Google is developing a new operating system - a competitor Android and Chrome OS. Impression on Google Chrome OS on Acer C7 Chromebook New Operations from Google

Chrome OS - New "cloud" operating system developed by Google for use on relatively low-power laptops and tablets. "Cloud" - exactly in the sense that all the work will be carried out by the user on the Internet and there will mainly be mainly stored its data. Some Tolik Local Functionality will also be present, but to play a clearly auxiliary role, let's say, in case there is no connection to the Internet. Thus, the initial idea that was standing behind netbooks, which, though worked under the direction of the usual general-purpose OS, should have become kind of online consoles (as even the name that occurs from the word Network, Network) - but did not.

About the causes of this, by the way, it is useful to think precisely in the context of Chrome OS - which prevented netbooks to form a separate class of devices: whether the lack of a suitable specialized platform or still unaware of users to abandon the usual programs and accumulated experience with them in favor of web applications and web -Evelast? I believe that the second factor has played if not determining, at least a significant role - there are questions with the reliability of network resources, and not ubiquitous (comfortable and cheap) access to the Internet, and huge, so far, the inconsistency of the functionality. Accordingly, it is necessary to finish this little entry, I want to answer another question that our readers are asked quite often when discussing articles: why do we need it? Indeed, today to extract much benefit from Chrome OS is unlikely to be able to - setting it on the available computer you will not get any new features. Moreover, all the advantages of its specific architecture can only be disclosed on specially designed devices, therefore, despite the openness of the source code, it is designed to use equipment manufacturers (OEM), and not end users. Accordingly, to read this article and independently try Chrome OS stands, rather, from healthy curiosity and desire to keep up with progress - even if Chrome OS has a few and outdoor time, this does not mean that the situation will not change tomorrow, especially, we are well known Google's skill "Pusk" your technologies and solutions.

History of the question

For the first time about Chrome OS, we heard just more than two years ago, and in November 2009 the code of the new operating system was opened within the Chromium OS project. At the end of 2010, Google presented a narrow circle of developers and beta testers an exemplary "chromubric" CR-48, and the first commercial products from Samsung and Acer also appeared. They were really painted by "chromebook" (Chromebook, i.e. Chrome OS + Netbook / Notebook) and, undoubtedly, this name is captured.

Fig. 1. Visually "Chromboek" Samsung does not differ from ordinary laptops, and only some features have an internal device

Many other OEMs also announced their intention to release products on Chrome OS, including not only a laptop type. For example, XI3 ChromiUMPC, rather, should be called "Chromtop" (Chrome OS + Nettop). But it is clearly noticeable that none of OEM is especially in a hurry, and the matter in dampness is not even the Chrome OS itself (which certainly takes place), namely standing for her concept. In addition, the first "chrombus" (due to the configuration features) are not so cheap - the recommended price for the senior model Samsung Chromebook Series 5 (Atom N570, RAM 2 GB, SSD 16 GB, 12.1 "LED display with a resolution of 1280 × 800, Wi-Fi, 3G-modem) is $ 500, for this money today it is quite possible to find a better equipped general purpose laptop.

Fig. 2. Xi3 ChromiUMPC - a very compact computer, in fact, the Internet prefix, which is supposed to be fixed on the rear wall of the monitor

Architecture

Chrome OS orientation to work with web applications led its specific architecture.

Fig. 3. No need to perform locally any applications other than the browser made it possible to simplify the Chrome OS architecture and provide several specific features

As expected, the core is based on (version 2.6.32 from the Ubuntu project, which then the necessary corrections and improvements were then introduced) and the Linux systemic environment. Since Chrome OS is designed for the execution of a single applied program in a classic understanding - browser - the latter managed to make compact and easy. The X Window is also cut as much as possible, although OpenGL support is saved (for the sake of WebGL), and the window manager is essentially combined with the browser. All other functionality, starting with the OS setup tools, is implemented by web applications that are created by HTML5 and Adobe Flash (it is likely that the support of a closed third-party technology is a temporary solution, tribute to the current state of affairs on the web), respectively, there are no other windows in the system, respectively, In addition to browser tabs and "panels", similar to the one that is commonly used for Google Talk.

Three main goals that persecute such architecture: simplicity, speed, security. The first one is brought to the entire absolute: the user does not need to know about such things as drivers, utilities, etc. The system partition is closed for recording operations, user data is stored in a specially designated area (although basically, they are supposed to be stored in the cloud). Unlocking is allowed only for developers, in commercial products it is not assumed. The system update is performed automatically, as it happens now with Chrome. All that is required by the user is to be able to work with the browser, the necessary details it will be comprehended as you get acquainted with the web applications you need.

With the speed, everything is not so unequivocally: in this context, they mainly talk about the speed of the "Chromboka" initialization - if OEM is followed by Google to the design of devices (using EFI instead of BIOS, SSD instead of HDD, etc.) This indicator should be no more than 8 s. The reviews of the happy owners of KhromBukov testify that it is absolutely real and, moreover, the initialization speed does not fall over time, since the user does not have to "fool" the OS, as it often happens, say, with Windows. The situation with the productivity of web applications is less obvious. Although commercial "chrombuki" are relatively powerful devices (dual-core atom, 2 GB of memory, SSD), a large number of tabulated tabs can completely load their computing resources. Google requires to use the video system that supports hardware acceleration of graphics, "charms" of work without it is easy to taste in a virtual machine, where Chromium OS, under certain conditions, simply eats all the available resources and flows into a stupor. But even on the right "chrombus" there are complaints about performance, in particular, to playback of video, which, apparently, is associated with hardware restrictions. In addition, a radical reduction in system services and background processes has a beneficial effect on the duration of the work of "Chrombokov". Of course, it depends on the capacity of the battery installed in a specific model and the nature of use, but, for example, the specification of the Samsung Chromebook Series 5 mentioned above promises about 8.5 hours of continuous operation (according to a special test from Google itself) and according to the first reviews it is not far from Truths.

Finally, safety, the value of which is difficult to overestimate in the era of the Internet. Chrome OS is designed in such a way that the foreign code cannot actually penetrate the system, regardless of its destination. Additionally, all system components and updates, which, as mentioned above, are automatically installed, signed by digital certificates. An attacks aimed at the browser and third-party modules connected to it are isolated within the processes of individual tabs, thanks to the "sandbox" embedded in Chrome, which has proven its effectiveness even in a much less limited Windows environment. In the most worst case, the reboot must return the system to the original "clean" state, but the developers still allow the invasion of and to test the system integrity in the process of initialization "Chrombo". For the EFI firmware, the core of the system and important components are checked with hashies that are stored in a securely protected place (this may be an EFI encrypted area or TPM chip, the second option is preferable). When discrepancies are detected, the recovery process is initiated.

