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Slate Speculates on Internet Operating Systems
Slate features a discussion of possible internet operating systems, a Google OS foremost among the potential contenders. The author views the fledgling YouOS as a proof-of-concept that an Internet OS is feasible. He dismisses the idea of a Google-built thin client, arguing that Google would rather build a service available from any Internet-capable device. Google's already-fast service would theoretically translate easily to other web-based applications. From the article: Dollar for dollar, network-based computers are faster. Unless you're playing Grand Theft Auto or watching HDTV, your network isn't the slowest part of your setup. It's the consumer-grade Pentium and disk drive on your Dell, and the wimpy home data bus that connects them. Home computers are marketed with slogans like "Ultimate Performance," but the truth is they're engineered to run cool, quiet, and slow compared to commercial servers. The author compares Eric Schmidt's denials of a Google OS to Steve Jobs's denials of a video iPod. However, he notes that potential obstacles to a Google OS adoption include: the desire to own things; the requirement for fast, flawless networks; and, the trust-deficit when putting personal information on web-based applications.
You tinfoil hat wearing Google hater!
Even Microsoft is having trouble saturating medium end computers that dell sells for the $900US mark.
Despite the fact that they haven't released a new OS in 5 years, they aren't doing too badly in terms of saturating computing power. They preempted the market, so they actually aren't lagging behind as much as you would expect.
Don't worry though, with the impending Vista release all your available system resources will be put to use for many years to come.
I'll probably be modded down for this...
And how long would an OS from Google take to get out of Beta? I don't think I'm gonna live that long.
Prediction: The real iPhone killer is going to be sex robots from Japan. Think about it.
The movement to centralized computing for the masses must be fought to the death.
Centralized Computing is slavery.
You will have take my PC from me from my cold dead hands.
"We are here on Earth to fart around. Don't let anybody tell you any different!" -- Kurt Vonnegut
Ahhhhhhhh, the more things change, the more they stay the same.