Google is set to lock horns with Microsoft as it has announced plans to create a new operating system, based on the Chrome web browser, aimed at laptop and netbook users.

"It's our attempt to re-think what operating systems should be,"  it said on its Official Google Blog.
The first  release of the operating system, which will be targeted at netbook computers, is due  for the second half of 2010.
"Speed, simplicity and security are the key aspects of Google Chrome OS. We're designing the OS to be fast and lightweight, to start up and get you onto the web in a few seconds. The user interface is minimal to stay out of your way, and most of the user experience takes place on the web."
Special attention was given to security and virus protection.
"As we did for the Google Chrome browser, we are going back to the basics and completely redesigning the underlying security architecture of the OS so that users don't have to deal with viruses, malware and security updates."
According to figures from Net Applications, Windows has around 90% of computers worldwide, with Apple's OSX trailing in second with 8%.
Google has already developed web-based office applications targeted at Microsoft's Word and Excel products,  which have received positive media support but appear to have had  little impact on Microsoft's office dominance.

Google on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivanwalsh