Technology Network

      Google's much anticipated Chrome OS has quite some time to go till it is released for you and me. However, as speculated earlier, Google has provided juicy details of the upcoming OS at an event. While it is no Windows Killer by any margin, Chrome OS does give the user the option to boot into a web based OS, anytime, anywhere.

• Chrome OS?
        That's right. The OS might be named after Google's very own browser for obvious reasons. For once, the OS looks like a browser on steroids as it is almost completely web based. When you boot into Chrome OS, you are basically opening a browser window for running web apps. Unlike "normal" operating systems, you will not be able to install applications in the Chrome OS environment. Instead, it uses HTML5, for bringing an app like experience right within the browser - without the need for installing anything. To make things easier, think of it in this way. The Chrome OS is nothing but a barebones, stripped down version of Linux that is fast and launches like a web browser.


• Getting it and Installing it?
        While you can install Chrome OS on any X86 machine or using Virtualization, officially, Google will make it available only to select devices that will be "Chrome OS compatible". This might be partly owing to the fact that Chrome OS does not have a driver SDK as of now. Designed to run on a barebones system, most Chrome OS compatible devices will run on Intel and ARM's low powered processors. Google adds that Chrome OS laden devices will work as an "instant on" machine, which will boot itself up in under 20 seconds. Only flash-based storage media will be supported and for the same reasons storage capacities will be on the lower side - especially when compared to hard drive based netbooks. Another facet of the Chrome OS would be its search functionality. The user can use the address bar or the Quick Search box to quickly navigate to personal content stored locally, or on the servers. Of course, the same boxes can be used to search for content on the web as well.
  


• Security Concerns:
        Since the OS will run off the web, security will be a major concern since all your data will be stored on a remote server. Getting into your account will be as easy as hacking into your password. However, following the basics will ensure your account stays safe in your hands.


• Connectivity:
  Now, for a web-based system, it is essential to be Internet ready to be online whenever the user needs it. So, all Chrome OS machines will be Wi-Fi ready and will have the same as the primary connection method. There is a talk of Google taking the OS offline as well. However, little is known about that facet, as of now. While the options for Internet access might vary from one device to another, we think it would make sense to offer a GPRS and 3G ready device as well that will increase the range of the Chrome OS device exponentially. This is somewhat similar to what Nokia has done to its Booklet 3G netbook.


• Is it for you?
        Well, you might want to try is (just like most others do) since this is coming from Google. However, once the initial fanciness wears off, you will be constantly reminded about the fact that the Chrome OS is after all a stripped down OS that will do just about all the things a modern, self respecting browser of today does. The key for Google is to place this product in such a way that the user does not expect Chrome OS to be a full fledged desktop OS replacement. Apart from all these, pricing Chrome OS laden devices sensibly would make sense. It wouldn't make economic sense for any buyer to invest in a "computer" that basically runs just a web browser and is priced almost similar to a netbook that can do a whole lot more.


• When?
        While Google has not confirmed on any specific launch dates, the Chrome OS is largely expected to be released sometime in 2010. Now that the source code of the OS is out in the open, development on the OS will be for everyone to see. If you are one of those geeky kinds who can't wait to get your hands on the early builds of this one, you can use Virtual Box to see for yourself, how the OS, in its current avatar functions.

      For more on the Chrome OS, you might want to visit the Chromium OS home page here.