First, let’s get something very basic out of the way. Some editorials say that the new OS will be “based on a modified version of the Linux kernel.” This is absurd, untrue and is a comment that can be made only by editors who do not understand operating systems. The Linux kernel carries a trademark owned by its inventor Linus Torvalds. It is under continuous development to accommodate new hardware technologies as they emerge. It’s developers do quite well at this and there is no point in modifying it. Furthermore, Google’s official statement says only that the OS will be Linux based.

So just what is Google coming up with? It will be a new GUI (Graphical User Interface). When the user of any computer device boots his or her machine they are greeted by some kind of desktop interface. A Windows user might see XP or Vista, a Linux user might see some version of GNOME or KDE. It is at this point that we can expect to see something new. Currently, if the user wants to use a web based application he will then launch a browser and navigate to a web based computing platform. If instead, the Chrome OS were installed, the computing device would directly boot into the Chrome browser thereby eliminating the need to launch it. Google already has web based applications in place and functioning. Docs.google.com provides word processing and spreadsheet apps plus some generous online storage for photos and documents. If you make it your home page you are not very far from a Google OS.

Some writers have commented that we already have Ubuntu Netbook Remix so why do we need Chrome OS? We Linux users really do not but Google sees a huge opportunity in the netbook market currently dominated by Microsoft. “Google” is a household word around the world. “Ubuntu” is not. It is rumored that Microsoft will charge OEM’s $45 – $55 for a Windows 7 Starter Edition license on a netbook. Chrome OS will be free. A diehard Windows fanboy with deep pockets might happily shell out the extra dollars for the Microsoft product but those of us who live on budgets will be tempted to at least “try out” the new OS. One can always buy the MS$ product later.

I have no “inside” information from Google, but within the timeframe they have announced (available later in 2009 and shipping on machines in 2010), I cannot see an extensive amount of development. It is likely that the new GUI will be on top of another existing Linux distro. So underneath the GUI, one might find Debian, Fedora or OpenSUSE.  The ability to run only web applications would be much too restrictive. A typical user will have some local software installed to meet personal requirements. An existing “core” distribution makes a lot of sense.

At this point the Chrome OS is vaporware. It does not exist. Some pundits say that based on Google’s track record it might stay that way. IMHO it will be a reality, and perhaps a reality within Google’s optimistic timeframe. What do you think?  Your comments are welcome!