If you're not an experienced programmer with access to a 64-bit Linux system, Ubuntu 10.04 Long Term Support (LTS) version for choice, you don't want to go this route though.įor people who don't program in C for a living, the smart thing to do is to download a Chrome OS virtual machine (VM) or USB stick live image from Hexxen. For early access, go to the Chrome OS Flex landing page and tap Try Chrome OS Flex.The real Chrome OS, which is indeed based on Linux flavored by Ubuntu, is available as source code, along with build instructions, at the Chromium OS Developer Guide. You’ll have to sign up for early access since it hasn’t been officially released yet. Throwing caution to the wind, you can download Chrome OS Flex directly from Google. You must then plug it into your machine and boot it from there. If you want to try Chrome OS Flex before switching over, you can load it onto a USB drive. You have two options to choose from, and Google will guide you through each. If Chrome OS Flex seems like a good option for you, you’ll be happy to know that the installation process is relatively simple. You can still browse files on your device, but you won’t be able to access content in Google Drive or iCloud without an internet connection. The entire experience is cloud-based, meaning you will need a reliable and constant internet connection.

Security features include the ability to block executable files from triggering.

You can sync your iCloud account with Chrome OS Flex.

Google’s apps and services like Docs and Sheets are always available.

Laptops boot up quickly and the operating system updates automatically in the background.

The operating system lets your PC or Mac work like a Chromebook, needing fewer resources to run correctly.Įssentially, it can turn an old Windows laptop or MacBook into a Chromebook. Google’s Chrome OS Flex is entirely free, explicitly developed for businesses with a small turnover or cash-strapped families.

Download the google chrome os