Whoever wrote this article clearly has followed very little on how Google does things and just how effective they can be at avoiding massive problems when something goes wrong. But before getting into this, let’s first examine how Google will likely keep things running pretty smoothly in the first place.
First off, Chrome OS will likely be put out there with generally tight controls. Open enough for people to mess with, but tightened up out of the box in any case. I have seen other Linux distros do this with great success. Just provide a single avenue for software installation and updates and make sure the patches are designed for select hardware and chances are things will be fine. Sound familiar? Think different, think Apple.
I have no question in my mind that Google will be following some of Apple’s approach to hardware for those people who just want things to work. For those who want to install the OS on their own hardware, Google will use our old friend the beta label. That beta label will give Google as much of a pass as it could possibly need.
And finally, I would also point out that Chrome’s development will be much like we are seeing with Android: under Google control, but not distracting it from its search efforts in the slightest. In short, setting such a small goal as netbooks only is very obtainable for Google. Anyone who has used Linux for an extended period of time realizes just how simple this actually is.
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