Good OS this week announced Cloud, a new Linux-based operating system that boots into a browser.

"Good OS's Cloud system integrates a compressed version of the Linux operating system with the company's homegrown Web browser," writes InformationWeek's Paul McDougall. "From within the browser, users can launch desktop applications such as spreadsheets or games, or access lighter Web services - like Google Apps or Yahoo! Mail. The system also features a tab that will launch Microsoft's Windows XP operating system."

"The interface is a Web browser, but with a Mac-style dock of icons across the bottom of the screen giving access to your applications," explains Geek.com's Matthew Humphries. "You also get access to your files on the hard drive. Good OS are aiming to work with manufacturers to integrate Cloud with their different netbooks, but it can also be supplied via a CD as an installer. No additional hardware is required to run the OS, and it can be customized as the manufacturers require."

"Bill Gates' mid-1990s fear that the Web browser would replace Windows is coming ever closer," notes The Inquirer's Egan Orion.

More here from The Register ... more here from Gizmodo ... more here from Electronista ... more here from TWICE ... more here from TMCnet ... more here from Engadget ... more here from Lifehacker ... and the press release is here.