While the debate of Windows v. Mac v. Linux rages on, at times rising to a roar in certain circles, The following article shows why there is a fourth option.

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I have to agree that there is an overwhelming trend towards browser based computing. If you have all your applications online via Google Apps (Documents and Spreadsheets, Calendar, Gmail) and you have your bookmarks stored somewhere, you are pretty much good to go no matter what system you are using. Add firefox to a thumbdrive and you can take everything with you no matter where you go. I'm not in this camp personally but I think it makes things truely portable. In my line of work however, the PC is still essential for most work applications. I need the VPN, Putty for SSH and my RSA token for access to my servers. Other applications like Email and Corporate IM are available online in a pinch when I do need to get to something quickly, but without the VPN, there is no solving the issue without having someone else run the commands for you.

Think of the average computer user though and this all online option works.. until you take away the internet connection. This could be an interesting trend to follow, especially as more applications go into "web 2.0" online form and move the desktop into the web browser. Got any ideas on how best to do this? Leave a comment.