What is a Chromebook? A Friendly Guide to Understanding Chromebooks and Chrome OS

1. Introduction to Chromebooks

Chromebooks have also been trending in the market in the recent past especially among the schools, offices and personal uses. Though what are they? Are laptop something similar to them? Instead are they giving something different? In this article you will learn all about Chromebooks, their operating system, Chrome OS, and why you should consider using one.

2. What is a Chromebook?

Chromebook is a kind of notebook or a tablet that is powered by Chrome OS of Google. This is in contrast with the conventional laptops that use Windows or mac OS operating systems; Chromebooks are mainly for internet-enabled functionality. They are relatively lighter, stronger and dependency on cloud for data storage and applications is the main feature.

Chromebooks are primarily oriented on simplicity, while providing capabilities of browsing the Web, watching movies or TV shows, and working on documents. Many if not most of the applications are browser-based, which means there is no needed to download and install an application for a certain job. This way Chromebooks are fast and efficient.

3. What is Chrome OS?
Chrome OS is that lightweight and web-focused OS that is used in Chrome OS devices such as Chromebooks. Created by Google, Chrome OS aims to deliver a powerful browsing experience and is centered on Google’s services like Google Drive, Gmail, Google Docs, etc.

Chrome OS is known for :Chrome OS is known for:

Fast boot times: Chromebooks boot time usually take half a minute or even less, some might take not more than 10 seconds to boot.
Security: Updating of the software and programs automatically and having an in-built antivirus.
Simplicity: A clean cut and simple layout that will not confuse the user.
Cloud storage: The vast majority of data is stored off the company’s premises, meaning that large internal storage space is not usually necessary.
One of the main goals of Chrome OS is to provide web applications, and therefore it is unoppressive on the resources, so Chromebooks function properly on low-end hardware.

4. The following are some of the features distinguished in Chromebook:
Chromebooks may be different from traditional laptops, but they come with several powerful features that make them great for day-to-day use Chromebooks may be different from traditional laptops, but they come with several powerful features that make them great for day-to-day use:

a. Google Integration
The main reason for that is that Chromebooks operate on Google’s Chrome OS, making them very Google-dependent. I believe if you are already using Google Drive, Gmail, Google Calendar or Google Docs switching over to a Chromebook will be hassle free.

b. Cloud-Based Storage
Most Chromebooks only have tiny local hard drive space (i.e. 32GB or 64GB), but they use Google Drive as a cloud storage via the Google account associated with the Chromebook. This means that you can access your filed regardless of your geographical location given that has a working internet connection.

c. Automatic Updates
Another one of Chromebooks’ strengths is that they update themselves, and a person does not need to deal with it. This is important as it offers you the best security patches together with newer features on a device.

d. Speed and Simplicity
Chromebooks take very short time to start, given the fact that Chrome operating system is very light. The layout of the interface is very uncluttered still anyone using it should not have a problem regardless of their skills in technology.

e. Battery Life
Today most Chromebook models have great battery capacity, starting from 10-12 hours per one charge. Especially for students or those who are in the working force, these foods are convenient as they do not require elaborate preparation.

f. Android App Support
For the past few years, starting from 2016, chromebooks have been equipped with an opportunity to support android applications from the Google Play store apart from the web-based applications.

5. TOPIC: What makes a Chromebook different from the laptop?
While Chromebooks and laptops may look similar, they differ significantly in terms of hardware, software, and usage:While Chromebooks and laptops may look similar, they differ significantly in terms of hardware, software, and usage:

Feature Chromebook Traditional Laptop-Windows/Mac OS
Operating System Chrome OS Windows, Mac OSX
Storage Cloud based storage with limited local storage capacity Local storage Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Solid State Drives (SSD)
Platformμίervices Web applications and Android apps Desktop applications (locals installs)
Performance Recommended for restricted tasks Comparable to other designs in both restrictions and heavy lifting responsibilities.
Security Shim is the policy of automatic updates and which includes security features But it requires an antivirus software.
Price Understandably priced, between $200 to $500 Sometimes can cost as much as $300- $2000 and above
6. As many might agree chromebooks have their advantages and disadvantages, specifically as follows:
Pros:
Affordability: Chromebooks are comparatively affordable to the traditional laptops and this makes them suitable for most consumer base.
Speed: It starts within seconds and proves responsive to web related operations.
Security: There are such features, which provide users from viruses and other malware, as well as automatically update applications.
Simplicity: When it comes to computers’ usability Chromebooks are the easiest type of Computers that can be used even by those who do not know how to use modern technologies.
Battery Life: Some of the readily available Chromebooks have long battery life that will be well fitting for working on the move.
Cons:
Limited Offline Functionality: Because Chromebooks rely very much on the internet, its offline usage might not be much. However, it has some off-line assistance in a few apps such as Google Docs and Gmail the most common apps from the Android Market.
Less Powerful: Chromebooks aren’t ideal for extensive usage some of which include processing of complex tasks such as video editing and gaming.
Storage: Due to the constraint of internal storage, a user needs to accommodate most of his/her data in the cloud.

7. For whom Chromebook can be a convenient purchase?
A Chromebook is perfect for a Chromebook is perfect for: Students: Chromebooks are widely used in schools, and the reason behind it is their relatively low prices, resistance to children who happen to be not very careful with devices, and availability of apps useful in schools.
Professionals: Therefore, if your job entails the use of web-based applications (for example, emails, documents, presentations, etc.), chrome books are child’s play to operate and highly efficient.
Casual Users: If a person works and spends the majority of his time with a computer for web surfing, watching movies, and some office-related activities, Chrome OS is a perfect solution.