I think Operating Systems on computers are some day in the not too distant future going to become irrelevant and perhaps unnecessary (at least in the way we know them now).
With the way Web Applications are going (eg. GMail, Writely, etc) I think we can soon totally dispense of desktop computers as they are and do most of our work via our web browser (Firefox, Internet Explorer or Safari).
The latest version of each application will always be available when you log onto the page to do your work. With Adobe Air you can do the work online or offline and sync both. With Mobile-Me and Microsoft’s Mesh storing all your data and other files, you no longer need a Terabyte hard drive to store everything. The way they are managing the ‘cloud computing’ all your devices whether they be mobile or desktop or otherwise will have full access to everything you need. With mobile network connections (ie. WiFi WiMax and 3G HSDPA) you no longer need to be tethered to a phone line or network connection by cables.
I see the future as a place where we all just use a browser (or whatever they choose to call the internet-enabled application delivery system) to do ALL of our work and play.
Games such as Runescape run fully 3D from the browser in Java and are Proof Of Concept of what can be done.
With emerging technologies such as Silverlight (and, of course Moonlight) as well as other web technologies, we no longer need our desktop operating system to be so convoluted and, dare I say it, bloated.
I look forward to the day when we all have lightning fast broadband internet via a mobile connection and only use a lightweight browser to do all of our work.
I can foresee Microsoft banking on this idea and using it to (in a way) ‘rent’ you the operating environment via a subscription base which includes the cost of your mobile internet connection and many applications you require for day to day business and home use.
Microsoft Office Live could run entirely from your browser and since you save all your files to the ‘cloud’ you don’t have to worry about data loss or access to your files as they will be available anywhere you need them.
Using your Asus EEE PC or other, similar device (MSI Wind?) you have your computer needs taken care of in a small, lightweight device. Those needing more portability can always rely on their Windows Mobile, Blackberry, Palm or iPhone.
I seriously believe that the cloud computing along with a thin, mobile computing device will be the way we conduct all of our work and play in the future.
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