Clearing the air (again) about what Google Chrome OS is and isn't

Wrong, wrong, wrong. First and foremost, the "build" they're talking about is a fan-built Linux distro with Chrome bolted on created using SUSE Studio. Second, no official Google project is going to be hosted as a subdomain on Google Sites. No way. They've already got a domain registered for ChromeOS.
Third, it's not really that close to what Chrome OS is going to be.
Don't count on any desktop apps - such as OpenOffice and Gimp - to be included. The aim as I understand it from sources at Google is to provide a portable computing experience that relies very heavily upon access to the cloud.
Google's vision is for you to boot, sign in to the OS using their single sign-on cookie which preps your browser to access all your Google goodies (GMail, Docs, Picasa Web, etc.), and get down to business with the Chrome browser. Sign out of your session on your netbook, sign in on your desktop onto which you've managed to get Chrome OS installed and your desktop will look exactly as you left it on your netbook. Your sessions are saved in the cloud and follow you from machine to machine.
For users who want a fast-booting alternative with quick access to a browser, Chrome OS might be the right choice. Personally, though, my Windows 7 and Fedora installs resume very quickly from sleep and I'd rather have access to my full-blown desktops.
Bottom line: we won't know how cool Chrome OS is until Google gives us a peek - whether that's a genuine leak or a developer build.













Comments
4
Subscribe to comments216Oct 28th 2009 4:14PM
Google should link their new Navi app into Chrome OS...i dont know how, or what it would do...but it would kick ass
sharkbaitOct 28th 2009 5:52PM
I am just amazed at how many people want Chrome OS to include WINE. Why the hell would Google want to do that? Google's platform is the Web, not the Windows API. *sigh*
And, of course, what would Chrome OS have over normal Linux for running Windows apps, let alone Windows itself?
OTOH, can Google use its trademark power to shut up the fake "Chrome OS" website and all the trolls promoting it? 'Cause that be just great.
sharkbaitOct 28th 2009 9:53PM
Go to the site again. What's that noise I hear? Ah, that's all the Internets rejoicing now that Google has taken down the site.
Tony MontanaOct 30th 2009 4:08AM
Google Chrome OS's path to success:
1: Making an OS that boots up in 5 seconds.
2: Give people easy access to the internet(facebook and twitter assocation would be great).
3: Team up with ARM and sell Google branded device at every Walmart for 99 dollars.
Considering for 99% of people Photoshop or Office isn't relevant and Twitter and Facebook is if they can market this device properly they will eat into PC sales like there is no tomorrow for a market that only counts Facebook and Twitter as its "apps".