Google's Chrome OS

[MagicHunter]

Didn't see anyone posting this~

 

Anyone tried this yet? =)

 

http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/19/googles-chrome-os-revealed/

 

 

Google had a low-key event today to preview Chrome OS, its new operating system based on Linux and the Chrome browser. Things are still pretty early -- it's not even in beta yet, let alone on shipping products -- but that's the first official screen shot right there, and the big features are all roughed out. The entire system is web-based and runs in the Chrome browser -- right down to USB drive contents, which show up in a browser tab, and the notepad, which actually creates a Google Docs document. Web apps are launched from a persistent apps panel, which includes Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, and Hulu, among others, and background apps like Google Talk can be minimized to "panels" that dock to the bottom of the screen. Local storage is just used to speed up the system -- everything actually lives in the cloud, so all it takes to swap or borrow machines is a login, and you're good to go. Google also said it's "very committed" to Flash, and that it's looking to hardware accelerate whatever code it can -- although Google didn't have a solid answer to give when asked about Silverlight. Overall, Google was upfront in saying that Chrome OS is focused on very clear use cases for people who primarily use the web, and that it's not trying to do everything: "If you're a lawyer, editing contracts back and forth, this will not be the right machine for you."

 

As far as going to market, Google's not talking details until the targeted launch at the end of next year, but Chrome OS won't run on just anything -- there'll be specific reference hardware. For example, Chrome OS won't work with standard hard drives, just SSDs, but Google is supporting both x86 and ARM CPUs. That also means you won't be able to just download Chrome OS and go, you'll have to buy a Chrome OS device approved by Google. Interesting move, for sure -- but since the entire OS is totally open-source as of today, we're sure it'll be hacked onto all kinds of hardware soon enough. (And for the record, the demo was run on an off-the-shelf Eee PC.) Check Google's intro videos after the break!

 

Cheers.

[Maxxwire]

Magic[Hunter]- After watching some FCC hearings on deep packet inspection with comments by one of the original architects of the internet himself the last person to testify chided the concerns over privacy citing that Google was already at least 10 years ahead of the technology they were discussing in being able to gain private information about individuals. I would suggest that anyone who does want to try this new Google OS to first go over the EULA with both a fine toothed comb and a powerful magnifying glass simultaneously.

 

~Maxx~

[emttaff]

Max Ive found that some programmes are not running anymore (some apps on facebook etc) and asking you to download Google Crome to actually start these programs working again. I resisted Google Crome for some time until this happened. I find it does speed up web browsing however some of the old useful little gadgets are no more. Do you think it is a security risk to have it running? If this is the case could you suggest another that would replace Google and make security safer.

 

Emttaff

[Maxxwire]

Do you think it is a security risk to have it running? If this is the case could you suggest another that would replace Google and make security safer.

 

Emttaff

 

I have not read the Google Chrome EULA so I can not assess exactly how much of a security risk it is to use or what kind of data they are collecting while your using it. Both Firefox and Opera are quite secure you could try using them and see if your Apps start working again.

 

~Maxx~

[MagicHunter]

Hey Maxxwire,

 

Where do you see the EULA for Chrome OS? Would you mind showing me a link to read it as well? =) Thanx

 

 

Cheers.

[Maxxwire]

Magic[Hunter]- The EULA is usually the first thing that must be agreed to before installing a program so if you downloaded the Google Chrome OS you would get a chance to read the EULA, but in order to understand all of its implications it might be a good idea to have your lawyer along.

 

~Maxx~