Thursday, June 3, 2010

Google bans Windows over security concerns

Windows OS banned in Google offices

At the California Googleplex and around the world, concerns over security have led to Google officially giving Windows the boot. This move by Google is a reaction to security difficulties with Windows operating systems, as well as a lead-up to Google's Chrome OS. The only way a Google employee can use Windows is by getting special permission.

Article Resource: Google bans Windows over security concerns

The official Windows Google stance

The official policy of Google on Windows has been, until now, a lot more flexible. When a new employee starts at Google, they’re given an option of which operating system they want to use. Now, if Google employees want to keep Windows as an operating system, they have to get CIO approval. Google's Chrome OS is being offered as an option. Google decided to make this change after the hacking of Google’s China channels.

Windows security concerns cited by Google

From credit counseling to office management, about 80 percent of computers run Windows. Viruses and hackers usually target Windows computers as the operating system is so popular. This security hole has led to Google disallowing the system – it's simply too easy to hack. Because Google’s dedicated developers design programs for wide use, they are able to keep away from many of the downfalls of Windows security holes.

Google banning Windows a publicity stunt?

A few observers have suggested that Google kicking Windows out of its offices is more about publicity than security. For the last year or two, Google has been creating Chrome OS – a Windows competitor. The first public release of this operating system was the Google Chrome web browser. Developers will be allowed to edit and alter the Google Chrome OS, because it is an open-source piece of programming. People used to assume that open-source operating systems were less secure, but experience with Linux and other large open-source projects have proved this theory incorrect. Yes, there will be a Google competitor to the Windows operating system, but that isn't entirely the reason Windows will no longer be used in the Google offices.



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