Since "chrombuky" allows us to use multiple users, as well as a guest anonymous input, all locally saved data is automatically encrypted with keys generated for each Google Account. Again, it is preferable to use TPM to encrypt and storing keys, although software implementation is also possible. Apparently, the first OEM adhere to this recommendation (which, among other things, leads to higher prices), but if the "chrombuki" goes into circulation, someone will surely have a desire to reduce the price, respectively, when selecting the model it is worth paying attention on this detail.

Of course, it is necessary to understand that absolute protection does not happen. So, at the recently past security conference on Black Hat, the Chrome OS hacking method (or rather, some of the web applications and Google services) has already been demonstrated, providing attackers access to contacts, cookies, and accounts. This example shows how the attack vector changes - the Chrome OS itself is not much of interest, but the browser and web applications are used as a loophole to custom information in the cloud. Chrome OS software closed closed side is the impossibility of extension - for example, you cannot add Java support to the system, not to mention Moonlight, as well as codecs, etc. As mentioned above, all user capabilities are limited to Flash and HTML5, web applications and extensions Chrome.

It is worth noting how much a role in the architecture and support of Chrome OS is played by EFI, which in the Google documentation refers to the firmware (Firmware). EFI, as is known, is the development of BIOS and has long been used in Mac Mac OS X, but almost never in the "traditional" PC, although its support is present in 64-bit windows. The firmware code plays a fundamental role in accelerating the download by early initialization of devices, it may also contain basic drivers for additional equipment, the security system and the emergency recovery function are significantly tied. Thus, although Chrome OS allows you to work with a conventional BIOS, in general, it does not make sense, so it is not at all by chance that Google orients the platform for using OEM, and not for an independent installation, let's say, as a second OS - although nobody Naturally, and does not prohibit.

Fig. 4. The Firmware EFI plays the Chrome OS architecture of an extremely important role, providing such important functions as fast loading and system restoration

Chrome OS should work on the X86 and ARM platforms. The latter, most likely, implies use on tablets, but for them there is already an Android, why is another OS? I suppose the main idea of \u200b\u200bGoogle is to enable OEM to use a rather diverse, powerful and cheap X86 equipment, as well as ensure the execution of web applications on the maximum wide range of device for desktop quality - i.e. In a full-fledged chrome, with a predictable rendering engine, with a productive JavaScript machine, with hardware acceleration HTML5 and WebGL, etc.

Test yourself

As I said above, the CHROME OS code is developed within the open project of Chromium OS. This is quite a thin moment. Chromium OS can download and use anyone, but it is Chrome OS that is only available on real "chrombo." The fact is that in Chrome OS there are a number of closed components, in particular, the PDF reader and audio / video codecs may have some more. In addition, the CHROME OS blocked the possibilities focused on developers, in particular the terminal. Therefore, in the following sections, I will refer to Chromium OS, mentioning Chrome OS only when it comes to the concept of the most real "chrombo."

The standard way to get acquainted with Chromius OS is loading the source code and its compilation in the Linux environment. But for most users, this is a rather complicated and time-consuming procedure, besides completely excessive for the purposes of the first acquaintance. Many enthusiasts spread already compiled assemblies, for example, on the site you can get the most recent "night" assembly at any time. Many and his creator seem to be referred to this resource, however, I still recommend it for experimental purposes to specifically create a new Gmail account that is necessary for logging into the system.

Fig. 5. Assemblies are laid out every day, it makes sense to take the most recent

The specified site offers bootable USB flash drives (and recording utility) and virtual disks for VMware Workstation / Player and Oracle VirtualBox. In theory, an option with a loading flash drive is preferable, since it can be operated on this "hardware" - but only if it turns out to be compatible with Chromium OS. Unfortunately, the latter is not always performed, most often not recognized the video system (the OS is not at all initialized or the hardware acceleration of graphics) and the network adapter, especially wireless. My most successful experience is with Acer Aspire One on the new AMD Brazos platform: Wi-Fi has not earned, and the graphics though it was picked up, but the acceleration gave strange results and effects, so it was impossible to get adequate test results. In a word, the USB option is quite worth trying, but for the guaranteed result, use virtual machines.

Oddly enough, for these purposes I recommend using not VirtualBox, but by VMware solutions. I have (perhaps the case in some features of my computer) Chromium OS worked in VirtualBox unstable, with various strange effects, and in VMware Player - not only more stable, but also visually somewhat "shunter". In addition, VMware Player is also a free product, and it is even easier to adjust the configuration of the virtual machine.

So, for beginnings, register and load yourself - about 100 MB. Installing the program does not require additional actions, you can safely agree with all the options offered, at the end it will be necessary to reboot.

Fig. 6. Least problematic method Test Chromium OS - VMware Player

The image of the Chromium OS (Archive of the Archive of 250 MB) for VMWare will be distributed from the finished virtual machine, but I recommend it before using it to adjust. Unzip the downloaded file, start the VMware Player and open the file with the extension .vmx (something like Chromeos-Vanilla-0.14.805.201_08_21_1656-R8CA0F243-VMware.VMX). Then click on the right mouse button that appears in the left pane and select Virtual Machine Settings. Although the preset parameters are quite sufficient to function a virtual machine running Chromium OS, depending on the host configuration, they can be corrected - for example, add RAM or processor nuclei.

Fig. 7. Although Chrome OS is designed to work with the Internet, Flash and HTML5 do not badly load computing resources, so adding them to the virtual machine will not hurt

Next, select the Hard Disk (IDE virtual hardware list and pay attention to the right panel to the name of the hard disk image file. It will look like chromeos-vanilla-vmware.vmdk, while the file name from the archive will include the date and other details - it must be edited accordingly.

Fig. 8. It is necessary to correct the name of the virtual disk file so that it matches the specified in the virtual machine settings

Now select Network Adapter and in the right panel, specify the type of NAT connection.

Fig. 9. NAT - the most universal and trouble-free mode of the virtual network

In this case, VMware Player does not allow you to configure the video system from the graphical interface, there is no such possibility and in Chromium OS, so if you do not take additional actions, the virtual machine will work in an unpredictable resolution - for example, it exceeds even the physical resolution of the monitor. To correct this situation, you need to open the virtual machine file (.vmx) in the notebook and add the following three lines at the end:

sVGA.Autodetect \u003d "False"
svga.maxwidth \u003d "1024"
svga.maxheight \u003d "768"

In this case, the working resolution will be 1024 × 768, if necessary, specify other parameters. In conclusion, in the main menu VMware Player, select File and there - Player Preferences. Since the VMware Tools component in the Chromium OS cannot be installed anyway, you can remove the checkbox from the Check for Software Components AS Needed option to disable the constant reminders.

Fig. 10. Remove the note to avoid reminders about VMware Tools each time the virtual machine is launched

Now you can turn on the virtual machine.

First meeting

After really quick initialization, you will see the welcome screen and the initial setup. Many languages \u200b\u200bare supported - choose Russian.

Fig. 11. Chrome OS supports many languages, although the localization is not fully fulfilled

Next, the login screen is followed, where you can specify the existing Gmail details, create a new account or carry out a guest input, in which the system will not be possible to make and save any changes.

