Today Google is releasing a new open source plug-in that will bring HTML5 and other open web technologies to Internet Explorer.  Based on Google’s Chromium Blog, this plug-in once installed will allow IE users to experience the speedy performance of Google’s WebKit-based rendering engine.   Introducing – Google Chrome Frame.

From Google’s Blog:

“We’re building Google Chrome Frame to help web developers deliver faster, richer applications like Google Wave. Recent JavaScript performance improvements and the emergence of HTML5 have enabled web applications to do things that could previously only be done by desktop software. One challenge developers face in using these new technologies is that they are not yet supported by Internet Explorer. Developers can’t afford to ignore IE — most people use some version of IE — so they end up spending lots of time implementing work-arounds or limiting the functionality of their apps.”

All you have to do is download the plug-in.  Once installed, Google Chrome Frame begins to function automatically.  Users will then enjoy web page rendering at blazing speeds, and as well as enjoy the latest web technologies at the benefit of using the same familiar interface of the IE browser they are  using.

With this in the works, it looks like Google is heating up the war against IE wouldn’t you say?

I’m sure you already heard of the new Operating System Microsoft is releasing right?… Yup! Windows 7 indeed. For those who may not be familiar, Windows 7 is the latest OS that will be released by Microsoft this coming October 22, 2009.  A lot of people have already taken Windows 7 for a spin via the beta and RC versions, which unfortunately is no longer downloadable, but you surely can still find some torrents from the net.

Windows 7 promises to be everything Windows Vista was supposed to be and is touted as being the next Windows XP.   Windows 7 is basically just like Vista but has been extremely optimized, in fact is said to be as stable as Windows XP.   For those people still running XP, Windows 7 is a promising upgrade, even for Vista users.

Now the question before upgrading is whether your computer is compatible with 7.  If you are running Windows Vista right now, there is a good chance that your computer is compatible, but for XP users or others, you may download a compatibility checker from Microsoft here: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=1B544E90-7659-4BD9-9E51-2497C146AF15&displaylang=en.

What? Your computers not compatible?  Don’t worry, all you have to do is follow some recommendations that the checker will provide you so that your computer would be able to run Windows 7.   Upgrading your memory or video card would be an easy fix, but if your motherboard does not meet the requirements, then it may be better for you to buy a new computer with Windows 7 preinstalled.

While waiting for the release of Windows 7, it would be a good idea to start backing up your files especially for Windows XP users since Microsoft preferred a full install rather than do an in-place upgrade.  If your running Vista, you may opt to do an upgrade to Windows 7 instead, but it is still preferred that you do a full install to prevent possible problems during the update.  Remember that it is always a best practice to have a backup of your files, whether it be on an external hard drive or on a CD/DVD even if you’re not upgrading or reinstalling your operating system.