J_K9 @ Linux

Google’s Desktop Linux

February 15, 2006 on 6:13 pm | In Linux |

Many of you will already have heard rumours of Google’s upcoming Operating System, “Goobuntu”. As its name suggests, it is going to be based on Ubuntu, but obviously with Google’s magic touch (whatever that is).

In fact, it wasn’t so long ago that I started a thread on the LinuxQuestions.org forums about how if Google did bring out an OS, this would not only benefit Google but also the Linux community. I wrote that, if Google were to code an OS based on UNIX (or, in particular, Linux), then Linux would also benefit because the applications would most probably work on it too. Thus, I saw applications like Photoshop, AutoCAD, and all the other popular ones coming over to Linux. Some members, however, were quick to beat me down, saying things like “Google has no interest in the home-user OS market” and that “Google was only seeking to control the web”. He who laughs last, laughs best.

But, I’m not posting this because I want to throw it back in their faces - that’s the least I want to do. It’s just that I have just finished reading an article on The Register which confirmed Google’s OS and I spotted something which really struck me in it. Here’s the quote:

However, entering the desktop software world would be a huge step. Making Goobuntu as easy to use as XP will require a lot more development. It’s unlikely to be ready for showtime any time soon, and it’s possible Google itself hasn’t finalised where the project should go.

A lot more development? To the contrary, I think they have far less than they think to develop. It all depends on where Google are going to go with Goobuntu. If they are going to use KDE but tweak it with a new theme, add their own SuperKaramba/Dashboard-style app, and just make it look pretty then it should take them no longer than about two months to release a stable version. Plus, as Google are basing their OS/distro on Ubuntu, they may make their own front-end for apt-get and set up larger repositories than Ubuntu to offer new users a wide range of applications and optional downloads which make installing apps even easier than using Synaptic. I’m not sure about you, but I think KDE is easy enough to use as it is - even people who have never used Linux before (and whom I show it to) have said they find KDE easier to navigate than Windows XP.

If Google decide to write a whole new desktop environment, code completely new applications for the standard ones (like a Control Center, a GoogleKaramba, a calculator), add a hibernation feature which makes the computer sleep as fast as Mac OS X, and implement other wacky ideas, then we’ll be in for quite a wait until we see any progress.

At least one thing is clear in my mind - whatever happens with Google’s Linux-based OS, I will not be switching. I will however be enjoying the wealth of applications which suddenly become compatible with and available for Linux, and of course answering questions for a stream of newbies who are eager to learn more about this “new Linux OS which Google has based their stuff on”!