Fig. 12. You can work in the guest mode, but it is better to create a separate account

The last step of pre-configuration is the choice of pictures for your account. It is not too wide, take a picture of myself in a virtual machine, naturally, will not be able, but in the future you can download any image.

Fig. 13. The last step of pre-configuration Chromium OS

Then, finally, you will actually actually go to Chromium OS Wednesday. It will immediately be prompted to master non-good gestures to work with the touch panel of "Chrombok", which does not make sense in the case of a virtual machine, in addition, this page will not shine speed, so it can be immediately closed immediately. As a result, the CHROMIUM OS interface will be the Chrome Browser (Rather, also Chromium). All further work is carried out with him, so users who have the appropriate experience with the desk version will feel quite comfortable and confident. However, some features are worth getting acquainted with all.

Fig. 15. On the touchpads of "Chrombok" you can use some gestures in the virtual machine they are useless

Fig. 16. If you have already enjoyed the account, all settings will be picked up: browser design, applications, extensions (right from the address bar). In the header line - system indicators below - a wrench to access the settings

The Chromium OS interface differs from the usual chrome presence in the header string of several icons. Initially the right-way - battery charge indicator (in a virtual machine, naturally, does not work); Then - a network connection indicator, visualizing network type (wired or wireless), a click on it opens a menu in which you can configure the connection parameters and VPN; The following is the keyboard layout indicator, to switch which can be both through the menu and using the ALT-SHIFT and CTRL-SPACE combinations (refund to the previous one); And finally, the clock. Although the window manager of the Chromium OS is simplified as much as possible, in the system you can create not only new tabs, but also new browser windows (Ctrl-N), while they open three quarters of the screen, and another pictogram appears in the title bar for coagulation and deployment. (Switch to Alt-Tab and Ctrl-).

It is not difficult to understand that the Chromium OS minimalist design has to use keyboard commands and to help with their development and memorization, Google has built a visual tip in the OS. It is called by Ctrl-Alt- / (actually, this is the only combination that needs to be remembered by certainwise), then you can press various control keys and study the available combinations.

Fig. 17. The visual tip on the keyboard commands is called by Ctrl-Alt- /. In this case, the combination with the Ctrl key

In part, the control can also be carried out from a system menu similar to that in Chrome, but in this case containing more commands and options. Chromium OS is not the operating system that needs configuration, and with a large probability of the user no need to look here. Nevertheless, there are time settings, touchpad, languages, accounts, networks.

Fig. 18. Spanner button provides access to a few system settings.

As in Chrome, in Chromium OS there are hidden settings that are usually regulating functions that are still in development and function unstable - you can reach them by entering in the address bar About: Flags. Experiments with them are not welcome, although the virtual machines have to do so, and on the real "chrombus" it is easy to roll back to the previous state of the system.

Fig. 19. You can get to experimental options through a special page.

Those who love to truly delve into details, one more trick will be useful: the special address of Chrome: // Chrome-URLs - you can get a list of all similar URLs for fair-value pages. Of course, they will not be a great help, but can provide some interesting information, such as memory allocation or version of the Flash plugin.

Fig. 20. You can get a list of all system pages with settings and additional information.

In the Chromium OS, intended mainly for the developers, there is a command shell CROSH (called Ctrl-Alt-T). It provides network utilities (Ping, Route, SSH), as well as Shell - in fact, the standard terminal. Experts * NIX can take this opportunity to, for example, try to add some modules, codecs, plug-ins for chrome, although, as far as I know, connect Java until anyone managed to connect. In Chrome OS, the command shell is not available

Using

Most of the above tools are completely unnecessary, most likely they will simply not be in real "chrombo." As I said, the general idea of \u200b\u200bChrome OS is to ensure that the user worked exclusively with the browser. It is for this purpose that Google supports the store of web applications and Chrome extensions, where you can already find almost everything you need for everyday activity. Google and itself offers many truly useful services, the same Google Docs and Google Dictionary (the pop-up translation of which works, surprisingly, no worse than local dictionaries), and third-party developers are not lagging behind. Let's say one of the latest new products - Kindle Online Reader from Amazon, which can upload books locally and work without connecting to the Internet. As a result, Chrombuk can be used as E-reader.

Fig. 21. Ease of work in Chrome OS depends entirely on the quality of the web applications used. Fortunately, they are becoming more and more, the most diverse

Official work is a fairly important moment. Although many no longer think of life without the Internet, it happens that it is unavailable (in an airplane) or, for example, too roads (in roaming). Of course, I would not want, in such a case, the "chrombo" turns simply into ballast. In Google, this is naturally understood, and work to ensure some minimum of offline functionality. Log in to the system without connecting to the Internet, you can formerly used accounts. In the Chromium OS itself, there are only two local applications (except Chrome to be viewed as part of the OS): File Manager and Media Player - both are quite primitive. The first one knows only a few formats, mostly multimedia, even any.doc will have to download in Google Docs yourself. The second one does not know how to lose even MP3, but this only applies to Chromium OS: as I said above, some codecs are built into Chrome OS. One way or another, but the situation will be gradually corrected - thanks to HTML5, which allows you to simply and effectively ensure the offline execution of web applications from a special cache.

Fig. 22. Built-in Chromium OS applications primitive, but without them it would be quite sad

Another important Aspect of Chrome OS is support for additional equipment. "Chrombuki" are initially completed with everything necessary: \u200b\u200bWi-Fi adapters, 3G modems, SD card readers, webcams, etc. But the list of compatible models, apparently, is quite a buy. Enthusiasts try to make your own Chromium OS assemblies with additional drivers, libraries, etc., but thereby breaking the cleanliness of the original idea. USB ports also allow you to connect only selected categories of devices. Initially, the keyboards and mice came to their number, now Google's website is reported on the support of USB drives, although it never managed to work in the current assembly. Work is carried out above the support of Android smartphones.

On the other hand, the impossibility of connecting printers is even presented as dignity: "Forget about cables and drivers!" But miracles, of course, does not happen, and the printer must still be connected somewhere - with a cable and driver, and printing in Chrome OS is carried out through the Google Cloud Print system. To work it, you must have or a special printer connecting directly to the Internet and the corresponding Google service (while this is only the HP EPRINT line), or any other connected to a computer with the executing chrome. In the latter case, you need to go to the extended browser settings section, connect the available locally printers and, if another Gmail account is used in Chromium OS, give appropriate permissions.

Fig. 23. At first, on the usual computer you need to connect to Google Cloud Print available printers

Fig. 24. Then - give the necessary permissions

In the Chrome OS itself, the printers available for the current account will be automatically displayed in the Google Cloud Print window, which is also called from extended settings. By running the page's print function, you can select the desired from the list and even configure its parameters, up to the hardware resolution. Preview appeared in the latest versions of Chrome, but in Chromium OS does not work due to the lack of built into the PDF viewing media. Recently also appeared the Print to Google Docs feature, which implies the conversion to PDF.

