As you might have heard, Google is throwing their hat into the “full operating system” game. Called Chrome, the new OS is a Linux-based system designed to let users navigate their computer quickly and efficiently. This is done by replacing the traditional “operating system” setup with a powerful, “always on” version of the Chrome web browser. From there, the “theory” states, users can go about their day to day activities without having to worry about their operating system getting in the way. Users without Internet service will be able to use a combination of Google Gears and HTML 5 to access their apps offline. Supporters of the new plan say that the OS is the perfect “antidote” to the so-called “Microsoft-centric” desktop experience. Detractors, on the other hand, say the lack of specialty programs, combined with the bare bones nature of many existing web apps, will essentially kill the fledgling OS before it even has had a chance to take off. Many critics also claim that Google’s penchant for monitoring the browsing habits of the user will completely undermine online privacy in a way never before seen. No matter which side of the fence you sit, there is one thing that we all can agree upon: Things are about to get very interesting. Expect to see Chrome on a netbook computer near you in the second half of 2010.

This isn’t the first time a major player in the tech world attempted to make an operating system of their own. Sometimes, it was a success. Other times … well, not so much. So join us as we take a trip down memory lane to visit the “next generation operating system” that time has seemingly forgotten: OS/2 Warp.

OS/2 Warp

Lifespan: 1994 to 2001
Company: IBM
Philosophy: Windows 95, IBM style.
Back Story: Once upon a time, IBM and Microsoft worked together to make an operating system called “OS/2.” This partnership lasted until 1990, when the two split due to what the lawyers call “irreconcilable differences.” Coding practices, hardware limitations, and various GUI issues where among the sticking points. Undaunted, IBM set out to build a “next generation” operating system that could compete with Microsoft. The resulting project, called “OS/2 Warp” by the team, was formally released to the public in 1994.
The Result: Despite the endless list of promises and “advanced” support for Windows apps, OS/2 Warp promptly went nowhere. While many of the IBM faithful enjoyed the effort, most would rather stick with their copies of Windows 3.1 or 95 than try something new. The operating system would get one more major release (OS/2 Warp 4) before being discontinued in December 2001.
Is It Still Around?: Yes, in a way. Aside from a few ATM machines and cash registers that rely on it, OS/2 Warp isn’t really used by many people or businesses anymore. For a more “modern” version, we suggest checking out eComStation. It’s Warp, only under a different name.