
In case you are an advanced user and want to work with major software other than surfing the internet, then I am afraid, Chrome OS is not for you. However, you cannot operate many offline big scale applications such as Photoshop, MS Office, high-quality games, etc. You can navigate to different websites, download files and store them on cloud platforms via Chrome browser on a Chrome OS-based device. You must have used Chrome browser before Chrome OS is based on its browser and Chrome Web Store. Obviously, you must be online to do this although some limited offline applications may prevail. You may have used Play Store or other non-traditional app stores on the Android device all the apps and games that you can run from there also available on a Chrome OS-based device. Hence, if you have a good internet connection, broadband, or mobile network, you can go for Chrome OS. Like in smartphones, Google partners with Android for the use of Chrome OS on Chrome-Book.Ĭhrome OS has limited features and applications. Google announced its own operating system, Chrome OS, in the year 2009. Google is the proprietor of the Chrome OS. Chrome OS is completely free as it is an open-source operating system. What Is the Difference Between Chrome OS and Windows or Mac OS?Ĭhrome OS is a Linux-based open-source platform that is primarily used to power up the Chrome-Book (similar to general laptops in look but with limited features).There are no dirty hacks required-it just works. You can even watch Netflix in Chrome on Linux now. They’re also a great way to upgrade any old computers you have that may be running Windows XP or Windows Vista, giving them a modern operating system with security updates and an up-to-date browser for free. Linux distributions make a great choice if you’re just looking for a basic desktop environment to browse on.

Consult our guide to the best Linux distributions for beginners to choose one that works for you.

RELATED: The Best Linux Distributions for Beginnersįor example, Lubuntu is a great option if you’re looking for a lightweight Linux desktop that will run well on an older computer. Rather than attempting to install the open source version of Chrome OS or a Linux distribution designed to look like Chrome OS, you can just install a Linux distribution with a lightweight desktop environment-or any desktop environment, really-and use Chrome on that.

Any lightweight Linux distribution can work well, providing a minimal desktop where you can run Chrome-or another browser, like Firefox. Google officially supports Chrome on Linux. Alternatively: Try a Lightweight Linux Desktop
