Google Chrome OS coming this week?
By Stuart Turton
Posted on 16 Nov 2009 at 08:12
Google will launch the first alpha of its Chrome OS this week, according to reports.
The story comes via TechCrunch which cites a reliable source within Google. The search giant has previously claimed that it will look to release a version of Chrome OS before the end of November, so the news isn't particularly difficult to believe.
If proved correct, it's likely the OS will be a fairly lightweight offering with limited driver support. However, TechCrunch claims the alpha will be tailored for Eee PCs, which offer similar hardware across the majority of models.
No such thing as a bulletproof OS
Find out why Davey Winder is unconvinced by Google's Chrome OS promisesChrome OS was announced in July, with Google claiming it would be designed to run everything "from small netbooks to full-sized desktop systems".
"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," the company claims.
Essentially, Chrome OS is the Chrome browser sat on top of a Linux kernel, but it's particularly interesting because it will support both x86 and ARM chips.
Google claims to have already made deals with hardware partners including Acer, Asus, HP, Lenovo and Toshiba.
Chrome OS is expected to be completed mid-2010.
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By matbailie on 16 Nov 2009 
Will be interested to see what they come up with - Google seem to have a habit of surprising. I can't help feeling that many people wanting to try it would prefer to do so in the safety and convenience of a virtual machine - hoping there will be sufficient drivers to run it in VirtualBox.
By halsteadk on 16 Nov 2009
It should just work
That's what they all say - but it will be fun - I'm sure they'll help bring lower prices in the end ;)
I also look forward to running it off a pendrive, a live disk or in Sun's VirtualBox.
By nicomo on 16 Nov 2009
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