Google Launches Web-Based OS, Takes Aim at Windows

Windows 7, open-source competition hold Chrome OS back

(NEWSER) - Microsoft needn’t stress about Google’s planned operating system, writes Joseph Tartakoff for paidContent. Five reasons why:

• Windows 7 will put Microsoft on firmer ground, having won great reviews so far—and it will have been out 9 months by the time Chrome OS appears.
• Google’s not the only behemoth that knows users are running apps inside their browsers more often: Microsoft is developing a new "browser-based OS" with that in mind.

(NEWSER) - Google’s latest project, a Web-based lightweight OS to rival Windows, sounds pretty cool at first. “But that’s why you should be worried,” writes David Lazarus of the Los Angeles Times. The search giant has simply become too powerful for comfort. “Google accounts for an ungodly share of the money that flows through the Web,” says the antitrust lawyer who spearheaded the case against Microsoft. “That creates a lot of concern.” More»

(NEWSER) - Microsoft offered an early look today of its new operating system, designed to smooth out the kinks of the much-maligned Vista. The company gave programmers test software of Windows 7, which CEO Steve Ballmer is pushing to release next year, CNET reports. Those with an early look have generally praised the stability of the new system, designed to be faster, smarter, and less of a memory hog, and to have fewer annoying glitches such as dialog boxes with dire warnings. More»

Consumers may press case that 'Vista Capable' label was deceptive

(NEWSER) - A federal judge has denied Microsoft's motion to dismiss a lawsuit alleging its "Vista Capable" campaign misled consumers, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports. Although PCs bearing "Vista Capable" stickers run the new OS, many can handle only the bare-bones Vista Home Basic system, which lacks highly touted features included in premium versions. More»

Ubiquitous OS seen as security risk

(NEWSER) - Google has had it with Windows. Ever since the company's Chinese operations were hacked in January, it's been trying to tighten up security, and the Microsoft OS is the first casualty, workers tell the Financial Times . “We're not doing any more Windows,” said one, “It's a security effort.” New recruits can choose to work on a Mac or a PC running Linux, and the CIO must give special permission before employees can get a new Windows machine. More»