This is the question that Google is asking… and providing the answer for. This week there has been a lot of buzz regarding Google’s new operating system (OS): Chrome OS. Basically, Google has taken the concept of cloud computing, and is making it into a viable OS for the average person to use.
Why is this important?
This is hugely important! Google wants us to rethink a computer. Right now, you have a computer with a (probably huge) hard drive. On this computer, you may have bought expensive programs, or an expensive external hard drive, or an expensive operating system (don’t fool yourself, it’s part of the price of the computer). Google says wait! Why keep all of this stuff on your computer, where it can be cumbersome to store files in multiple places, make back-ups, and carry a flash drive with your files… why can’t you store it all on the Internet? Why can’t you do all you need to do on a computer via the Internet?
Fabulous.
Yes, this technology is not for the hard core computer user. I have a feeling that the spreadsheet application will not be nearly as robust as Excel, nor does this encompass programs such as Adobe’s Creative Suite. But if you have a netbook, you do light computing, and you love surfing the Internet, this could be a viable option over clogging up your computer’s memory with a graphics-heavy, memory-intensive OS.
This obviously means something to you on a principle level. Open source, right?
Yay! This is an OS based on the principles of Linux. Open coding, open to improvements from all. This is great for the consumer for many reasons:
- The possibilities are endless. Programmers can work with a dynamic format to create an OS for the 21st century. As computers become ultra-portable, this new OS will eliminate the need for external hard drives/flash drives… which will allow people to use the devices in a truly untethered way.
- Your library can’t afford that expensive PC with all the programs? No problem! Google is presenting a viable option to the Microsoft/Apples of the world. When the PC/Mac is purchased, it is usually preloaded with programs… like Microsoft Office, for example. What if you didn’t need those? Could PC prices decrease? This could create opportunities for libraries that previously couldn’t afford enough machines for the patrons.
- It’s time for a change. Microsoft/Apple have made amazing strides in home computing… it’s almost mind-boggling! But times are changing, and we are becoming an Internet-dependent culture. Shouldn’t our OS reflect what we need the computer to do? Google’s OS is trying to become the defining factor for the Internet (digital) generation.
Only time will tell if Google can pull this off. There are definitely going to be some major issues, privacy and security being the two big ones. Most people don’t trust storing their personal files/information on the “Internet,” because what, exactly is the Internet? But I for one will be loading this OS on my netbook, and I can’t wait to see if this OS will be as liberating as I hope it will be! The following are a couple of great videos, taken from http://googlesystem.blogspot.com/.
And here are a few links discussing what may be:
http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2009/07/google-announces-pc-operating-system-to-compete-with-windows/
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/11/20/google.os/index.html
http://blogs.computerworld.com/15134/googles_chrome_os_will_make_a_good_second_computer
Thanks for this post! I’ve been confused about Google Chrome so far, but you’ve done a great job of outlining how it works and how it is specifically applicable to libraries! I admit to having privacy and security concerns about cloud computing–but I suppose, at its best, it could be like a safe-deposit box: an off-location storage site that is actually safer than “underneath the mattress.” I’d be interested to hear more about your experiences using Chrome!