Now anyone that knows me well could tell you that I am a big computer geek.
I always have been, but this year I feel like I have been reading more and more into technology news and helping out friends who are having computer problems. So for some time, I have been trying to keep an eye on Google OS updates, as most things created by Google are usually pretty innovative and create a few headaches for competitors (cough..Microsoft…cough).
Now I don’t have anything against Microsoft. I’ve never been a Mac convert (although I’ve met many Mac preachers who are desperate to ‘right me of my ways’) and always been happy with my Windows desktop and beloved ‘Start’ bar (my biggest issue with the Mac, although I’m told by the preachers that they are unnecessary). But I’m sure there are some important people in the Microsoft camp getting very worried about all the talk of Google’s FREE OS. Yes free. Which is pretty amazing to say that Windows 7 Ultimate would set you back £230.
So I was pretty excited to see someone retweet this Mashable article today, which showed us some preview shots of how the Chrome OS is designed to look as well as a lot of talk about how the OS is basically designed to get us on the internet as fast as possible, as explained in the video below:
Now I do agree that people nowadays do spend most of their time online, and my browser is usually the first application I select when I boot my PC (which apparently in the future I will no longer need to do- will the POST ‘beep’ become a sound of the past like the modem dial-up did?). However, the idea of no Desktop is still pretty alien to me. I like having a desktop. I like changing my background to one that suits my mood, or my current favourite band, or what season were in (sad I know). I like that although the internet is the most important application on my computer, it isn’t the only one, and sits quietly alongside the Photoshop and Recycle Bin without being the centre of attention.
I have no doubt in my mind that Google will find a way to convert us. I’m sure in a few years time I’ll be sitting at my Chrome OS chuckling about my reliance on the Start bar and trying to remember what the point of a Disk Cleanup was. But for now I am both worried and excited about the huge change this could bring about in the way we use computers in years to come. I’m sure Microsoft is too. I just hope they find a way to keep up to Google’s speedy pace to ensure that there is still a competitive market in years to come.

We all know the kind of person. There’s one in every circle of friends. If you can’t think of one in your group, then it’s probably you.
Recent Comments