With the announcement of Google’s Chrome OS, I decided to see what the buzz is all about.  Some technology writers have stated that Chrome OS marks the end of Windows.  Really?

To put this in perspective, let’s first identify the intended purpose of Chrome OS.  Some key features described in Google’s official announcement of Chrome OS are:

• Start up and get you onto the web in a few seconds
• User interface is minimal to stay out of your way
• Most of the user experience takes place on the web
• Redesigning the underlying security architecture of the OS so that users don’t have to deal with viruses

So, let’s get right to the punch line.  Chrome OS’s sole purpose will be to get you into a web browser and ultimately onto the internet as quickly as possible.  From Google’s own description, Chrome OS is not intended to be a full featured desktop operating system.  That said, Chrome OS should boot extremely fast since it will not be nearly as robust as full featured operating systems, including Windows.  Google’s claim of their new operating system being free from virus threats remains to be seen since virus creators may see this as a new challenge.  Of course, that is if Chrome OS grows to a big enough user base to make it worth these computer vandals’ efforts.

To say that Chrome OS marks the end of Windows would be like saying a new bicycle technology marks the end of the automobile.  While both are forms of transportation, it is highly unlikely that one will ever replace the other because they are intended for two very different purposes.  Based on Google’s current announcement, Chrome OS is not intended to be a full featured operating system and therefore should not be compared to one.

Chrome OS will serve a niche market and will be worth considering for a netbook operating system.  This would be for people who do not care to install specialized software on their computers, do not care about exposing confidential information and are not concerned with the requirement of always having a stable internet connection to access their software and data.

Could Chrome OS take advantage of the latest advancements in processor speeds, computer graphics and software capabilities?  Not likely since its purpose is to provide an environment for internet based or cloud computing.  That is why I placed Chrome OS in the netbook niche.  Putting Chrome OS on high end desktop or laptop computers would be much like buying that sports car of your dreams and only being able to drive it 20 MPH in school zones.

While there will be a place for Chrome OS, it is unlikely to kill Windows or change the face of computing any time soon.