Sergey Brin: Traditional Operating Systems "Torturing Users".

[madjr]

"I don't think there is anything inherently wrong with Windows," Brin said. "Windows 7 has some great security features."

But Chrome OS, by putting most of a user's applications and data on the Web with some offline capabilities, presents a "stateless" model that Brin believes will eliminate complexity for users and IT departments by un-tethering people from machines that are difficult to set up and manage.

"With Microsoft, and other operating system vendors, I think the complexity of managing your computer is really torturing users," Brin said. "It's torturing everyone in this room. It's a flawed model fundamentally. Chromebooks are a new model that doesn't put the burden of managing the computer on yourself."

Google executives said they surveyed 400 companies and found that with a combination of Web applications, offline access to Google Docs and other services, and applications delivered through virtualization software, businesses could move 75% of their users onto Chrome OS devices.

Microsoft (and even Apple) could probably come up with a survey showing exactly the opposite. But Google does have an interesting plan to market Chrome OS devices, including partnerships with VMware and Citrix to deliver remote access to enterprise applications.

Chrome OS is basically nothing more than the Chrome browser on top of a stripped-down version of Linux, with no need to install antivirus software because of Chrome's sandboxing security, and cloud-based backups to restore data on the off chance you get a virus. All user data is encrypted by default.

While the devices are primarily designed to surf the Web, the laptops will have a file system and some offline access to key productivity applications.



more:

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2011/051111-chrome-os-first-look.html?hpg1=bn

http://www.osnews.com/story/24730/Sergey_Brin_Traditional_Operating_Systems_Torturin g_Users_


i agree with most of this and ubuntu needs to step up their game and become as foolproof and easy to manage as chromeOS to compete (which i think ubuntu could get there, but needs to do it faster).

[Oxwivi]

They should try and start developing in their "perfect" Chrome OS...

[Npl]

so, why do I need a computer thats little more than a browser? I can browse the net via various CE devices already. Perhaps people that are satisfied with that shouldnt buy a full computer in the first place, comparisons with windows is just stupid

[Spice Weasel]

Really? I would feel like a bit of a masochist if I was forcing myself to JUST use Google Chrome.

[reyfer]

Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I like MY computer to hold MY data and MY applications locally...if I have no internet access I can still use MY computer

[Oxwivi]

Really? I would feel like a bit of a masochist if I was forcing myself to JUST use Google Chrome.
Not a good comparison since Chrome OS lets you deal with locally stored files as well.


Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I like MY computer to hold MY data and MY applications locally...if I have no internet access I can still use MY computer
File in HDD and online - U1 FTW!

[GeeLo]

Sure.. let's all buy the new Chrome OS, and then while we are at it, throw out our workstations and laptops and buy the new proprietary chrome pad that it runs on.

When companies start offering a proprietary pad for $100 or "less" with the operating system along with it, and Wifi then I may consider it. Other than that.. I'll keep my happy "legacy" workstations and latops running Ubuntu Linux. :)

[cprofitt]

Chrome's sandbox has already been defeated (http://www.darknet.org.uk/2011/05/vupen-whitehats-claim-to-have-broken-chrome-sandbox/)... so they might want to reconsider the 'security'.

[walt.smith1960]

Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I like MY computer to hold MY data and MY applications locally...if I have no internet access I can still use MY computer

I don't think this is old fashioned, just sensible. Putting critical data on someone else's server encrypted or not? Remember, the Germans during WWII were quite certain that the Enigma machine was absolutely secure. Granted there was some operational sloppiness which contributed to its being broken but still.........

[HoKaze]

I think the real torture comes from not knowing that you're the one managing the data. The constant worry about how I wasn't in control, that the data could be lost or abused and that I didn't even know who was the one managing my machine and vital documents...that's where the real torture is.
Even if it's a pain, at least when you're doing it all yourself you can appreciate that you're doing what you can to keep things secure and that you have definite access to everything. When everything resides on some server and you find yourself at the mercy of some organisation who may one day make an innocent enough mistake...

