Look out Microsoft, Google is coming for you again

Published on July 8, 2009 By CharlesCS In Personal Computing

It seems that what many believed Google would eventually do is now set to be available before the end of the year. To follow in Google's attempt to offer a new way to browse the Internet, Google Chrome, Google is now ready to make available Google Chrome OS, an operating system meant to be simple, lightweight, fast and to better with web applications.

Personally I look forward to checking out this new OS. I'm curious to see just how plain, simple and clean it is. And of course, like Linux, Google claims it will make it as virus and spyware free as possible but us smart people know that even Apple and Linux are not immune to viruses or spyware and that all it takes is for a hacker to be interested enough, smart enough and dedicated enough to create them.

As the PC World article put it, not only has Google given MS something to keep an eye on when they took over online searching with Google.com, invaded Internet browsing with Google Chrome, taken a bit out of web apps with Google Maps, Google Calendar and others and make itself mobile with Google Android cell phone apps, now Google takes another shot at MS with Google Chrome OS. Now all we need is a Google based touch screen MP3 player (Google Pod?) and even Apple will start to watch Google more often.

PC World

Life Hacker

Comments (Page 8)

106

Jafo

on Aug 07, 2009

Microsoft does think open source is a threat.

I dunno...it's a waste of time debating...when the other half doesn't proof-read his own examples....that link is talking about Linux maybe being a 'threat' with netbooks....you know...those little things that can't make up their mind whether they are a banzai laptop....or just an effing too-big qwerty mobile phone [cell] that won't fit in a pocket.

Who gives a rat's arse about toys?

Some debates are just too plain silly to continue.

107

kona0197

on Aug 07, 2009

Well MS Windows on a netbook is just as important to MS as Windows on a Desktop. Money is money. And I did read the link.

108

bl00gername

on Aug 08, 2009

Jafo

comment 102

Those "strings" boil down to having to provide source code when distributing for free or money any programs under its license, including modifications to that program. That's it. That's far less "strings" than your basic MS-EULA for every MS product, including the "new" Windows 7. That's why MS basically hates free/open source software, it doesnt have have a timebomb in their legalese.While 'unboiled' the reality is that there ARE strings....contrary to Kona's claims, hence the posting of what MOST people are entirely ignorant of [I know...preposition]....and I bet bugger-all people have read it....still.I doubt MS cares anything at all about 'free/open source software'... it co-exists quite happily - each to his own.If it [open source software] actually made a noticeable financial 'hit' on MS then they "may" raise a collective eyebrow.......but really it's a non-issue...

If microsoft didnt care about Free Software then Steve Ballmer wouldnt have called Linux "a cancer that attaches itself in an IP sense to everything it touches." And Jim Allchin wouldnt have called Linux "un-american". Free software (not just Linux), Google and piracy are the top enemies at redmond HQ. MS' business model basically fails when there are alternatives to the consumer. For example, a big problem to windows 7 adoption is the cheap netbook.

109

bl00gername

on Aug 08, 2009

...and now it seems they are recognizing it more seriously as a threat:
http://www.linuxfordevices.com/c/a/News/IDC-open-source-study/

110

Primal Zed

on Aug 08, 2009

It's MS vs Linux now? I don't really think it's much of a contest - until Linux gets becomes much more intuitive to use for the common user, most people will stick with Windows.

111

kona0197

on Aug 08, 2009

Obviously you haven't used Ubuntu. Installs in minutes. Does all the hard work for you. Installs all the needed stuff to play DVDs and MP3s on cue.

Try it sometime.

Or if you need something even more simple try Mint.

112

Primal Zed

on Aug 08, 2009

Oh but I have used it. It's the OS i keep on my old laptop. But it still relies heavily on the command prompt to get things not readily available in the Install Programs thing. Also, drivers were a pain, and I don't think I ever got my Belkin wireless card working when I set up the dual booting for it on my desktop.

I haven't tried Mint, though.

113

kona0197

on Aug 08, 2009

Wireless is as easy as installing the Madwifi package.

But it still relies heavily on the command prompt to get things not readily available in the Install Programs thing.

Nope. Sounds like you are using the wrong install program thing. On the flip side the command line is very easy to use once you get used to a few commands just like the old MS-DOS prompt.

114

kona0197

on Aug 08, 2009

Wireless is as easy as installing the Madwifi package.

But it still relies heavily on the command prompt to get things not readily available in the Install Programs thing.

Nope. Sounds like you are using the wrong install program thing. On the flip side the command line is very easy to use once you get used to a few commands just like the old MS-DOS prompt.

115

Shunmaha

on Aug 08, 2009

Google OS? No way.. Google chrome isnt even fast!

116

crashmatusow

on Aug 08, 2009

netbook's aren't even in the same league as notebooks, despite size similarities. netbooks are giant PDA's. i don't think netbooks could ever be used for say software development-they aren't built to deliver that kind of capability.

as for the piracy bit, that's why windows has activation. besides, you'd be an idiot to use a pirated OS

Nope. Sounds like you are using the wrong install program thing. On the flip side the command line is very easy to use once you get used to a few commands just like the old MS-DOS prompt.

sure-but command prompts are the thing of 10 years ago. and UI's are not only easy to use but speed up the process. the console is supposed to be used for advanced functionality (or if you are in a performance critical environment(servers) where GUI's slow the system down).consoles also make it very easy to blow up the OS. take for example the number of steps need to get xen emulation working on ubuntu--far more than to get hyper-v working on winserver 2k8, which has GUI's for the process(or command prompt if you really need it). ultimately its the less aware people who matter most, they have to be able to set these systems up easy or it will never take off. that's why windows is so popular- it's easy to use (and the best). most people are lost at the word command prompt, let alone what the rest of the sentence is.

117

kona0197

on Aug 08, 2009

as for the piracy bit, that's why windows has activation. besides, you'd be an idiot to use a pirated OS

There are many ways around Windows activation. And many people use pirated copies of Windows.

that's why windows is so popular- it's easy to use (and the best).

I disagree. Windows is popular because MS offers big discounts to the big PC makers thereby shoving Windows down the throats of the public.

There are Linux distros that are just as easy to use as Windows.

Part of Linux is about freeing yourself from a OS that is restirctive and a company that has bad business practices.

Don't get me wrong I use Windows as well.

118

Shunmaha

on Aug 08, 2009

Well I have to say. I found windows the easiest to use for me. So i just went windows all the way.

Most software/programs are designed for windows use anyways. so why not.

119

kona0197

on Aug 08, 2009

No worries. It's all good.

120

crashmatusow

on Aug 09, 2009

There are Linux distros that are just as easy to use as Windows.

ummm...right. even though linux users end up spending most of their time in windows emulators.

There are many ways around Windows activation. And many people use pirated copies of Windows.

yeah well if mass viruses are your thing.

Welcome Guest! Please take the time to register with us.
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:

Richer content, access to many features that are disabled for guests like commenting on the forums.
Access to a great community, with a massive database of many, many areas of interest.
Access to contests & subscription offers like exclusive emails.
It's simple, and FREE!