Google Chrome OS: Google wages war on Windows

Google is set to release its own operating system – Google Chrome OS – a direct challenger to Microsoft Windows. The new operating system will build on the cloud computing smarts of Google Apps and is coming to desktops, laptops and netbooks in 2010. 

While Google already has Android, its mobile operating system, the new product wil be based on its web browser, Chrome. 

Google's ambition is to create an OS for "people who spend most of their time on the web". It's already working with manufacturers to get Google Chrome OS toting netbooks with us by early 2010. 

Bringing Google Chrome OS to netbooks will widen its battle with Microsoft which currently has a strangehold on the market thanks to the ubiquity of Windows XP. Steve Ballmer's bunch also has big plans for Windows 7 to be the netbook OS of choice.  

With a reliance on web apps and using a speedy underlying Linux architecture, Google Chrome OS could be the first truly cloud computing based operating system. Add Android's growing appeal to mobile makers and it's clear that Google's dominance is growing.

In a statement on its blog, Google says "computers need to be better" which seems like a direct dig at Microsoft. But while Chrome OS is certain to feature the clean interfaces and web savvy features the company is famous for, will it cope with powerful programmes like Photoshop? 

Will an OS that handles web apps speedily be the answer to your prayers? Or will you be throwing your lot in with Windows 7 or sticking with OS X? Google Chrome OS won't be out until early next 2010 but while you wait check out 5 Things You Need To Know About Google Chrome.