Why Upgrade?
Microsoft is soon to stop supporting Windows 10, which means many systems that are still usable will no longer receive security updates and will eventually be replaced or discarded, resulting in unnecessary e-waste. Google has come up with a solution called Google ChromeOS Flex.
ChromeOS Flex
ChromeOS is Google’s operating system, designed with security, speed, and ease of use in mind. It is one of the safest operating systems, with no successful ransomware attack reported to date. Additionally, ChromeOS Flex consumes 19% less energy than other operating systems.
To install ChromeOS Flex on an “old” computer, a USB stick with an ISO file needs to be created. This ISO file is the installation file for ChromeOS Flex, allowing you to test it without installing it.
System Requirements
Minimum device requirements:
Architecture: Intel or AMD x86-64-bit compatible device
RAM: 4 GB
Internal storage: 16 GB
Bootable from USB drive
As you can see, Google ChromeOS Flex runs on very low system requirements, as it is essentially Google’s Chrome browser with additional features. Given that we are now used to working from the cloud, making the switch will be no problem. You can find a list of compatible devices here by following this link.
Installation
To install Google ChromeOS Flex, you need a 16GB USB stick with an ISO file. This allows you to boot and install the operating system. It is possible to run a live boot without installation, allowing you to discover the system. Creating a USB stick is easy using the Chrome USB stick creator. For installation instructions, please follow this link.
Policies
In the Google Workspace Admin Panel, you can manage ChromeOS Flex devices and apply various policies, allowing you to set up applications, rules, networks (WIFI-VPN), and other options on the device. This makes managing these devices easy and saves time.
Advantages
- Extending the life cycle of old computers, so they don’t need to be replaced.
- Consumes 19% less energy compared to other operating systems.
- Has various 3rd-party solutions and support.
- Possibility to use Linux and Windows applications.
- Can be tested without installing it.
- Managed via Admin Console with over 500 policies.
- Support for LDAP.
- ChromeOS is the safest operating system against ransomware, viruses, and other internet dangers.
- Up to 10 years of support from Google (depending on the device).
Disadvantages
- Some computers are not supported.
- Some hardware is not supported (e.g. CD/DVD drives, fingerprint scanners).
- Licenses are needed for managing and updating Chrome OS Flex.
If you want to know more about ChromeOS Flex, please visit this link.