“˜Instant On’ Computing Could Reduce PC Boot Time
Several technology firms are developing software aimed at bypassing Microsoft Windows when a computer is switched on, so that users don’t have to wait for their operating system to start up.
So-called instant-on computing allows users to go straight to the Internet browser on their machine without using Windows OS.
According to USA Today, there are several firms working to give users the quick functionality experience of a trimmed down netbook.
Firms include Presto, which offers its downloadable software for $19.99, Phoenix Technologies, which sells its own software download for $39.95 to $59.95 annually, as well as DeviceVM’s Splashtop and Always Innovating’s Touch Book, which is set to be released in June.
The downside to this approach is that the Web browser is the only application that will work. So, don’t bother trying to use Word, Excel or even iTunes.
“But you can do what most people care about," Jordan Smith, product manager for Presto, from Canadian software firm Xandros told USA Today. "Check your e-mail, do instant messaging, make Skype phone calls."
Phoenix CEO Woodson Hobbs said when it comes to netbooks, “We’re going to completely displace Windows."
In the meantime, Microsoft is currently developing versions of Windows 7, which is set to be released in 2010. Windows 7 is reported to be lighter and quicker than its predecessor Vista, which critics argue is notably large and takes too long to load.
"We’re seeing PCs go from cold boot to a ready desktop, where users can access their applications, at speeds comparable to ‘instant-on’ environments," Jay Paulus, a senior director at Microsoft, told USA Today in reference to Windows 7.
But Windows competitors say that even though Microsoft could make great strides in trimming load time, Windows still won’t be faster than the software alternatives.
"A brand new Windows without any applications will load quickly, but as more and more applications are added, it will become slower and slower every day," says DeviceVM CEO Mark Lee. "That’s just the nature of the beast."
—
On the Net: