Is Google OS here already? Not quite but watch this space…

An alternative OS for the masses…

A new operating system based around the Ubuntu distribution of Linux is causing quite a stir.

gOS is being advertised as: “An alternative OS with Google Apps and other Web 2.0 apps for the masses.” on the Official gOS website.

Instead of the usual GNOME or KDE desktops however, gOS uses the Enlightenment Window Manager. This means lower speed and memory requirements to run the OS. It is one of the fastest desktop environments I’ve seen in recent years.

Wal-Mart has been offering gOS on a $200 system with some very good reviews…

“I am a student who needed a computer for word processing and email. I wanted to obtain the cheapest possible, high quality computer. I looked at a number of companies like Dell, HP, GateWay etc. They all had $350+ computers but they ran vista, and promised to be (since they were so cheap) very slow.

This ‘green gpc’ was purchased on a whim, when I saw it in a WalMart in Columbus OH. After setting up, I have been greeted to a nonstop computing fest. I had never imagined a computer could be so easy to use! I was used to my Windows XP computer at work, so I had held high hopes for this ‘Linux’ computer.

You have to see, use, and experience this computer. It is worth 10x the price in terms of ease-of-use, speed, security, and pleasantness. It’s so intuitive, quiet, inexpensive, efficient, etc. It is the best possible deal for a person looking to use a computer for anything except 3D games.”

Wal-Mart introduced the Everex Green gPC TC2502 on November 1, 2007. Their online warehouse sold out of the machine in just less than two weeks.

Google has close ties to Ubuntu. Google has supported Ubuntu through the Ubucon conferences and in many other ways. Founder of the Ubuntu foundation, Mark Shuttleworth, has confirmed that Google contributes patches to Ubuntu.

Some Google employees use a modified version of Ubuntu, which is known as Goobuntu. However, Google have denied any plans to release Goobuntu publicly.

Speculation continues however that Google may soon be entering the operating system business.