Google’s Chrome OS

Personal computers have come a long way over the past few years. Netbooks, tablets, and laptops all offer a lightweight alternative to desktop PCs and are becoming the options of choice. Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X have been the front-runners in operating systems, but Google is taking a stab at entering the world of operating systems with its own option, Chrome OS.

A Cloud operating system

While Windows and OS X both have similar features, Chrome OS will be a completely different experience for users who are used to either one of these interfaces. Chrome OS’s defining feature is the fact that users are unable to download and install software since the computers that it is run off of are completely internet based and have no hard drives. This allows for speedy operation since there are no applications that need to boot up. Along with faster launch time, a lack of applications results in an incredibly simple design.

Using Chrome OS is similar to using the Google Chrome browser. All web-based apps are opened in the same window and are separated by tabs for easy access. Finally, Google claims that its simplistic, stripped down operating system allows for users to no longer worry about security breaches such as viruses or malware.

Google Chrome OS is best for people who “live on the web” since all of its applications are Internet based. Interested users are able to take a quiz to see if they would be compatible with the operating system. Users who do in fact do everything on the web will find the Chrome Web Store incredibly useful in finding the perfect applications and best of all, they take virtually no time to download.

While some may be wary of having all of their daily computer activities tracked by Google, this innovative operating system may become a strong competitor to Windows and OS X.

Megan Maguire (twitter: @megan_maguire) is an Account Manager at Mom Central Consulting.

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