Data Backup Digest

Google’s Chrome OS may have just launched in 2010, but it’s came a long way since then. While its original design was nothing more than a modern web browser, today’s version of Google Chrome OS is nearly unrecognizable when compared to its predecessor. In fact, some experts believe that Chrome OS might be able to replace Mac and even Windows operating systems for some users.

Officially dubbed Chrome OS Flex, Google’s alternative OS is a Linux-based platform that, in 2022, includes most of the features you’ve come to expect from a modern operating system. Not only that, but it also features quite a bit of polish; especially considering the fact that it’s only 12 years old. Compare that with the earliest versions of Windows or macOS, both of which have been around for decades, and it’s easy to see how far Google’s OS has come in a relatively short amount of time.

A Possible Replacement for Windows 11

With support for Microsoft Windows 10 officially set for 2025, many computer users are already considering making the upgrade to the latest version of Windows. Unfortunately, as some users are discovering, their system doesn’t actually meet the specifications of Windows 11.

Unfortunately, this leaves these users with few options in 2025. Sure, they can always keep their Windows 10 installation. However, since it won’t be supported after that date, they’ll be left with outdated software that is a prime target for hackers and other malicious users.

However, Google Chrome OS Flex could be the answer they’ve been waiting for. The system requirements for Chrome OS are quite minimal, including:

• 64-bit x86 processor
• 4GB or more of RAM
• 16GB or more of internal storage
• USB booting capabilities
• Administrator access to the BIOS

As long as your computer meets those five basic stipulations, you should be able to install, run, and use Google Chrome OS Flex without any problems. Thankfully, most modern systems in use today will easily meet, if not surpass, those requirements.
Some Hardware Limitations

While Google Chrome OS Flex might sound enticing, there are some hardware limitations to be aware of. For starters, biometric login hardware is not supported. Not only does this include devices like IR cameras and fingerprint scanners, but it also covers SD card readers, optical drives, FireWire and Thunderbolt ports, and more.

In some cases, external Wi-Fi devices, or dongles, might not work. Those who convert their machines to Google Chrome OS Flex might also notice a decreased battery life. However, this often happens when using a PC or Mac system to run a Linux-based operating system, so the problem isn’t inherent to Chrome OS.

Final Thoughts

Google Chrome OS Flex certainly has a place in the current IT landscape. Whether you’re using it to maintain an updated system after Windows 10 support ends or even if you’re installing it on a brand new machine, Google’s operating system already has a lot to offer – and it’s only getting better with time.