Google has shown off the very first builds of Chrome OS (or Chromium OS as the open source version is called). It  is really a developer preview and Google aren’t planning on releasing the final version for another year.

Here are 5 things you really need to know:

1. Everything is web based. The whole user interface runs within the Chrome browser and there are no traditional desktop applications.
2. If you aren’t online then nothing will work. You won’t be able to write any documents or compose replies to emails (for sending later). Having a 3G modem will mean you can stay connected (and so use the machine) when you are on the move.
3. The OS currently boots in 7 seconds.
4. You documents and photos are stored on the Internet. But don’t worry, everything will be encrypted. If you lose your laptop, the attacker gets nothing of value (except the laptop of course).
5. You don’t need a hard drive. Everything is flash-memory-based.

Videos
From the Google Chrome YouTube channel.

[Via Gaj-IT]