GOOGLE LAUNCHES OS

Google Inc. is planning to hit Microsoft Corp. where it hurts by challenging the software giant's dominance in the world of computer operating systems. The search firm said that it will begin offering its own operating system, called Chrome, in the second half of 2010. While Google already offers a host of products that compete with Microsoft, the new operating system is a direct challenge to Microsoft Windows, which is the most widely used operating system in the world.The new system will initially be targeted at netbooks which are small, inexpensive laptop computers used mostly for Internet access.

Google said the new operating system will make use of open source programming, which allows third-party developers to design compatible add-onsMany netbooks currently run a version of Linux, or Microsoft's old operating system, Windows XP. Microsoft has said its current Vista operating system is too big to run on the scaled-down laptops, but it said netbooks will be able to run its Windows 7 OS, set to debut in late October. The new operating system comes after Google launched its Chrome Internet browser late last year.