Fig. 25. When printing through a cloud, you can even adjust the basic printer parameters. This feature is available in any Chrome browser, but in Chrome OS it is the only one

Conclusion

When you dial these lines on a laptop, I can shed tea on it, reset from the table or just throw it out into the window. But if you discard purely material losses, my information will not disappear. She is simply not here. It is in the cloud, and is not attached to any device. Today, all modern operating systems are somehow connected with clouds of data in which users can easily save their files. But the Chrome OS is laid on the basis, and not acquired by a long evolution. That is why Google is as many questions, because we are accustomed to one model of using computers, and here suddenly appears absolutely different. Yes, and as it appears. If you look at the market, in the last year, the number of chromboards increases, new models have shown Acer and HP, prepares the SAMSUNG update, and LG and ASUS are ready to support competitors. Previously, we were asked questions, there will be Chrome OS or will not, and if it is, then why is it necessary? Today, it is already possible to say what will happen, but why it is needed, I will try to answer below this experience in which I used the Chromebook Pixel, Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 for almost three weeks.

Not only google

After the first inclusion of Chrome OS, it asked to enter your username and password to Google account, on what the initial setting step ends. If before that you used the chrombo, the system will tail out all the applications you installed if not, only the browser settings. Big brother is watching. But this can be said about any modern operating system, each of them tries to save user information. You can blame Chrome OS on Google-centricity, but this is the company's business model if it makes the operating system, there must be its services.

Applications, or rather Google sites, in Chrome OS is right enough from the box. A person who actively uses the company's products will be pleased, finding the Gmail Icons, Google Drive, "Google" and other services in the Google Calendar and Other Services. But all of them can be safely removed by making a choice in favor of others, even competing solutions.

And let them, in some cases, will not be as well sharpened to work with Chrome OS, there is an alternative. Even the built-in search system, Holy Google Saints, can be changed to another. The only thing about Google cannot give way to its OS is a browser. Chrome is essentially the basis of the Chrome OS interface, so it is impossible to replace it, putting Firefox or Opera. As a result, when you first start Chrome OS - this is a pure google, but the user is wave to decide which services it is better for him.

Chrome in each line of code

The Chrome OS interface is more composed of Chrome browser windows, but in contrast to the first versions, today it looks almost like a full-fledged OS.

It has its own "Start" button, which contains installed applications, as well as the search string.

For the latter there is a separate key on the keyboard, and search for not only on the Internet, but also files and programs on the computer as well as in the app store.

There is here and a kind of "taskbar" on which the icons of frequently used applications can be fixed. All of them are launched in Chrome, but the user can choose opening options, for example, in a separate tab or in a separate window. In the latter case, the open site is most reminiscent of this program.

Open application windows can be controlled, for this there is a special set of functions that allows you to deploy the window to the entire screen, place it on the right or on the left, and also turn into the "taskbar".

To view all open windows, you must click on the keyboard intended for this.

The only program that runs not in the browser in Chrome OS is a file manager in which there are only two folders: "download" and "Google Disk".

Actually, in "Downloads", all the files ranged from the Internet are saved, after which they can be dragged into "Google Disk". Create new top-level folders cannot only add them to existing ones. In addition, you can open a variety of files in the file manager, such as photos, music and video, I will tell about it in more detail below.

It is worth noting that the downloaded documents in the Chrome OS open in Google Docs, but locally, on the computer itself in the beta version of the QuickOffice application, which also allows them to edit and save to "Google Disk".

It is possible that soon QuickOffice can become a standard office package in Chrome OS, at least it is better coping with Microsoft Office formatting.

Not just browser

People who argue that Chrome OS is just a browser, actually bewildered. After his launch, OS really looked like an exotic version of Chrome, but today it is almost a self-sufficient system, with offline by programs and other possibilities.

Despite the image of the cloud, which should always be connected to the Internet, Chrome OS is gradually transformed into something more than just a browser. With the Internet, definitely, with any operating system there are more opportunities than without it. And with Chrome OS In Offline mode, today you can do almost the same as with an ordinary computer. You can watch movies, listen to music, edit photos and documents, read mail. Here you will not play high in the game. But in general, the number of offline programs for chrome increases all the time, in the Google store even a separate section appeared for them. Therefore, there is progress and it is evident. Chrome OS is no longer just a browser.

Setting

Options in Chrome OS are not very much, and they are mixed with the settings of the system itself, in addition, all of them are pretty basic. The user can configure the wireless connection, touchpad, touchpad and mouse, set the date and time, input languages, as well as Google Cloud Print.

Separately, it is worth noting the options "accessibility", which allow you to increase the size of the cursor, use high contrast, voice prompts, increase different areas of the screen, drag touch, and also make an automatic click cursor when it stops.

In general, these are all important settings. Unless you can note that it is possible to change the desktop wallpaper.

Localization

Despite the fact that chrombuki is not officially supplied to Ukraine, the system already has Ukrainian and Russian localization.

Documentation

To work with documents in Chrome OS, the Google Docs applications are pre-installed, which allow you to create text documents, tables and presentations.

Separately, in the Application Store, you can download programs for creating drawings and forms in Google Docs.

For undemanding users, this will be more than enough. Problems may occur only when opening complex documents, as well as in the case when such documents need to be created. On Chrome OS, it is still an unreserved problem, so there are nothing to do with high requests to the office package, unfortunately, there is nothing to do on Chrome OS. But the rest should be enough and Google Docs, which can be supplemented with Microsoft Office Web Apps, or by installing the Zoho office package.

To check, you approach these applications or not, you can open Google Docs, Office Web Apps and Zoho Docs in your browser. It is worth noting that the pleasant honorship of the Google and Zoho office packages is the ability to work in Chrome OS offline. Thus, documents can be opened and edited without connecting to the Internet.

Photo

Applications for working with photos on Chrome OS are already quite a lot, but they will also fit the undemanding user and will not be able to replace not photoshop, nor Lightroom. What can be done with photos on Chrome OS? First, the Google+ Photo application is embedded in the system, which allows you to import, direct and store images in the Google cloud.

At the same time, the user can also edit the photo, apply different filters on it. If in Google+ application on your Android smartphone installed automatic downloads of photos on Google+, they will all also appear in Chrome OS. From other applications that can be used to edit photos in the Google operating system, you can also mark the PIXLR Touch Up from Autodesk.

It has a fairly simple set of features, but it allows you to work with images without connecting to the Internet. For more serious editing, Pixlr Editor will be better.

This is an online service, but it looks like Photoshop most likely, although it does not have its capabilities. However, for not very complex tasks, Pixlr Editor is excellent.

Music

You can listen to music on Chrome OS and without an Internet connection, the system calmly reproduces MP3 files.

However, the built-in player is very simple, and not very well suited for an extensive media library. Alternatively, you can use the Google Music service, you can accommodate 25 thousand tracks in it, which in most cases it will be enough.

