As I mused in a previous blog a few months ago, Google has a great browser. What's next an operating system? Yesterday, we learned the answer: Heck, yes. So what's in store for our PCs? We will see. Short term we may not see many changes; long time, it could change Computer Operating Systems as we know them: they could be free, have more security, more internet-based functionality, more advertising (maybe desktop banner ads...), etc.

I like the idea of Google going head to head with Microsoft (beyond their competing browser, email, desktop suite, search bar - to say nothing of their other monumental applications like Earth, Picasa, et cetera).

Competition will only make Microsoft products better - perhaps they might even stop testing products on us by releasing them as products, charging us to buy them and patching the products endlessly for years. Unlikely, I know - but it could happen.

There is always a price to be paid. Nothing is free: if the OS is free, you'll have to pay something else. Perhaps you'll pay with your time by looking at 2 minutes of Ads banners while your computer boots. In that case, turn the darn thing on and leave your desk for a few minutes - you may get off cheap after all.

Also on the Windows radar, Microsoft has launched a free service (that you can access with your Live ID) called Microsoft-Hohm", that can help home owners save energy and money. What a cool way to stay cool, be green and pocket some cash...

For more information, read "Using Aero Peek".