Cloud Operating System In The World Market

Cloud Computing means Internet-based computing where your data and the software are present on the Web, and the application is used as a service rather than a standalone software. You can run a virtual application or operating system within a browser which preserves your user session and your data. It’s like traveling with your own computer but without carrying its hardware.

Some of Cloud OS developed are as follows:

1. Chrome OS
2. ZeroPC
3. Jolicloud
4. Glide OS
5. Silve OS
6. ISpace Cloud Computer
7. Cloudo
8. XOS
9. ZimDesk
10. The Places A

User Interface with Web Server

Design goals for Google Chrome OS's user interface included using minimal screen space by combining applications and standard Web pages into a single tab strip, rather than separating the two. Designers considered a reduced window management scheme that would operate only in full-screen mode

 Figure showing User Interface with Web Server

Secondary tasks would be handled with "panels": floating windows that dock to the bottom of the screen for tasks like chat and music players. Split screens were also under consideration for viewing two pieces of content side-by-side. Google Chrome OS would follow the Chrome browser's practice of leveraging HTML5's offline modes, background processing, and notifications. Designers proposed using search and pinned tabs as a way to quickly locate and access applications. 

Hardware Support for Chrome OS

Google Chrome OS is initially intended for secondary devices like netbooks, not as a user's primary PC, and will run on hardware incorporating an x86 or ARM-based processor. While Chrome OS will support hard disk drives, Google has requested that its hardware partners use solid-state drives "for performance and reliability reasons" as well as the lower capacity requirements inherent in an operating system that accesses applications and most user data on remote servers. In November 2009 Matthew Papakipos, engineering director for the Google Chrome OS claimed that the Chrome OS consumes one-sixtieth as much drive space as Windows 7.

Architecture Overview

In preliminary design documents for the Chromium OS open source project, Google described a three-tier architecture: firmware, browser and window manager, and system-level software and user land services.

 Figure showing 3-Tier Architecture of Cloud OS

Firmware

The firmware contributes to fast boot time by not probing for hardware, such as floppy disk drives, that are no longer common on computers, especially netbooks. The firmware also contributes to security by verifying each step in the boot process and incorporating system recovery.  

System-Level Software 

System-level software includes the Linux kernel that has been patched to improve boot performance. User land software has been trimmed to essentials, with management by Upstart, which can launch services in parallel, re-spawn crashed jobs, and defer services in the interest of faster booting.

The Window Manager

The window manager handles user interaction with multiple client windows much like other X window managers.

Need v/s Want

Can a Chromebook be used offline? Most think not, but they’d be wrong. There is an entire suite of offline apps Chrome OS makes use of. We can create a Google Drive document offline and there are quite a few games available.

Let’s also be honest about our internet connection and how they relate to our computers. Setting aside the OS argument, when was the last time you considered a computer useful without an internet connection? If we’re being truthful, most of us will admit we don’t think computers in general have much use when offline. What would we use them for without a connection? Create a document, maybe a presentation, play a few games. All that can be done within Cloud OS.

Gaming is also migrating to the web ever so slightly, so in a few years’ time this won’t be a concern for most. . As the Chromebook Pixel becomes a tool more developers pick up, we can expect more tools to be coming to Chrome OS. Some immediate needs or wants aren’t met right now, and that’s to be expected with a fairly new OS like Chrome.

Figure showing Layers of the current OS and cloud server OS

 

Cloud OS is better with a web connection, but it’s not mandatory. For most people, offline productivity won’t change. If a web connection is something you can’t live without, there is always a 3G or LTE version (Pixel only) of the Chromebook available. It may require a different method of accomplishing things, like using Drive rather than MS Office, but that could end up being beneficial.

What Cloud OS Isn’t

Nothing is perfect, eyeOS is basically a web application and Chrome OS is still a work in progress for Google, but still pretty good for what it is. Some glaring omissions are present, but may have a silver lining to them.

The Os You’re Used To  

When we start our desktop or laptop it first boots and after completing all the tasks, OS gives us final UI and we are allowed to work or use. When you get a Chromebook, there is one glaring omission that screams at you: there is no optical drive. That’s right, there is no way to load software from a CD or DVD. For some, this is a deal breaker, but that’s just the nature of Chrome OS. With such a lightweight layer on top of the browser, there is no bulk for software to make a home. Applications take the place of software, making the Chrome Web Store your go-to source for all your needs. Some of us need software that can’t be duplicated or mimicked, so Chrome OS won’t make sense in those instances. Others may find a suitable alternative on the Web Store, perhaps one they like more than their current offering.

Time Consuming

With a 10 second boot, there is no grand entrance. Chrome OS is up and running in quick order, ready to work or play. All updates are fed to the device over the air, and the device updates every 6 weeks or so. You are rarely even aware of the updates, a stark difference to a traditional PC which can take up to an hour updating itself. Being lightweight has its benefits.