But unfortunately, downloading music to Google Music Servers with Chrome OS cannot, the company has not yet released the appropriate application that has long been under Windows and Mac. As a result, it turns out that it is possible to transfer your library to the cloud only from a third-party computer, which is somewhat undermining the independence of Chrome OS. However, the developers will soon promise to still release Google Music Manager for Chrome OS, which will solve the problem.

Alternative ways of listening to music in the Google operating system can be online services, which there are now a large number.

It may be projects by the type "Yandex.Music", which allow you to listen to whole albums and create playlists, or online radio stations, like EarBits, in which the possibility of switching tracks is limited.

Video

Another myth that pursues Chrome OS is the information that the system is not intended to view the video, except with YouTube. In fact, this is not the case, at the moment, the Google operating system is able to reproduce popular video formats, including.AVI I.MKV. In the latter case, the truth is not supported by all sound containers.

However, watch movies on the chrombus are quite real, and for this there is no need to constantly be online. With YouTube, by the way, there are no problems either, it's a pity that this service has no offline mode.

Games

Games in Chrome OS also do not seem to be, but they are.

At the same time there is both online and offline version. Unfortunately, the browser can not pull the complex graphics, so the game for the Google operating system is most often casual.

Without Angry Bird also did not cost.

However, more complex projects are found, for example, such as BASTION.

Given that all games in the browser are launched, this is a great achievement. Until Google is even closely considering the opportunity to make a competitive game platform from Chrome OS. The browser is not suitable for this.

The biggest problem of Chrome OS is the lack of popular programs for it. As a result, they have to search for either existing third-party applications, or to search for substitutes. With Skype on Chrome OS just such a situation. Officially, Microsoft did not and is unlikely to make a program under the Google operating system.

IM + can be outputing in this situation in which there is support for the Skype protocol, but only as part of the transmission of text messages, voice and video calls it does not support. In the latter case, it can help the Skype mobile application for Android, or the full switch to the Hangouts service from Google.

Chrome OS and Android

It would be an extreme manifestation of the "captain of the evidence" to write that the Chrome OS is ideal for use with Android, but words from the song will not throw out.

Systems that are built on the same services perfectly complement each other. The transition from the computer to the smartphone / tablet is very easy, all programs within the Google ecosystem are similar both externally and in terms of functionality. The company is trying to commit users to the fact that there are no desktop programs or mobile applications, there is Gmail, "Google Calendar", Google Music, Chrome and so on.

This is a very correct approach. Reading an article in Chrome OS browser, you can easily switch to the smartphone where Chrome is installed and read it.

You can also edit documents, listen to music, plan your day, search address on the map and much more. Of course, in order to fully immerse yourself in the Google ecosystem, it is not necessary to use Chrome OS, but for this already necessarily need an Android smartphone. It is thanks to the mobile operating system that the company can popularize Chrome OS.

Chrome OS on each computer

It is interesting that today Google leads an offensive on all fronts, and Chrome OS appears not only on chrombo, but also on computers on which Chrome is installed. In essence, the company creates a single ecosystem around his browser, which is supported by the growing popularity of the Android mobile operating system. As a result, to get an almost analogue of Chrome OS, it is enough to install Chrome on your computer.

Recently, Google has added a startup panel to its browser as Chrome OS, which allows you to open web applications in Windows and OS X operating systems windows, which allows them to take the type of individual programs. This approach justifies itself, Google creates the operating system gradually, without huge investments, and by the time of its complete readiness, if the popularity of Chrome will continue to grow, a large number of users will be ready for it.

Eventually

Already today, Chrome OS may well become the main operating system for undemanding users who are mainly spent at a computer in the browser. Another question, why buy a chrombo, if the same and much more can be obtained from a laptop on Windows? The answer lies in the cost, Google sells chrombus in the United States at a price of $ 200, and for the same money the laptop with the same characteristics simply can not be bought. And for not very advanced users or those who are only mastered the computer, Chrome OS will be a very good option. The system is safe and easy to use, it has no large number of settings and there is no such thing that it was possible to break to such an extent to ensure the intervention of a specialist. At the same time, I frankly struck the speed of its development, in three weeks the system was updated five times and each update brought some minor improvements. At the same time, if Google does not change the concept, Chrome OS is unlikely to make a serious Windows competition. The inertia of this market is very high and even the low price for chromboards will not be able to promote the popularization of Chrome OS. Users will prefer to pay extra, but be able to install complex programs that they are not even always needed. However, Google makes a bid that the focus will gradually shift towards smartphones and tablets, and computers will go to the third plan, competing for the attention of users with TVs. In this case, Chrome OS really has a chance, especially considering the fact that the system offers the same interaction experience with Google services as Android.

Is it possible to work on Chromebook without connecting to the Internet? What restrictions are waiting for users who are accustomed to Mac and PC? We will help the owners of exotic laptops to quickly deal with the unusual OS and will show its capabilities using the example of popular software.

On the Internet, you can now read a huge number of critical reviews in the address of laptops with the operating system from Google. Many believe that chromobuk is a computer for housewives and grandmothers that use only browser and apps for communication. Is it so?

Initially, it is worth noting that chromobuk as a class of devices at the moment cannot be considered as a complete replacement of a desktop PC or a traditional laptop. Moreover, if you are an advanced user who needs a specific professional software, then the computer with Chrome OS is also probably not suitable for you. However, this does not mean that the chromobuk is not suitable at all. In fact, for a large number of home and corporate users, these devices can be a convenient tool for work and entertainment. What do we see by opening the device's first time? How to start working?

First start

When you first turn on the computer with Chrome OS will allow you to select a language and keyboard layout, and will also be prompted to connect to the Wi-Fi network. Connecting to the Internet at such an early stage it is not at all by chance, since in the next step you will see the authorization window, in which you need to enter a login and password from your email Gmail. Due to the fact that the Chrome OS uses a Google account as an account, immediately after logging in to the system, email, calendar and other Google services will be available. If you do not work at home, do not forget to block the system when you move away from the computer, or use two-stage authentication in the Google services you want to close from an extraneous eye (https://www.google.com/ settings / personalinfo). If you need to provide computer access to other users, select a guest mode that does not use your Google Personal Account.

The operating system is updated without user participation, so you do not need to think what kind of OS version you have, all stable update versions will be downloaded and installed automatically. Experimental development OS updates can only be installed in special mode Developer Mode (see the Advanced Users tab).
If, after the first login, you do not switch the input language under your account, go to the system settings, entering in the address bar of the Chrome: // Settings browser, select Open section Settings languages \u200b\u200band input methods And make sure that the languages \u200b\u200byou need are present in the left column, and on the right side opposite each language mode (when it is selected in the left column), at least one layout model is activated.

Also note that in the Chrome OS system there is a convenient functions of mouse clicking due to a sharp touch of touchpad (without real pressing). To enable this option, open the Chrome browser, enter in the address bar chrome: // settings and press ENTER . In the settings window that opens, in the Device section, click Touchpad and Mouse Settings , activate item Enable TAP-to-Click feature .

Reset and recovery. To create an emergency flash drive to restore the system, it is enough to insert any drive or memory card with a volume of at least 4 GB, open the Chrome browser, enter in the address bar chrome: // imageburner And follow the instructions on the screen.

The system also has the ability to reset all settings to default values \u200b\u200bby deleting all personal files in the local storage. To carry out the operation, just click on the clock in the lower right corner of the desktop, enter the section Settings , click by Show Advanced Settings And, srolling the page down, click the button Powerwash. .

How to solve a problem with Wi-Fi on Chrome OS?

Users of some models note an abnormally low speed or instability of the Wi-Fi-compound. If you also encountered such a problem, try to perform the steps described below to correct the situation.

Work with documents

Many users are perplexed how to work normally with documents if there is no Microsoft Office package on Chromebook, which is still used everywhere in the post-Soviet space even when most of its capabilities are not in demand. In fact, work in Chrome OS with text, tables and presentations is easier than simple, and this can be done without connecting to the Internet. By default, Chrome OS is used by the QuickOffice service. For a full creation from scratching various documents, it is convenient to use the Google Documents Service, which works without problems in the offline mode in the browser window just as if it was a full-fledged office package.

Despite the fact that third-party services support the opening of documents of all popular formats (including Doc, DOCX, XLS, XLSX, RRT, RRTH), it is necessary to keep in mind that when you open Microsoft files with complex formulas and diagrams, you can encounter incorrect interpretation of formatting. documents, and sometimes get a "eating" document at all. True, such problems arise with really difficult text files, tables with multiple formulas and some types of PowerPoint diagrams. Most files are opened in "cloud" services properly. Of course, all the newly created documents on Chromebook can be saved not only in the "cloud", but also on the local disk in the usual formats of Microsoft Office.

If you still encountered a complex Microsoft Office document, in which the error in formatting is unacceptable, or you just want to be reinforced by checking the correctness of the display of files, then for this it is worth using "cloud" services Microsoft: Word Online, Excel Online, PowerPoint Online. "Cloud" office from Microsoft, unlike Google Docs and QuickOffice, does not work offline, therefore, it is unlikely to recommend it as the main tool, but in emergency cases it is capable of helping to gain healthy.

Another point affecting the interests of users is the inability to directly connect the printer to the chromo-beech to print the documents. However, any file can be printed through the "cloud" service Google Cloud Print (http://www.google.ru/cloudprint/learn) if you have a modern printer supporting this technology. If MFP is incompatible with "cloud" printing, you can use another PC with a printer connected to it and using the Google Cloud Print service to redirect print jobs on it.

Installing a program on Chrome OS

In Chrome OS, the list of programs is hidden in the Chrome browser settings in the section Extensions. It is there that you can see a complete list of installed applications, disable or remove unnecessary. To install new programs, it is enough to go to the application launch menu, click on the label. Score And on the page that opens, select and install your favorite products by simply pressing the button. Is free .

If you downloaded a program for Chrome OS not from the official store and want to install it, click on the clock in the lower right corner of the desktop, click Settings , go to the tab Extensions , tick the option Developer mode , click Download unpacked expansion and then select the folder with the program files and click Open b If the downloaded program was archived, then before the procedure you need to extract files from the archive.

Chromebook in offline

Laptops from Google, of course, are focused on working on the Internet, but can be useful and without accessing the network. In particular, without connecting to the Internet on Chromebook you can:

Work with documents in Google Docs and QuickOffice in the browser
Work with Gmail Mail (You need to install the Gmail Offline application)
Work with Google Drive files (labeled for offline access)
Work with local storage
View photos, video, listen to music
Use software from the Chrome store supporting offline mode

File storage

File browser files are preset to work with files in Chrome OS. It is difficult to compare the program with the Windows conductor, as it is extremely minimal-stylish and has only basic capabilities, and in its design more reminiscent of Finder in OS X or file managers in Linux systems. Of course, based on the fact that the chromobuses are focused on working with "cloud" services, in the left column, the label of the Google DRIVE virtual storage (by the way, the owners of the chromobukov can get the additional space for storing files in this service). Further on the list goes folder Downloads which can be considered analog My documents In Windows, since in Chrome OS it is the main default working folder. At the right upper part of the Files window, you can detect the gear icon, followed by the switching option to switch the file display type (available modes: list, sketches), there is also a free space counter.

In Files, it is possible to copy, move, create and rename folders and files, view image thumbnails (RAW files are partially supported, at the moment there are support for CANON SC2 files), visually see the main types of files, focusing on the icons, etc. The context menu also has a built-in archiving and unpacking feature of archives (ZIP, RAR, TAR, TGZ, TBZ2 formats are supported). For example, if you double-click the zip archive, the unpacked folder will be mounted and displayed in the left column in Files, where, after checking the content, you can safely copy the files to your personal folder. When working with important data in Files, it is necessary to be careful, since there is no Windows Basket analogue in Chrome OS, so the file deletion operations are not subject to cancellation.

When connecting external hard drives and flash drives, access shortcuts to new devices appear in the left column of the Files browser (you can also "safely remove" by clicking on the triangle to the right of the media name).

If there are several applications that are capable of opening the same file type, it is usually displayed in the list of the action button in the lower right corner of Files. True, some applications of third-party developers are not integrated into the file manager interface, so they will have to be opened through the main start panel.

Work on the Internet

You can feel truly confident in Chrome OS only if there is a quick connection to the network, since in this case you can use more applications and services, of which for the most part and consists of the functionality of the device (many programs in the Chrome store are not by them And represent only labels links to online services). Even when changing desktop wallpapers, you will come across the need to connect to the network, as the collection of pictures is loaded from the Internet.

For web surfing, of course, you need to use the Google Chrome browser (install another cannot be installed). And in general, in Chrome OS, the Internet browser occupies a central place, since it is the basis of the entire system (despite the fact that the OS is built on the Linux kernel). Unlike the versions of the Chrome browser on PC and Mac Here we see that even the section Settings It is not only the web browser settings, but the entire computer. In addition, in the section Extensions available at the address chrome: // Extensions Is not only a list of additional browser modules, but also a complete list of all installed programs that may in turn be both browser expansions, and independent applications, and even simply links to "cloud" services.

Thus, in Chrome OS you can use all the charms of Chrome browser with its multiple extensions, as well as access to a large number of different applications written exclusively for Chrome OS.

Since Google accounts are used in the system as accounts, all bookmarks and extensions list will be synchronized partially or completely with other devices with Chrome browser (depending on their settings and OS type). To check which data are synchronized, open the Chrome Web Viewer, enter in the address bar Chrome: // settings and press ENTER , In chapter Users Press the button Advanced synchronization settings and mark the items you are interested in.

Torrent on Chrome OS

With the work of BitTorrent clients in Chrome OS has always been roughness. If in the first models of chromobus torrent clients at all refused to function, which forced users to change the system configuration via the developer mode or use various tricks with the connection of external servers, then in the new versions of the operating system from Google to suffer with the command line, but a convenient client before There is no.

