YouTuber explores how booting Linux from Google Drive could spark changes in PC ownership

It actually is possible to cloud-boot an operating system by using Google Drive. The proof of concept comes from a recently published blog post on “Ersei ‘n Stuff” that details the journey and process of booting Arch Linux, a lightweight version of Linux, directly from Google Drive. However, Mental Outlaw points out that this process deviates from a traditional boot sequence more than just booting from Google Drive. He explains that the laptop used in the boot process uses locally stored Linux kernel initramfs to run FUSE. FUSE is used to mount the Linux file system found on Google Drive to complete the “boot” process.

With the process outlined, Mental Outlaw claims this is “a small step in the direction of thin client cloud computers” for the broader tech industry. Thin client devices are devices such as Google Chromebooks or any similar device that relies on cloud computing for most of its processes. Mental Outlaw then expressed that booting your OS from the cloud opens up “both positive and negative” opportunities. One benefit is that your OS will have the same level of protection as data stored in the cloud. Also, if the OS stops working or is compromised, the OS could boot from a previously functional snapshot. Mental Outlaw mentions that the snapshot function can mitigate ransomware attacks and that these systems would be able to leverage cloud-sourced antivirus updates similar to those found in Microsoft Defender.

For Mental Outlaw, the first negative aspect of cloud computing is that “you really can’t call it your computer or your storage” because the actual storage hardware is owned by companies like Google, Microsoft, or other cloud system providers. With the OS included as a cloud service, Mental Outlaw is concerned that user data, privacy, and even the ability to boot your computer will be controlled by tech giants. As with most new services in recent years, Mental Outlaw warns that the “promise of extra safety and convenience” found in cloud computing comes at the expense of user freedom. To watch the full video or for more information, please check the resources below.