You may have heard the hoopla about Google to be releasing a desktop operating system called Chrome and how it will be much better that Windows. The reality is that Microsoft Windows dominates with it being installed on over 80% of all computers today. That will be a hard nut the crack, but I think Google may have a fighting chance to do it. They may not become the next Microsoft for the desktop, but they could impact the playing field in a significant way.
There are other operating system around beside Windows and there has been for years. We all know someone who has a Mac or even a flavor of Linux but the masses are all running Windows. The reality is that no one knows what the heck to do with a Linux machine unless you are a computer geek and Mac’s are for the elite (you can’t pick up a Mac Netbook for $300…).
So why does Google Chrome have a fighting chance? Well first off, everyone on the planet has heard for Google and most people trust them. That will go a very long way when it comes to having a regular user consider using it on their computer. All of the flavors of Linux never had that and the Mac is not trying to take over the world and seem to be happy with their market. Secondly, Google has some pretty good points over Windows – speed (need I say more…), security (no more weekly patches??), Internet centric, and built from the ground up to avoid the years of Windows legacy bloat. I think the third will be the price. No idea what Google will be charging, but if history is an indicator, it will be a lot less expensive than Windows.
Time will tell of course, but it will be interesting to see how it all shakes out. Maybe Windows 7 will be the end all and be all operating system. Maybe Chrome will be a weak initial offering like with the Android cell phone. Either way, I will be checking it out when it becomes available.