At the moment, the Chrome store has many additions to the browser, which are created to work with torrent trackers, but most of them, or does not function at all, or makes it unstable.

There are only two not too ergonomic, but successfully working programs are jstorrent (paid) and Bitford.

The JStorrent client processes modern Magnet references and functions fairly stable. Bitford can be used to open simple torrent links, although it does not work with some trackers.

Photo and graphics

Considering that for Chrome OS there is no full-fledged Packs of Photoshop or Lightroom, it is not necessary to talk about professional work with a photo or graphics here. However, the chromobuk can even be useful for the pro, for example, on the road: to cross the files from the mirror chamber to external hard drives or to preview the footage. Family photographers, shooting in JPEG, the staff of Chrome OS can be quite enough. In addition, it is known that the RAW support is planned for different camera manufacturers in later versions of the operating system. Standard features working with images in file manager Files include brightness and contrast adjustment, as well as the autocorrection option.

More tools can be obtained if you install the Pixlr Touch Up application from Chrome Store. This product is lying on a self-sufficient photo editor for Chrome OS, which opens in a separate window (and not in the browser) and supports work offline. The program allows you to trim images, customize the brightness and contrast, apply retro effects, textures and text on the photo, as well as retouch portraits.

On the chromobus, you can also use the online version of the Photoshop program, but to use it even with a quick connection with the Internet is extremely uncomfortable. In addition, among additional applications for Chrome OS, you can find many simple tools for creating creative effects. For example, the DoubleD program allows you to very high quality imitate the multi-exposure effect (in the film photo: shooting twice the same frame of the film) by combining multiple photo files.

Useful hotkeys in Chrome OS

"Ctrl + SHIFT + L" - Blocking a computer
"Ctrl + SHIFT + Q" - Completion of the session
SHIFT + ALT - Switching input language
"Alt + Search" - Activation Caps Lock
F4. (Fourth key with the display icon to the right of ESC) - full screen mode
F5 (the fifth key with the display icon to the right of the ESC) - switch between working windows (Analog Expose function in OS X)
"SHIFT + F5" - Make a screenshot of the entire screen
"Ctrl + SHIFT + F5" - Make a screenshot of the selected area
"SHIFT + ESC" - Open Process Manager
"Alt + 1-8" - Running a specific application attached to the shelf (0 - Chrome label, 1 - the first application to the right of the Chrome icon, etc.)
"Ctrl + Enter" - Rename the file in Files
"Ctrl + E" - New folder in Files
"Ctrl + Alt +?" - Call the hint on all keyboard combinations

Chrome OS for advanced users

If you do not want to put up with the CHROME OS constraints, you can install the Linux system as the second OS - for example, Ubuntu. There are even special Linux assemblies optimized for chrombs: chrubuntu (installed as an independent second OS and requires a reboot to start) and crouton (can work in parallel with Chrome OS without rebooting, switching between two OS is occurring with hot keys). To make the ability to modify the bootloader and experiment with installing different OS, you need to translate Chromebook in Developer Mode. In the old models of laptops, the mode switch was located under the battery, so it was necessary to remove the back cover to activate it. In the modern chromobuses, log in to developer mode (developer mode) is very simple: Press the key combination "ESC + update + inclusion" . If after that on the screen you will see a message that the system is missing or damaged, click "Ctrl + D" , and then ENTER In the Offer window, disable check. After rebooting, a warning appears on the screen that the OS check is disabled. Ignore this message and do not press any keys, wait for sound signals and re-automatically restart the computer. After the second reboot, the device will switch to developer mode (Developer Mode). Further steps
And the installation methods of the OS may vary for specific laptop models. You can find detailed instructions on the Chrome OS Wiki website. Another approach to expanding the possibilities of the chromobuka is to use it as a terminal for remote access to a desktop PC or another laptop with a more functional OS. To do this, you can use the integrated default application Remote desktop Chrome Or choose an alternative from a variety of similar solutions to other developers available in Chrome Store.

Multimedia

Music. In Chrome OS, you can use the "cloud" service of Google Music, which allows you to collect together all your collection from iTunes, Windows Media and other services so that once composed of the phonothek is synchronized with all your iOS and Android devices, and would also be available Through the browser.

If you do not use musical services, and yourself download music from other sources, then with its listening on Chromebook there will also be no big problems. In the Files browser in Chrome OS double clicking on any audio file automatically starts the built-in player. You can listen to music without connecting to the Internet. It is very convenient that the opening of one song from the folder with the album automatically creates a new playlist with all tracks in the same folder.

Keep in mind that the built-in player has only basic functions: playback, rewind, repeat, mixing. Unfortunately, in Chrome OS at the moment you will not be able to connect the sound processing player or open files in the standard player with labels of large mixes on the composition in CUE format, as well as playlists in M3U format. Despite all the restrictions, if you are in the soul of at least a few audiophil, you will certainly please that the built-in Chrome store gradually begin to appear more or less decent musical players of third-party developers, who, of course, are still lagging behind in the plan of opportunities from iTunes On Mac, AIMP on PC and even Poweramp on Android. Nevertheless, they successfully reproduce music, and some even know how to load the covers of albums.

Video. The built-in video player is available when the files are opened in the Files program. It can play most of the video in popular AVI, MP4, MOV, MKV, 3GP formats and others.

To play video in Flash format, you can use the FLV Player player available for free download in the Chrome Store. To view the cinema with the connection of subtitles from external files in SRT format, you will need to download and install a third-party player however, you can start the player through the application menu and open the desired file directly inside the program. Connecting subtitle files is carried out in the menu to the right of the temporary player counter. In the same menu, you need to switch the coding mode with "UTF-8" to "Windows 1251" if the problem of incorrect display of Russian fonts occurs. This player also supports downloading subtitles in different languages \u200b\u200bwithin its interface, setting font size and other simple functions. Of course, to compare the capabilities of the player with the same KM Player on Windows and even the VLC on OS X does not have to (it is clear that the set of options is very poor). Nevertheless, without a movie on Chromebook you will not stay. In addition, it is not excluded that it is due to such restrictions on developers and managed to achieve more battery life of devices with Chrome OS, which in some cases is important than the number of options.

Of course, we must mention that at the time of writing the article there were problems with playing some video files using ASZ or DTS codecs: such videos were played without sound. It is also necessary to take into account that most of the models of chromobus use not the most powerful "iron", therefore it is not necessary to count on impeccable reproduction of heavy high-definition video format 1080r.

Information about the new operating system from Google surfaced quite unexpectedly - the GitHub resource appeared repository (set of files) with source code with the mysterious name "Fuchsia". At the same time, the authors from Google for some reason decided to indicate that Fuchsia is a mixture of pink and purple.

The full name of the repository says: "Pink + purple \u003d Fuchsia (new operating system)."

