Earlier this year, Google announced that it was working hard on Chrome OS Flex. This new operating system is ideal for extending the life of older computers by putting minimal demands on your computer. How can you install Chrome OS Flex? We definitely looked.
Do you have an old computer with a slightly slower processor and an older operating system like Windows 7? There are several possibilities to enjoy such a computer for a longer period of time. For example, you can install Linux and further customize the environment. Meanwhile, another option has been added: Chrome OS Flex.
This is a lightweight operating system that you can install on your old Windows PCs. You can also install Chrome OS Flex on a Mac.
Chrome OS Flex system requirements
Chrome OS Flex requires a computer with a 64-bit processor from AMD or Intel. In terms of working memory, the operating system does not make very high demands: 4 GB of RAM is enough to get started. Also, the computer needs at least 16GB of free disk space.
Graphics card requirements are not specified, but the makers have already informed you that the Intel GMA 500, 600, 3600 and 3650 models are not eligible. Finally, it’s not trivial: you should be able to boot the computer from a USB stick and access the BIOS in case of necessary adjustments.
Setup
Chrome OS Flex is currently under development. Still, you can probably test the OS yourself. The latest version can be found at https://kwikr.nl/cflex. Make sure you only install Chrome OS Flex on a computer you don’t need for daily use.
While the operating system generally works well on hardware used in practice, the makers have also posted an online summary of computers that have been successfully tested with Chrome OS Flex. See the ‘Certified Model List’. For each computer, it is specified how well the operating system is working.
If you want to install Chrome OS Flex, make sure you have an empty USB stick with at least 8GB capacity. Download Chrome OS Flex here. Here you will also find a step-by-step plan with installation instructions. You don’t necessarily need to do an installation with the created USB stick. You can also use the bar in live mode. This will start your computer and allow you to run Chrome OS Flex without an actual installation.
This mod is interesting to familiarize yourself with the operating system. Finally, if you want to continue working with Chrome OS Flex, you will need to install the operating system. Only then will Chrome OS Flex work without lag and you will be assured of automatic updates.
work in progress
Have you started using Chrome OS Flex? Note that the operating system is still in development. Therefore, it is not wise to install the operating system on a computer that you depend on every day. If you are a more advanced user, you can also install Chrome OS Flex in a virtual machine. Note that in these cases, you may be installing an older version of Chrome OS Flex. In practice, you hardly notice it on first impression: environments look largely the same.
Look for differences
Chrome OS and Chrome OS Flex share most of the name and are very similar in terms of UI. Also, the operating systems share features you’ve encountered before in Chrome OS. Think pieces like Google Assistant, Nearby Sharing, and Family Link. Still, Chrome OS and Chrome OS Flex are two different operating systems. Both operating systems share the same technology, but Chrome OS was developed specifically for Chromebooks. Chrome OS Flex, on the other hand, takes into account different hardware configurations (Windows, Mac, Linux).
Certain features, such as support for biometric devices (for example, facial recognition and fingerprint readers) are not available in-house from Chrome OS Flex. There is also no support for certain peripherals such as a stylus and DVD player. Also, you cannot use apps from Play Store.
Anyone who thinks it’s possible to make a smart switch to Chrome OS Flex with an older Chromebook (which is out of support and no longer updates) will be disappointed. Google makes it nearly impossible to install Chrome OS Flex on Chromebooks. This means that your Chromebook is no longer usable after a lifespan of six to seven years.
But online you will find the necessary step-by-step plans by which enthusiastic users can install Chrome OS Flex on their older Chromebooks. However, this does not guarantee success. Not all hardware is working properly and some drivers are causing problems with the app.
target group
As you read, you can start using Chrome OS Flex yourself. However, the makers have not yet designed the operating system for home use. The software is primarily aimed at educational institutions and companies. As with Chrome OS, the operating system relies heavily on the cloud. In practice, you notice this, among other things, by the use of web applications and the fact that most functions work through the browser.
You will also notice in the management options that the operating system is geared towards business environments. For example, it is possible for system administrators to remotely manage Chrome OS Flex machines and delete them, for example, in case of loss or theft. But don’t let that stop you from using Chrome OS Flex as a consumer. You can also use it to give your own computers a new lease of life.
Source: Computer Totaal