Call me paranoid but yeah...if the traditional way is torture then let the torture continue.

[madjr]

Sure.. let's all buy the new Chrome OS, and then while we are at it, throw out our workstations and laptops and buy the new proprietary chrome pad that it runs on.

When companies start offering a proprietary pad for $100 or "less" with the operating system along with it, and Wifi then I may consider it. Other than that.. I'll keep my happy "legacy" workstations and latops running Ubuntu Linux. :)

there are some good deals already, like $20 bucks a month for students and $25 for business. And am sure mobile carriers will start offering $100 sub deals with these.

anyway as soon as i see one for like $200 bucks am grabbing one. It may not become my main (and i dont think thats the intention just like with tablets), but looks like a nice addon.

and it really is becoming better:

"Google characterized the reaction as overwhelmingly positive but acknowledged that users felt the computers should be faster, afford better access to USB devices and provide offline access to email, calendar and Google Docs.

With the June 15 launch, Google will meet all of those concerns by upgrading to Intel dual-core processors, providing the offline access to Docs, Gmail and Calendar, integrating with USB devices and SD cards, and providing a file system to view movies, pictures, documents and other files. A built-in media player will play movies and music.

Google will also provide desktop versions in a small box that connects to a monitor, keyboard and mouse, but no availability date was given..."

[Oxwivi]

Chrome's sandbox has already been defeated (http://www.darknet.org.uk/2011/05/vupen-whitehats-claim-to-have-broken-chrome-sandbox/)... so they might want to reconsider the 'security'.
They're adding another sandbox layer. the short-form was NaCl - don't remember the full form.

[wilee-nilee]

Robotic voice
I will do what goggle tells me to they have my best interests at heart, where have they been all my life.:popcorn:

[sidzen]

In using "torture" to describe users' experiences, the basic assumption on the speaker's part is that users will sell their freedoms away for convenience. see here (http://www.pane-free.com/) for further info.

[weasel fierce]

Chrome's sandbox has already been defeated (http://www.darknet.org.uk/2011/05/vupen-whitehats-claim-to-have-broken-chrome-sandbox/)... so they might want to reconsider the 'security'.

So has internet explorer a million times over.

[wilee-nilee]

My kind of torture.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzc5vW9Ze44

[Oxwivi]

My kind of torture.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzc5vW9Ze44
I like. Somehow reminds of Pink Panther.

[wilee-nilee]

I like. Somehow reminds of Pink Panther.

As far as genres and musical output and true artistic expression, I don't think there is anybody close in the 20th century, but I'm biased.

Only person close I think would be Duke Ellington, and maybe Bill Laswell.

For those of you who don't know who Bill Laswell is.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Laswell

[sffvba[e0rt]

Yes, people are too stupid now to even use a computer... what happens next? No more text on the web so nobody has to worry about the complexity of reading (ok, a bit melodramatic I know but heck, when and where to you draw the line?)


404

[madjr]

Yes, people are too stupid now to even use a computer... what happens next? No more text on the web so nobody has to worry about the complexity of reading (ok, a bit melodramatic I know but heck, when and where to you draw the line?)


404

why would i want to waste my eyesight reading when all the info could be transfered directly to my brain ;)

[nrundy]

more:

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2011/051111-chrome-os-first-look.html?hpg1=bn

http://www.osnews.com/story/24730/Sergey_Brin_Traditional_Operating_Systems_Torturin g_Users_


i agree with most of this and ubuntu needs to step up their game and become as foolproof and easy to manage as chromeOS to compete (which i think ubuntu could get there, but needs to do it faster).

For me the success all rests on the Encryption. Are they managing the encryption process like LastPass does? The only way the encryption should be able to be "decrypted" is by the data's "owner." If Google has the key, ever sees the key, etc. then forget it, I'll never use it and neither will Corporate America.