Greg Hiltons Technology & Skiing blog

This is very interesting news, I have been running Windows  7  RC on my netbook, but if google can delivery an OS that boots and gets you onto the net in seconds, as they state, I think it could be a very compelling offering. Official Google Blog: Introducing the Google Chrome OS. Google Chrome OS is an open source, lightweight operating system that will initially be targeted at netbooks. Later this year we will open-source its code, and netbooks running Google Chrome OS will be available for consumers in the second half of 2010. Because we’re already talking to partners about the project, and we’ll soon be working with the open source community, we wanted to share our vision now so everyone understands what we are trying to achieve.

Speed, simplicity and security are the key aspects of Google Chrome OS. We’re designing the OS to be fast and lightweight, to start up and get you onto the web in a few seconds. The user interface is minimal to stay out of your way, and most of the user experience takes place on the web. And as we did for the Google Chrome browser, we are going back to the basics and completely redesigning the underlying security architecture of the OS so that users don’t have to deal with viruses, malware and security updates. It should just work.

Google Chrome OS will run on both x86 as well as ARM chips and we are working with multiple OEMs to bring a number of netbooks to market next year. The software architecture is simple — Google Chrome running within a new windowing system on top of a Linux kernel. 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. And of course, these apps will run not only on Google Chrome OS, but on any standards-based browser on Windows, Mac and Linux thereby giving developers the largest user base of any platform.

HP have recently started shipping a netbook designed for ladies, and I personally think it’s a very striking design, which I think will sell well. I’m aiming to get a netbook myself shortly to supplement my work notebook.

Last night I installed the Windows 7 beta onto  my HP 2530p notebook. So far I’m impressed, it was very quick to install, and so far my important apps like Microsoft Office, IM and other tools run fine. I found this link on howto get Google Chrome working. I just have two devices I’ve not found device drivers for, if anyone knows what these maybe please let me know!

Problem with device driver Not fixed

There is a problem with the driver for PCI Simple Communications Controller. The driver needs to be reinstalled.

There is a problem with the driver for PCI Serial Port. The driver needs to be reinstalled.

Having tried an HP Touchsmart PC I’m convinced that this type of interface is the way of the future. It’s such a natural way to flick through pictures, music, vidoes etc. I see Asus have a touch PC and HP have also added a touch tablet. I’m seriously considering buying one to replace the TV in my kitchen. Any readers using a Touchsmart PC daily?