What is Chrome OS?
Chrome OS is an operating system designed by Google, built on a cloud-based foundation and Gentoo Linux. When it was announced, Google described Chrome OS as “Nothing but the Web,” and the operating system first appeared on Google-developed Chromebook computers.
Notable features available on Chrome OS
As a cloud-based operating system, Chrome OS, naturally differs in certain ways from macOS and Windows. Along with those differences come standout features designed to optimize the user experience compared with other operating systems. Let’s take a closer look at what those features are.
Smooth, responsive performance
First, it is easy to see that because Chrome OS is an operating system where most tasks are based around the web browser, it can deliver fast startup times and does not require a machine with an especially high-end processor. The operating system interface is highly optimized and simpler to use.
Access to the “massive” Google Web Store game library
Google Web Store offers a large game library that includes titles commonly found on popular Android phones. With Chrome OS, you can download and play well-known “game titles” to try them out, with both free and paid options available.
Strong security that can compete with Windows/macOS
Security is considered one of the main issues users think about when it comes to Chrome OS. Similar to Windows, Chrome OS also includes a security technique comparable to “SandBox” on Windows. This security technique helps block attempts to infiltrate and harm your system.
A few things to note before installing Chrome OS
Alongside Chrome OS’s interesting features, there are also a few things you should know before installing and downloading it to your laptop or computer:
Fully dependent on an online network connection - the Internet
Because Chrome OS is cloud-based software, it cannot operate without the Internet. This can also be an obstacle for users who travel frequently.
Limited device compatibility
Chrome OS comes preinstalled on Chromebooks. If you are using another type of machine, you can still use Chrome OS, but you will need to install it through a third-party application and use the USB boot method. There are also several minimum requirements:
- A USB 2.0 or 3.0 drive with a minimum capacity of 4GB.
- Format the USB drive as FAT 32.
- CloudyReady software installed.
- Use the Chrome browser.
In addition, you can choose to run two operating systems on the same machine to avoid situations where Windows applications such as Microsoft Office are not compatible with Chrome OS.
Storage capacity remains limited
In addition, as you already know, Chrome OS uses cloud-based storage, so local storage on Chrome OS is also more limited than on other browsers.
How to install and use Chrome OS through a virtual machine
If the features above fit your needs, follow the steps below to start experiencing the features available on the Chrome OS operating system.
Step 1: Download the CloudReady software using this link. This will let you download USB Maker.
Step 2: On the homepage interface, click DOWNLOAD USB MAKER.
Step 3: Next, open the Chrome browser and go to Extensions.
Step 4: Then enter Chromebook Recovery Utility in the search bar.
Step 5: Once the search results appear, click Chromebook Recovery Utility and select Add to Chrome.
Step 6: After it has been added, you will be taken to the Chrome App page. Here, select the Recovery app.
Step 7: Next, click the Settings gear icon and choose Use local image. Then click the Get started button.
Step 8: In the next step, select the CloudReady file you downloaded to your computer.
Step 9: The app will then ask you to confirm again which USB drive you want to use for storage. Click Continue.
Step 10: Then click Create now and wait for the setup process to complete on the USB drive.
Step 11: After the drive has been created successfully, the computer will ask whether you want to Format Disk. Select Cancel.
Step 12: Finally, restart the computer and proceed to boot from USB to use Chrome OS.
Final thoughts on Chrome OS
In the article above, Sforum has provided useful information about Chrome OS, Google’s operating system that is considered highly optimized for performance. It also walked through the steps for installing Chrome OS on machines that are not Chromebooks. Good luck!
