Google Chromebook: presentation of advanced technology

Advances in technology have greatly changed personal computing since the 1980s. In the early days, computers could only be controlled via the keyboard. Now we can interact with a computer with a mouse, graphic keyboard, touch screen monitor and even with voice recognition technology. For example, I have been writing this article speaking into a microphone while the words magically appear in my word processing document.

Years ago, the user had to write their programs by hand, using somewhat cryptic codes. There are now hundreds, even thousands of applications commercially available for computer use. Additionally, the computing experience has moved from the office desk and home office to virtually the Internet via telephone, DSL and broadband connections. Additionally, Wi-Fi connections, laptops, netbooks, and tablets allow the user to physically take computing out of the office.

The newly developed Google Chromebooks take computing to a whole new level. These laptops, made by Samsung and Acer, run on an operating system based on the Google Chrome browser. The new user will notice a big difference from the moment the laptop is opened. The computer starts immediately and will be ready to use in approximately 8-10 seconds. The Internet connection is made through Wi-Fi or an optional three-G adapter external hard drive.

The installation of the operating system is verified over the Internet every time the computer is started. This keeps the computer safe from malware and other Internet-based threats, along with other security features. Most of the applications running on these computers are also web based and the data created on the laptop is stored in the "cloud".

While these Internet-based features are beneficial to the home user, the implications for educational and commercial use can be phenomenal. IT department intervention is minimized because group policies, permissions, and other network maintenance tasks are performed through a web-based interface. Since computer users access their applications over the Internet, there are virtually no software installation issues to repair. Each user works with the programs and applications that are sent to them.

Because files are stored on the Internet on secure servers, data protection is improved. If the computer is lost, stolen, or damaged, the user simply has to obtain another computer to continue their work. Chromebooks can be used as standalone computers or as part of a network containing other more traditional personal computers.