Google's newest OS is called Chrome OS and it also will be free. If you haven't already guessed, the new Chrome OS is an extension of Google's Chrome Web browser.
The Chrome OS platform basically is running inside a new windowing system on top of a Linux kernel. The source code for the Chrome OS project also will be open sourced just like its previous OS.
Chrome OS is off to a great start because the project already has backing from many leading companies. Among the companies involved in the project to date include Acer, Adobe, ASUS, Freescale, Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo, Qualcomm, Texas Instruments and Toshiba.
There are several differences between Android and Chrome OS. Android was designed for phones, set-top boxes and netbooks, while Chrome OS specifically is designed for netbooks and full-size desktop computers built on x86 or ARM platforms.
Chrome OS is essentially focused toward Web-oriented users who spend most of their time using Web-based applications such as Webmail, surfing the Net, socializing and the like. Android, on the other hand, focuses on multi-purpose software.
Android and Chrome OS do share several similarities. Both being a free, open-sourced OS that is built on the Linux kernel and both can be run on netbooks. However, ultimately they are two very different OSes with two very distinct purposes.
Google's Chrome OS will add yet another choice of OSes for computer users. Chrome OS is expected to officially launch in the latter months of 2010.
Learn more about Google's new Chrome OS at Click to see Web site. Learn more or download a copy of Google's Chrome Web browser at Click to see Web site.
Windows 7 update
*Although Microsoft hasn't confirmed it so far, a Windows 7 Family Pack is a great possibility with the pending release of Microsoft's upcoming OS. The suggested pricing made available to ZDNet from a leaked source puts the price at around $136.95. Anytime upgrade prices also were leaked with prices ranging from $81.95 up to $137.95. Read more at Click to see Web site.
The Family Pack is said to cover three computers in a household. Read more about the Windows 7 Home Premium EULA that mentioned this at Click to see Web site.
Net buzzz
* IBM has announced its plan to discontinue lease and rental agreements, and withdraw maintenance services for a long list of machine types and model numbers. Machines and models affected by this service withdrawal agreement can be seen at Click to see Web site.
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