We for one welcome our Chrome OS overlords.
Ever since the launch of Google's popular Android operating system for phones, they've added something to the phone scene that just wasn't there before - with aims to do just the same for our beloved PCs.
Called Chrome OS just like their browser, Google Chrome, it's being coded from the ground up to be as zippy as Linux minus all the frills and added extras.
Hitting the world in late 2010, the OS will offer support for both x86 chips and ARM processors, and most importantly it's going to be completely open source.
It's essentially a browser skin that is pulled taut over a Linux shell, giving access to a network stack and a few other essential pieces of the operating system puzzle but theoretically doing so without the overhead other versions have.
Programs aren't going to be installed in the usual manner either, as the official Google blog explains:
For application developers, the web is the platform. All web-based applications will automatically work and new applications can be written using your favorite web technologies.
Still a long way off from official release, this is going to be great news for those who run secondary rigs just for quick email access and forum browsing, so keep your eyes peeled.
Issue: 133 | February, 2012