Google Chrome OS

In the continuity of the Chrome browser, Google launched the Chrome OS, an operating system, which at first, is intended for netBook.

The first computers running under this operating system, the Chromebooks, are available since June 15, 2011.

An operating system for what computers?

It can also be used on desktops, but is aimed at Web users mainly.
According to Eric Schmidt, the CEO of Google, Chrome is an anti-OS. He does not hide that the purpose of the OS is to help to increase the audience on Internet which in turn will increase revenue for Google.

It starts in seven seconds and is free. Data are saved on the Web.

The system runs on the Intel or AMD x86 and ARM processors.

The paradigm of Chrome OS

Google wants to totally change the design of operating systems. Currently they are a source of problems for the user:

The design of Chrome and the use of Web applications want to free the user of this.


Windows management by Chrome OS (Source Chromium)

Features

The new OS is designed from scratch, as was the browser, whose the interface as you can see is different and sleek.

The system is oriented towards the following: speed, simplicity and security. It is designed to be lightweight, which confers it speed. This is also true for the browser.
This last has a protection against viruses mainly in giving a runtime environment of each page. It will be the same for the OS, each application will be encaspulated.

The interface is minimal, applications will run mainly in the browser, so programs developped under Chrome OS will run on other operating systems. The desktop is made of tabs, one for each Web application and only Web apps will run on it.

Last screenshot of Google Chrome OS, november 2009 :

Architecture

This is a Linux system with a new windowed graphical user interface.

Applications to be developed in this environment with traditional Web development tools, should work on all browsers. They also works on Windows, Linux and Mac.

Through a system called chromoting, it can execute local applications in the browser both on the same computer on a remote computer.

It will be immune to virures and easy to update.

Cloud print

Failing to provide drivers for all types of printers on the market, Google designed a solution to allow web applications to print documents: managing the printing on the server.
The document is already available on the server with the online application, the printing management is done by the server, then regardless of the user's hardware, it sends just the content and appropriate instructions for printing to the printer.

New printers will take into account the cloud and will be connected directly to the network to receive the documents to print. For existing printers, a special software will be provided to connect them.
In all cases, the link with the network can go through the computer and the USB port.

Chrome OS and other systems

Chrome OS challenges Moblin from Intel, that is based on Linux too, and Windows CE or Seven.

Chrome vs. Android OS

Android was designed for mobile phones and may eventually operate on netBook, but manufacturers deem it insufficient for them.
But for the mobile, more and more manufacturers are adopting it.
Android is a Java software while Chrome OS is Linux with a simple GUI.

Windows

Chrome is in constant development and new direction that designers want to take is to separate the graphical interface which includes windows, and the backend. The latter can then be XLib, OpenGL or DirectX and Win32, that is, Linux or Windows ...
So a universal interface running on any computer.

What future for Chrome OS.

Two Google operating systems may become one, said Sergey Brin, one of Google founders. Chrome OS for netbooks and Android for mobile devices, will become a single system in the future.

The two are based on Linux and Webkit, and so, sharing same fundations, they have to merge with different components for various hardware.

But the system itself does have a future? Smartphones and tablets are expected to take a large market share at the expense of computers and especially of netbooks.
The remaining users will not be satisfied with only Web applications, they are well-suited for mobility and hence the tablets.

Remains the professional market where the system is provided by subscription and serves as a terminal. It competes with Microsoft's offer with equivalent price .
And also with Linux that can also provide the same service, coupled with a browser.

Reactions

What they said about the new operating system...

Bill Gates:

"The more vague they are, the more interesting it is." (Ref).

Erich Schmidt

"We benefit when people spend more of their life online. So for us it’s a very straightforward strategic initiative that ultimately results in more revenue."
Interview of Eric Schmidt.

Partners

These compagnies are working with Google, and are lucky to provide computers with this OS: Acer, ASUS, Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo, and Toshiba.
Plus software partners.

See also

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