Wednesday, July 8, 2009

How GoogleOS can kill Windows



The all new Google Chrome OS was outed this morning on the Big G’s official blog. But what does it mean for the next generation of netbooks and PCs? Read on to find out how Google Chrome OS can see off Windows and change computing forever.
1. It’s free
Google Chrome OS will be able to undercut Microsoft’s hefty licencing payments. Unlike Linux though, it’ll also come backed up by stacks of well known features from Google Docs, gMail, Picassa and of course, the Google Chrome browser. And what’s more that’ll all be integrated from the first boot–up.

2. It has Google’s name on it
Joe Public didn’t know or care for Linux. But Google Chrome OS is a different beast. Everyone who uses the web uses Google. And with their innovative and simple apps already hugely popular and untainted by the likes of Windows Vista debacle, regular folks should lap it up.

3. It’ll be quick
Booting up Windows takes time. But the Big G’s top bods say computers packing Google Chrome will “run as fast as when [users] first bought them.” That means almost instant boot up times and easy–as–you–like web access.


4. It’ll make cloud computing mainstream
Windows isn’t afraid of the cloud. But Google is at the cutting edge thanks to the likes of Google Docs, Calendars and gMail. The cloud is the future of personal computing and Google Chrome could be the first time people other than tech fiends get a taste.

5. It’ll be fully integrated
Setting up a Windows PC to sync your e-mail, calendar, contacts and documents with the web takes time. Ages, in fact. Google Chrome OS will sync your mail, calendars and docs right away as long as you’ve got a gMail address and are tied into the Big G’s ecosystem. Think Google Android but without the added hassle of your mobile operator complicating things.

6. It’ll give epic battery life
Google Chrome’s apps will all be web based, so processor use will be minimal. That means your battery won’t take a hammering when you start firing off emails and pootling round the web. If a netbook running Windows XP can go for 7 hours, imagine what a Google Chrome netbook can do. Is 24 hours out of the question?

7. It’ll be cheap
With a low power processor and next to no hard drive space thanks to everything happening in the cloud, you can expect a Google Chrome netbook to be dirt cheap. If they can get to that magic £100 mark, then imagine how many they’ll shift. With Windows machines at £300, Microsoft will struggle to compete.

8. It’ll be easy to use
Windows XP and Vista are relatively straight forward, but can cause plenty of head scratching for those getting their first PC. Google Chrome OS will undoubtedly be straight forward, especially as they’re promising low power and won’t want people spending ages rummaging around the OS. Think all your apps running from one basic home screen.

9. It’s not just for netbooks
Google has said they’ll “bring a number of netbooks to market with Google Chrome OS next year.” However, they’ve also stated that it won’t just be netbooks getting the Chrome OS treatment. Full–on PCs will also be involved, striking right at the heart of Windows’ homeland. Microsoft never had such issues with Linux.

10. It’s open source
Google Chrome OS will be ready for download later this year. And because it’s open source, just like Android, devs will be able to get to work on new apps right away. Plus if there’s any issues in the future, anyone will be able to work on a fix.