Chrome OS

Lance · Nov 20, 2009, 09:42:20

Google have shown a preview of the OS they are developing: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8369611.stm

I like some points, such as speed, but I wouldn't use it purely for the fact that it means all the data is stored on Google's servers.

Rik · Nov 20, 2009, 10:12:10

All my data on their servers? No chance.

Lance · Nov 20, 2009, 10:14:35

I can certainly see the benefit to those who don't care about that or backups though. As pointed out in the BBC article, if you have a hardware failure your data is all safely stored.

Rik · Nov 20, 2009, 10:15:34

True. Well, it's stored at least.

Lance · Nov 20, 2009, 10:16:51

Simon · Nov 20, 2009, 12:06:09

bobleslie · Nov 20, 2009, 13:49:33

This is the bit that really sucks for me!

Quote

Google has been able to boost the speed of the system by designing it for specific hardware. The firm said that it would only run on computers using "solid state drives" instead of traditional hard drives.

In addition, the firm has been talking to hardware manufacturers to specify which components to include on finished machines.

This means that the company could "optimise" the code to run as quickly as possible, said Mr Pichai.

Glenn · Nov 20, 2009, 13:57:01

Sounds like a Mac

bobleslie · Nov 20, 2009, 15:37:36

Those who think this sort of thing is a goer, may like to have a look at Gaël Duval's Ulteo.

You won't have to buy a new computer.

Or, if you are really feeling adventurous then try this.

Sebby · Nov 20, 2009, 17:17:52

I do think it's the future, but Google will be even more powerful, and that's worrying.

Glenn · Nov 20, 2009, 17:25:17

Yep, I do too Seb, it makes sense to make terminals rather than PC's. Huge data centres with mainframe computers providing the computing power, the initial outlay to a user is lower, but the profit to the operator is higher as they charge for the amount of cpu resources that you use.

Steve · Nov 20, 2009, 17:27:20

Well at least whilst BT performs as it does we're probably safe in the UK for sometime ahead.

bobleslie · Nov 20, 2009, 19:01:58

Here's a little more information on how Google views Chrome OS.

cavillas · Nov 20, 2009, 19:03:59

Will the EU now lambast Google for not incorporating other browsers in its OS justa s they did with MS but NOT Apple.

bobleslie · Nov 20, 2009, 19:07:16

Probably. No one likes a winner.

Steve · Nov 20, 2009, 19:08:34

There're probably not going to worry about non mainstream products

Sebby · Nov 21, 2009, 01:37:37

Quote from: cavillas on Nov 20, 2009, 19:03:59
Will the EU now lambast Google for not incorporating other browsers in its OS justa s they did with MS but NOT Apple.

The difference being that Windows is in use on 90% of the world's computers.

kinmel · Nov 21, 2009, 12:08:07

It's Ok in a city full of wireless access points, but round here it would be no more useful that a brick once outside the house.

Steve · Nov 21, 2009, 14:07:05

Ok for Swindon then, we could call it the capital city of Chrome.

john · Nov 21, 2009, 16:43:40

Quote from: kinmel on Nov 21, 2009, 12:08:07
It's Ok in a city full of wireless access points, but round here it would be no more useful that a brick once outside the house.

Bricks are quite useful on the outside of houses, most seem to have been built with them

Rik · Nov 21, 2009, 16:49:41

cavillas · Nov 21, 2009, 16:52:53

Quote from: Sebby on Nov 21, 2009, 01:37:37
The difference being that Windows is in use on 90% of the world's computers.

But that's not Microsofts' fault, blame the customers.

Sebby · Nov 21, 2009, 18:10:27

It is their fault - they set out to dominate the market.

john · Nov 21, 2009, 19:03:48

But no company can dominate a market without a product that their customers want

Sebby · Nov 21, 2009, 19:47:00

That's true to some extent.