Daylife/Reuters Pictures used by permission

No more Windows!

Google is phasing out the internal use of Microsoft’s ubiquitous Windows operating system because of security concerns, according to several Google employees.

The directive to move to other operating systems began in earnest in January, after Google’s Chinese operations were hacked, and could effectively end the use of Windows at Google, which employs more than 10,000 workers internationally.

We’re not doing any more Windows. It is a security effort,” said one Google employee.

“Many people have been moved away from [Windows] PCs, mostly towards Mac OS, following the China hacking attacks,” said another.

New hires are now given the option of using Apple’s Mac computers or PCs running the Linux operating system…

Employees wanting to stay on Windows required clearance from “quite senior levels”, one employee said. “Getting a new Windows machine now requires CIO approval,” said another employee…

The move created mild discontent among some Google employees, appreciative of the choice in operating systems granted to them – an unusual feature in large companies. But many employees were relieved they could still use Macs and Linux. “It would have made more people upset if they banned Macs rather than Windows,” he added.

Phew!




  1. qb says:

    #20 Skeptic said “Might they just develop their own OS?”

    Ya’ figure?

  2. chris says:

    #6

    Unix type systems are invaluable in many situations. For the family computer it usually isn’t appropriate.

    Windows is good at a lot of things.

    If you are in the business of creating IP Windows could become a liability.

    Each thing needs to be appreciated for its merits. A screwdriver is useful even if it makes an ineffective hammer.

  3. ray says:

    +1 for google again, just helps with their overall motto of “don’t be evil” but then again they “don’t be good” either.

  4. qb says:

    Didn’t Google release Buzz?

  5. The0ne says:

    All I know is that millions and millions of Sheeps got us to where we are today, using Windows OS.

    Where’s the Atari, the Amiga (which I love hehe), the IBM, BeOS, etc etc. No, sheeps complaining about something they unknowingly (to themselves) pave the way is ridiculous.

    Pathetically, this isn’t going to change.

  6. Vogie says:

    @Personality

    No, Google’s colors are their own. However, if they were switching totally to Macs, they’d have to change it to a solid color, and reduce all of their applications to no more than three buttons.

  7. Anon says:

    #1 – Apple never tried to actually compete with MS in the OS space. If they did they would have allowed their OS to be unbundled from their H/W. Linux isn’t going to compete as it isn’t a commercial concern.

  8. Hmeyers says:

    In other news, people in the Lays potato chip headquarters are banning Pringles. News at 11.

  9. Rick Cain says:

    In response, Microsoft bans the internet browser on its campuses…oh wait.


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