Miskin IT News

With the Chrome OS release date getting ever nearer we take a quick look at its details and functions. The OS is not like Windows or OSX but specifically designed for cloud computing and online storage with no functions to install local software.  Hardware specifications will be strictly controlled by Google and have banned certain elements like hard drives. There’s no doubt there is a market for simple, secure, easy to use laptops and other than the iPad there doesn’t seem to be any worth while solutions at the moment.

Below are some points why we think it may hit or miss the mark:

Hit:

• With all software being web based the OS boot times will be considerably quick
• Being open sourced  linux based it will be easy to tailor to suit specific needs and add extra functionality.
• As more and more silver surfers go online there is clearly a glaring hole in the market for easy use, secure systems with simple functionality.
• The inclusion of Apps will make the OS even more appealling.

Miss:

• Serious computer users will find it’s lack of local storage a complete hinderence.
• It will be completely dependant on internet access meaning many users and businesses with poor or unreliable internet will not want one.
• Non-compatibilty with Andriod Apps shows a lack of planning.
• You’re limited to software that is only on the cloud.
• Effeciency of the OS may be based on how near your Cloud server is to your location.  Will Google be willing to setup servers in remote countries with slower internet speeds?

There’s no doubt that many customers simply want a easy and secure laptop with simple browsing and email functionality so in many respects Chrome OS will work. But the limitations imposed by Google will mean that any serious computer user is still going to need a laptop or desktop before this. Like the iPad it’s going to be something more of an addition to peoples homes but not a serious option for businesses. These limitations seem to make sense when you realise Google’s aim isn’t to directly compete with exsisting OS like Windows 7. With it being open source Linux though, it will be very interesting to see what customisation will be made to the OS by developers and whether we will eventually be able to use it on laptops as a normal OS.  Perhaps this will be the boot up the backside Linux OS needs?

What is interesting is the talk that Chrome can be shipped with other OS giving the user the best of both worlds on one computer.  Now that’s an appealing concept.