In Depth: Google Chrome OS: what you need to know

The long-awaited Chrome OS is finally here, and the first Chrome notebooks are winging their way to happy beta testers as you read this.

So is it the operating system reinvented, or just a nifty way to squeeze more speed out of laptops?

Here's what you need to know about Google's Chrome OS.

Chrome OS is web-only

There's no underlying operating system to Chrome: unlike, say, Apple's iOS you don't have a choice between native applications and web applications. Every Chrome application is a web application; think browser-based apps rather than desktop ones.

As a result, apps in the Chrome Web Store will run "all [desktop] browsers that support this technology."

Don't worry, though, the apps will work offline - something of a plus for those of us who travel to places where there's no decent coverage. Places like, er, most of the UK.

FAMILIAR: The Chrome Web Store reminds us of something. Your sarcasm detector should be beeping

Chrome OS is device independent

Chrome is all about getting you onto the web as fast as possible, and the experience is designed to be identical no matter what device you pick up. You don't have to use Google's apps to benefit from Chrome, but inevitably you'll get a better experience if you do.

Chrome OS might not work on your PC

Google isn't interested in supporting every PC that's ever been made; by all means download the code and compile it yourself, but don't be surprised if it doesn't play nice on your existing hardware.

Google's looking forwards, not backwards, and the focus here is on shipping Chrome on brand new devices next year. For now it's on Intel chips, but ARM support is coming too.

Chrome OS isn't finished

Chrome is still in beta, so some things don't work. Cloud-based printing isn't finished yet, USB support for devices such as cameras needs more work and overall performance needs tuned.

Chrome OS is secure

All of your data is encrypted by default and there's a guest mode so other people can use your computer without accessing any of your stuff. Chrome OS also has a feature called Verified Boot, where the operating system is checked for integrity at boot and if anything's changed, you can roll back to a Last Known Good Configuration. Google says it's the most secure desktop operating system ever shipped.

QUICK START: Big-name apps such as the New York Times are already available, look good and work well

Chrome OS is fast

You should be able to go from switched-off machine to ready for business in ten seconds. That's partly because of the solid state storage, which is much faster than traditional hard disks, and partly because Chrome has been optimised for speedy booting.

Chrome OS notebooks will ship in early 2011

It seems that the Chrome release date has been delayed, because rather than ship this month as expected Google has announced that Acer and Samsung will be shipping the first Chrome Notebooks "mid-2011 globally". Google says that other manufacturers will follow.

Google's already built and deployed a Chrome notebook

The reference machine is called Cr-48 - after the isotope of chromium - and shows roughly what Chrome notebooks will look like. Thousands of Google employees are already using it as their main computer, Google says.

Chrome OS netbooks won't have hard disks

The Cr-48 specifications aren't set in stone, but it is reference hardware - in other words, it's pretty much what Google expects other firms to make. It has a 12.1" screen, a webcam, a full size keyboard and an "oversized" clickable touchpad.

There's no caps lock - "it'll improve the quality of comments all over the web," Google jokes - and there are no function keys. In fact, while the caps lock has been replaced by a search button, you can change it to a caps lock in the system settings.

More significantly, there's no hard disk: Chrome notebooks are designed with faster solid state storage.

Connectivity comes in two flavours: Integrated world-mode 3G and dual-band 802.11n wireless. Google says eight-plus hours of everyday use should be realistic, and Chrome notebooks should hang around for eight days in standby mode.

Google's chucking Cr-48 notebooks at everyone

Google is putting some of its money where its mouth is: it's giving Cr-48 notebooks to some of the world's best known firms so they can test it properly and provide feedback. Firms including American Airlines, Kraft, Virgin America and even the US Department of Defense are taking part in the Pilot Program - and consumers can take part too.

How to get a free Google Cr-48 Chrome notebook

If you didn't send off for a Chrome sticker via the Chrome Facebook page, we've got bad news for you: those stickers are attached to Chrome notebooks and they're being shipped to some very happy Facebookers. Don't despair, though, because there are other ways to get on the programme provided you live in the US.

The next time you click New Tab in Chrome, look for anything different: there may be an invitation to the Pilot Program. If not, you can fill out the Google Pilot Program form, or humiliate yourself in front of a camera and upload it to http://www.youtube.com/googlechrome. The notebooks will be shipped between now and January and applications are open until midnight on 21 December.

It wouldn't be Google if there weren't some cute videos to watch. Here's the Chrome OS promo.