 8 hours of battery time and wireless access to the Internet.