At the beginning of this year, Google announced that it was working hard on Chrome OS Flex. This new operating system places minimal demands on your computer, making it ideal for extending the life of older computers. How can you install Chrome OS Flex? We definitely took a look.
Do you have an old computer with a somewhat slower processor and an outdated operating system, such as Windows 7? There are several possibilities to enjoy such a computer for longer. For example, you can install Linux and further customize the environment. In the meantime, another option has been added: Chrome OS Flex.
This is a lightweight operating system that you can install on your older 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 too high of demands: 4 GB of RAM is sufficient to get started. Furthermore, the computer needs at least 16 GB of free disk space.
Graphics card requirements are not specified, but the makers let you know in advance that the Intel GMA 500, 600, 3600 and 3650 models are not suitable. Finally, not unimportant: you must be able to start the computer from a USB stick and access to the BIOS is necessary in case of required adjustments.
Installation
Chrome OS Flex is currently under development. Still, you can probably test the operating system yourself. The latest version can be found at https://kwikr.nl/cflex†Make sure you only install Chrome OS Flex on a computer that you don’t need for daily use.
Although the operating system often works fine on the hardware used in practice, the makers have also put an overview online of computers that have been successfully tested with Chrome OS Flex. See the ‘Certified Models List†For each computer, it is indicated to what extent the operating system works properly.
If you want to install Chrome OS Flex, make sure you have an empty USB stick with a capacity of at least 8 GB. Download Chrome OS Flex from here†Here you will also find a step-by-step plan with instructions for installation. You do not necessarily have to perform an installation with the created USB stick. You can also use the stick in live mode. This will boot your computer and allow you to run Chrome OS Flex without an actual installation.
That mode is interesting to get acquainted with the operating system. If you ultimately want to continue working with Chrome OS Flex, you will need to install the operating system. Only then Chrome OS Flex will work without delay and you will be assured of automatic updates.
Work in progress
Are you already getting started with Chrome OS Flex? Keep in mind that the operating system is still under development. It is therefore 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 Install Chrome OS Flex in a virtual machine too†Note that in those cases you may be installing an earlier version of Chrome OS Flex. In practice, you hardly notice this on a first impression: the environments look largely the same.
Look for the differences
Chrome OS and Chrome OS Flex share much of the name and are very similar in terms of user environment. Also, the operating systems share features that you have encountered before in Chrome OS. Think of parts such as 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).
Specific features, such as support for biometric devices (for example, facial recognition and fingerprint readers), Chrome OS Flex does not have in-house. There is also no support for certain peripherals, such as a stylus and a DVD player. Furthermore, you cannot use apps from the Play Store.
Anyone who thinks it is possible to make the smart switch to Chrome OS Flex with an old Chromebook (for which support has expired and for which updates are no longer being released) will be disappointed. Google makes the installation of Chrome OS Flex on Chromebooks almost impossible. That means your Chromebook can no longer be used after a life of six to seven years.
Online, however, you will find the necessary step-by-step plans with which enthusiastic users can still install Chrome OS Flex on their old Chromebook. However, that does not guarantee success. Not all hardware works correctly and some drivers cause problems in practice.
The target group
As you have read, you can already get started with Chrome OS Flex yourself. However, the makers have not yet intended 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, through the use of web apps and the fact that most functions work via the browser.
You will also notice in the management options that the operating system is aimed at business environments. For example, it is possible for system administrators to remotely manage the Chrome OS Flex machines and, for example, delete them in the event of loss or theft. However, don’t let that deter you from using Chrome OS Flex as a consumer. You can also get started with giving your own computers a new life.
