Google launched a new operating system, which, it claims, will change the way computers are being used, as the system is programmed to turn on instantly and log on automatically to the web within seconds.

The Chrome OS, which pits Google directly against Microsoft and Mac, will enable users to access everything from e-mail to photos and spreadsheets to documents on a "cloud" on the internet.

This would nullify the need for a hard drive to store photographs, music, emails and other important documents, thus offering a cheaper and much swifter alternative to the traditional PC.

However, Google admitted that it was six months behind schedule in readying the software for sale as it was still ironing out technical problems.
Initially, the Chrome OS will be available pre-installed on computers made by Acer and Samsung that will go on sale by the middle of next year.

Later, other manufacturers will also release devices running the software.

Google has already launched a pilot programme to test an early version of a Chrome OS laptop, though it could be some time before the laptop actually reaches the market.

Linus Epson, vice-president of engineering for Chrome, and Sundar Pichai, head of Chrome development, hailed the new OS as their "big bet" for the future as they believed it would revolutionise the computing landscape.