The origin of the origin of Google products attracted the attention of an interesting fact: the corporation apparently decided to move away from his center, on which most products are based - Linux. In particular, the most popular company developments, such as Chrome OS, Android and Chromecast, are created on the basis of this nucleus, but not a mysterious "Fuchsia."

According to the documentation, which is also included in open access, the new OS should receive two completely different kernels - LK and Magenta. LK, or Little Kerne, serves as the basis for small built-in devices, Magenta, on the contrary, is more suitable for modern smartphones and computers with powerful processors and an impressive amount of RAM.

Obviously, Google is working hard to create a hybrid system, which is based on two different platforms.

The serious intentions of the corporation can also be judged by the fact that engineers have been attracted to the work, managed to make themselves the name in the world of developments: Travis Gayiselbret and Brian Svitland before it worked on Newos, Beos, Danger, Palm Webos and even iOS.

The name of the repository, namely the addition of two colors, immediately gave rise to guesses that the developers are trying to "combine" Chrome OS and Android into a single operating system. Indeed, in October 2015, Edition The Wall Street Journal reported that Android and Chrome OS prepare for merger. According to the publication, the dominant position of the Android mobile OS rang over to the idea that it can be accommodated for working on laptops and desktop computers. In fact, the company was waiting for the CHROME OS transformation into something more resembling a popular operating system with the support of Google Play Store.

But, judging by the information that the company decided to lay out in open access, it is unlikely to have a relation to the hybrid of the previous OS.

According to most experts, Google or intends to create a qualitatively new universal axis, able to replace the same popular Android, or is preparing for the future implementation of devices from the "Internet of Things".

In addition, some build assumptions that Google is preparing to occupy the niche, in which Android turned out to be unsuitable - simply speaking, in devices working on something reminiscent of Tizen.

In addition, the enthusiasts that studied the Google repository managed to find out the following characteristics: "Fuchsia" externally can be performed in the framework of the Material Design concept, as evidenced by the Flutter user interface and Escher Render. In addition, the mysterious OS supports 32-bit and 64-bit ARM processors, as well as 64-bit processors for PCs.

Currently, Google representatives refuse to comment on any information regarding Fuchsia.

Obviously, the development of a new OS is in the initial stage and will require a lot of time before the corporation is ready to submit it to the public.

It is likely that the development may remain within technical tests. Nevertheless, there is every reason to believe that carrying out such a large-scale experiment requiring many resources and time will be crowned with success and Google will be able to present a more perfect product than although popular but quite vulnerable Android.

Chrome OS is a comparative young brainchild of the world-famous company that has managed to conquer interest and popularity among computer equipment users. This operating system is based on cloudy-oriented technology. In essence, it is a Chrome browser developed on the basis of Linux having additional functions and its own applications.

Convenient and secure operating system for the operation of users

The announcement of the project occurred in not so far from 2009. And in December 2010, a trial version was launched. With the announcer announcement, its creators promised their users speed, simplicity, safety. They became key moments. The program starts must be held in a few seconds, a convenient Chrome OS interface is obliged to carry out a large number of requests without user participation, and you can forget the malware, viruses, and you can forget the developers of the specified system. Check how reality complies with the promises in the Chrome OS review.

With the help of Linux kernel, California specialists presented the world a long-awaited project - Chromium. His most outstanding feature and honors from others is the predominance of web applications over the usual OS functions. It is not necessary to compare in the Chrome OS review with other familiar operating systems. There is no traditional desktop, icons and folders. The only thing that is proposed is the Chrome browser, which plays a major role. In general, the approach is clear and quite explain. Google Chrome boasts both high speed and stability. A third of all users of the World Wide Web uses this browser. And such successes were achieved in six years of its existence.

So what is this - Chrome OS? Everything is very simple. This is the minimum of the requirements for the hardware of the computer device, the high speed connection with the Internet, a convenient interface.

Web System Secrets

All information Chrome OS is stored in the cloud, without using physical drives to download. Calculations and operations are made at the expense of the company, fully unloading the video card and the processor. As a result, the operating system acts as something like an intermediary between the service and the user.

OS Chrome is the highest level of security, convenient usability and pleasant bonuses in the form of 100 GB provided in the cloud and more. When the system starts, the authentication window appears before the user, where you need to enter a login and password. For an unified user, the OS is not available.

In the system, you can work from under different users and easily administer them: the permissions are changed, accounts can be configured by individual parameters, there is a guest mode, limited to the work of the browser. This operating system makes it easy to manage themes, fonts, home page settings. All that is available in the browser.

The cloud system implies the minimum use of the disk space of the computer itself. The calculation is that most of the information user will be stored using Google Docs, DROPBOX services. To play video and listen to music, there are also special services: YouTube, Google Music and so on. But despite this, the Chrome OS provides its local storage, and there is a file manager.

Desktop Chrome.

A full-fledged desktop call it difficult. Most of the screen is a beautiful image on which it is impossible to place anything. Thanks to the "Surprise me" function, it can be diversified by a regular replacement background, using pictures from Google resources. The taskbar is permitted to hide in a footer or place on either side of the screen. There is some alternative to the "Start" menu, and a kind of launchpad.

The desktop contains additions and browser plugins, here you can store applications and files. Information is located and streamlined by folders. There is a search window that will help you quickly find the necessary information. But the most important feature of the specified field is quick access to Google services. The panel also displays already running applications indicated by white backlight.

In the lower right corner, the user will find system information, settings menu and widgets. For convenience and comfort there are many "hot" keys and their combinations.

Stability and security

Google offers users three options: OS for developers, beta and stable version. The page for linkers provides data such as the latest version of the system, some functions of which can still be in testing stage and be unstable. But what exactly will you never overtake you in the new system - this is a malfunctive blue "deadly" screen or a forced reboot.

Wonderful quality Chrome OS - built-in error protection. If you "put a little" with the system settings in our usual OS, then you can enter the cycle of endless reboots, issuing a set of errors and so on. Chrome works differently. None of the applications you are installed will have an impact on the kernel, so there is no possibility to break its stable operation. And since the system update occurs at each reboot, then all sorts of bugs, and errors are corrected very quickly.

Magic Things - Synchronization, Speed, Friendly Interface

Another weighty plus of the new operating system is the storage of all settings, online files and availability from everywhere. Automatic synchronization provides access to documents and settings from different devices while saving all changes.

Speed \u200b\u200b- here is the main chrome OS chip and its indisputable advantage. Chrome is not just fast, he is phenomenally fast! None of the known operating systems can compare with it in this indicator. And thanks to high speeds, this is the perfect tool for working with mail, quick search and overall surfing in the global network.

Chrome OS user interface is understandable to everyone. It is simple, comfortable, comfortable. All who are familiar with Internet browsers will understand all his tricks very quickly.

Chrome OS Review completed. As a result, undoubtedly, users will need some time to adapt to a slightly unusual interface and Chrome OS features. But the system differs from traditional OS not only by appearance, but also functionality: speed, safety, automatic synchronization and, of course, cloudy-oriented technology, which gives it some advantage.