Google Chrome OS has been out for a while now and is still relatively talked little about. Although people have heard of it, it seems like very few truly understand what it is unless they have used it, and even fewer see the benefits of using such a slim operating system. I am going to discuss both a little about the features of Google Chrome OS and also go into detail about how to get the most out of Chrome OS.
Features:(skip if you already know)
- extremely secure (arguable depending on addons you have installed)
- essentially just a web browser, NO PROGRAMS
Making the most of a Chromebook:
When people initially realize that there are no programs on a Chromebook (machine running Google Chrome OS), there seems to be a natural tendency to doubt it's functionality. For many the lack of dedicated programs can seam not only hard to deal with but completely useless. Although some programs can be crucial to what people do on their computers, most of the programs used by the generic computer user have many alternatives that are online based and function perfectly on Chrome OS. Here are some examples with common program on the left and web based Chrome safe alternatives on the right:
Microsoft Word/Office -> Google Docs
Paint/Gimp/PhotoShop -> Aviary
Playing movies -> built in basic movie player, youtube, Netflix
Email programs -> not necessary with Gmail and most web based email services
Chat programs -> Google Talk, Ebuddy
These programs listed are some of the most common used, besides a web browser, by most computer users. Some of the alternatives may not fit everyone's needs, but most are not only easy to learn but in some cases make everyday task easier. There are also a large variety of cloud based web programming (php, javascript, css, html) sites as well as graphic web design sites that can replay common web design tasks. For expert Photoshop users are Programmers who use C++ or Java Chrome OS will not replace your main computer; however, there still may be a way to take advantage of a Chrome OS system. One of the most recent addons on the Chrome store is a Chrome Remote addon. This addon allows for easy remote viewing with full keyboard and mouse control to any machine that can run the Chrome web browser. This essentially allows you to remote into your home machine running Windows, Mac, or Linux without the need of any programs on your Chromebook. This remote access capability makes any Chromebook a viable travel or everyday computer for many of people regardless the programs they use.
