Like Clockwork, it's time for another operating system

About every two months I get an itch to mess up my world. I'm not sure where this masochistic tendency comes from, but it's impossible to deny. Just when my computer is working perfectly, I format and install a new OS.

Lately, this is not as satisfying as it used to be. Now, the install of the OS goes very well. Nearly all my important stuff shows up instantly. What's with that? Oh for the days for searching for drivers or looking for CDs and install codes. Nearly all of that is gone. Why? Basically the cloud and OS maturity.

For example, last week I installed windows 7. Within an hour I was using it to check email, my calendar, connect with friends, collaborate on lesson planning the works. All because of Google email, calendar, docs, and social networking.

Now, I installed Ubuntu 9.10 on the same machine. Very similar results, up and running easily and productively. I use Dropbox too, so all my key documents just started downloading from the cloud without even plugging in a usb drive.

I get the sense, this is only beginning. Soon, the OS may fade away entirely. Or is that the plan ... just what is google chrome os? .... hmmm