Introducing the Google Chrome OS

[#1]

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So today, we're announcing a new project that's a natural extension of Google Chrome — the Google Chrome Operating System. It's our attempt to re-think what operating systems should be.

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Google Chrome OS is an open source, lightweight operating system that will initially be targeted at netbooks. Later this year we will open-source its code, and netbooks running Google Chrome OS will be available for consumers in the second half of 2010. Because we're already talking to partners about the project, and we'll soon be working with the open source community, we wanted to share our vision now so everyone understands what we are

Google Blog

[#2]

OK for some, but for me its once again up in the Cloud cuckoo land, what happens if you cant get a connection, you are stuffed, at least with my linux netbook, I can use open office or play games

[#3]

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The software architecture is simple — Google Chrome running within a new windowing system on top of a Linux kernel.

So is it really just a redesigned GUI on an existing Linux distro ?
I recently got an Acer Aspire One Netbook ( Expansys were selling them for £150 , it seemed rude not to at that price!! ) and replaced the supplied Linpus Lite OS with Ubuntu Netbook Remix, which is basically Ubuntu with a redesigned GUI and I must say I'm impressed!! It really makes good use of the limited display real estate on a Netbook.

[#4]

See also <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8139711.stm">this</a> story on the BBC website. Google says,"We are completely redesigning the underlying security architecture of the OS so that users don't have to deal with viruses, malware and security updates." So, no mention of Linux, which is a bit disappointing, and they make it sound like the 'underlying security architecture' is all their own work

[#5]

I am a bit "dim" on the merits of one OS against another......but..... Does this mean, all the software we are now using with MS windows, will have to be re-written, to fall into line with the Google OS? which in turn means that many will have to purchase the "new" re-written software, to be able to runn it.....
What I am thinking is..... If I decide to buy a new laptop, and it has this Google software as standard, then I will not be able to transfer all the programs I now have on this laptop to the new one, and many of them will not be re-written due to the originator not being able to cope with the new OS languages, etc., therefore, I will lose the programs, as new downloads will not be available.

[#6]

probably





I have several Win 95 programs that wont work with Vista and probalby not Linux, although I am typing his on a Linux Nettbook, near Mildenhall.  Here tell that Win 7 hs a virtual Win XP built in so that should be OK for my old progs

[#7]

We'll have to wait and see what the details are, but it seems Google are pushing their web applications, so you don't have the app installed on your PC at all.
In general with Linux, Windows apps don't work as standard, although some can be made to work by various means (look up WINE if you are interested). however, One of the key 'selling' points of Linux is that it already has lots of software of its own which is free to download, and is generally comparable in performance to Windows apps. No purchases required, although there are a few specialist commercial applications for Linux out there. If you have a Windows app that you can't do without, set up a dual boot or a virtual machine and run more than one OS.

[#8]

one is an expensive weather station making contact via a serial line and a USB/Serial adatptor.
The other is my accounts on a long standing Win 98 package and a Family tree program with nearly 800 entries

[#9]

OK, there are finance packages for Linux - GnuCash is probably the most widely used. I don't use it myself, so you would have to check if it can import data from what you are using now.
Similarly, there are family tree applications for Linux, but I wouldn't know if they can import your data.
As to the weather station thing, if it is just a case of reading the data from a serial port it should be fairly easy. If it is using bespoke software to read the data and display results then you might be stuck, or it might work in WINE.

[#10]

the weather data appears to be binary, the raw data is not listable

[#11]

Has anyone found out if it really is xNIX ?
If it is - it would certainly get MS worried - having such a high profile competitor

[#12]

@pierre,
Have you looked at Gramps ( http://www.gramps-project.org/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page ) for your family tree information.
I believe it can import/export data in a number of formats.

[#13]

there is a universal data transfer program GEDCOM that has been in use for decades if a program doesnt support it, I would say dont touch it. however, I have a lot of photo's dating back many years associated and these would have to be manually shifted.  Its just that I am very happy with the way mine works. Other members of the family have gone for web based trees - mainly US based - they seem to be worse than facebook ever knew how to be.
Just had a look,  842 people and 211 photo's
this one died just at the end of world war one - not the oldest pic though
the second was born in 1828, dont know when the photo was taken

[#14]

Quote from: mal0z

Has anyone found out if it really is xNIX ?

Read the Google blog link in Santiago's original post.

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The software architecture is simple — Google Chrome running within a new windowing system on top of a Linux kernel.

[#15]

Google, as usual, have got it right. From what I have read they are designing it for simplicity and for the increasing trend towards cloud computing. It will be really interesting and I am looking forward to taking a look at it.
It's all been said before, but Windows is very bloated and lots of people who aren't computer-savvy just want a simple machine to use mainly for the Internet. Sounds like this might fit the bill.