I wonder what would happen if the Android operating system were suddenly available to desktop and laptop PCs? Hmmm . . .
If there’s anyone who can take on the Microsoft Windows juggernaut, you think it’d be Google.
I’m not praising Google, of course. They’re a big ugly corporation that wants to make money. Then again, Microsoft has exposed itself like a turtle on its back.
No, Microsoft is more like a turtle that flipped itself over on purpose because it’s belly looks like a phone interface.
Windows 8 is just horrible. From what I hear (thanks, linuxlove) Windows 8.1 might even be a little bit worse.
It’s awesome how Steve Ballmer is so successful at killing a major corporation! Which, of course, leaves the door open for zillions of PC owners who just want something workable as a computer operating system.
Forget Apple. They’re almost as doomed as Microsoft. The creative community must have some clout, because OS X hasn’t yet morphed into iOS — although I’m certain that management robots in Cupertino who would like to do just that. No, the creative crowd still needs a full-service computer, keyboard, mouse, big display, and no touchy-feely crap, thank-you. Mac OS X will be around for a while.
And keep in mind that OS X is available only on Apple hardware. Sure, you can build a hackintosh, but legions of office drones in businesses around the world don’t want to know what a hackintosh is.
The PC crowd just wants an OS. They want a simple interface. They don’t need to go under the hood and mess with settings, but when they do they like that option.
Linux would have been the answer, but the support was never there.
Oh, yeah: I know. Linux has support and a great community and all that, blah-blah-blah. But drive through any neighborhood in your home town, knock on a random door and ask Joe and Jane America if they’d like you to install Linux on their PC and give them eternal support. It’s not going to happen.
So what about Android on the desktop? Boys and girls, it’s already here. It’s called Chrome OS and it’s not really blowing anyone away.
Even Google has admitted that eventually Android and Chrome OS will merge. When? I dunno. That means Windows, despite its current wretched form, it going to still be with us for a while.
I am noticing that a lot of the young people I work with are incredibly good with new tech and apps. Besides the new code of text chat them seem very adapt at hacking app interfaces with other software. Some love to crack the code on the newer cell phones so they can adapt there own version of software . Because Linux requires a good portion of exposing yourself to differing programs while downloading and installing them, I wonder if the new generation of computers kids may be more up to the task then people 40+.
I think if kids were more exposed to Linux as a viable option over windows and were given well explained tools to use they may convert. Linux for a long time was thought of the Anti Apple or anti Microsoft group. Why can they now not be the Pro Kid choice offering so much more.
IF Google is going to keep on marching will we have the same dictatorial issues with them as we did Microsoft?
Just my 2 cents
Keith
Comment by Keith Johnston — July 21, 2013 @ 10:13 pm
I’m not sure the kids get computers any more than older people. They just seem to lack the fear. It’s said that once they get into college, where things on the computer matter, they grow the same fears that older people have.
And remember: It’s a myth that computers are easy to use. The developers try to make stuff that’s easy to use, but to truly get the most from a computer, you have to dig into it. A whopping majority of computer users don’t bother. And now they’re moving on to tablets and phones, which are insulated even more than PCs. In fact, for $200, you can throw away a tablet that doesn’t work and just get a new one.
Comment by admin — July 21, 2013 @ 10:24 pm
Desktop Android OS has always been available, you dont have to buy a chromebook. Your Android tablet has HDMI-out which will connect to your tv, you can connect both USB keyboard and mouse to your tablet. This can be a very convenient setup if you are a ‘couch surfer’ as you can use a wireless keyboard/mouse while sitting on the couch and using your tv as a monitor.
Comment by BradC — July 22, 2013 @ 8:38 pm
It’s just not the same!
Comment by admin — July 22, 2013 @ 8:42 pm