The Change Mariner: Google Challenges Microsoft Monopoly

April 13, 2004

Google Challenges Microsoft Monopoly

While Linux advocates look to desktop software to challenge Microsoft's desktop championship, a new top-ranked contender is coming from a direction that's both unexpected and obvious: Google.

But first, Google needs to overcome privacy concerns, as proposed terms of service for its upcoming Gmail service leave users with very little legal protections for the privacy and security of their e-mail.

While the common wisdom is that Google's core business is search, in fact, even search is secondary for Google, argue several bloggers and journalists.

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[Jason] Kottke writes:

[Google has] this huge map of the Web and are aware of how people move around in the virtual space it represents. They have the perfect place to store this map (one of the world's largest computers that's all but incapable of crashing). And they are clever at reading this map. Google knows what people write about, what they search for, what they shop for, they know who wants to advertise and how effective those advertisements are, and they're about to know how we communicate with friends and loved ones. What can they do with all that? Just about anything that collection of Ph.Ds can dream up.

Kottke envisions Google selling cheap PCs running Gnome and Linux, tailored to take advantage of the Google service, practically giving the PCs away at $10 each. The PCs would run their own office suite, with built-in Internet collaboration.

Topix.net -- The Secret Source of Google's Power

Kottke.org -- GooOS, the Google Operating System

Google Hacks: 100 Industrial-Strength Tips & Tools
O'Reilly & Associates

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Google Pocket Guide
O'Reilly & Associates

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Amazon Hacks: 100 Industrial-Strength Tips and Tools
O'Reilly & Associates

Amazon Price: $17.47

How to Use Google : The 30 Most Important Tips, Hacks and Tricks
Titanium Books

Amazon Price: $1.99

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