What is a Chromebook? Explanation!
You may have seen them on TV wondering what it was. Google launched a major advertising campaign promoting Chromebooks. They look like laptops, but they are neither PCs nor Macs. So, what do these curious machines named after Google’s Internet browser do?
The name Chromebook comes from the contraction of “chrome notebook”. It indicates a portable computer which does not function under Windows nor under Mac OS. It uses an operating system specially developed by Google: Chrome OS.
Chrome OS
“Chrome OS” was designed to store your data and information on online storage applications. The computer therefore does not need to have an external hard drive. Result, it is very thin and very light.
The operating system of a multi-function computer is responsible for controlling all the actions of the device: starting the system, executing the program, sorting documents, reading DVDs, etc.
But in the case of the Chromebook, most actions are done on the web. You can save your audio and video files to the cloud for later listening or viewing. Using office software and saving Word files is also done online.
Keyboard
The keyboard or touchpad of a Chromebook does not have the Apple or Windows key. The “Caps Locks” button is replaced by a “Search” button. The wallpaper does not have a desktop on which you can have files or create shortcuts. With a conventional computer, you need a wired connection to a printer before you can print a document. But with a Chromebook, all printing is done via Google Cloud Print. You will need to be connected to the internet and have a connected printer. As you can see with this material, everything really happens on the web.
User Interface
Chrome OS has always offered a very simple interface, and although it has gained some functionality over the course of updates, it still does today. This lightness is one of the keys that allow reaching very short ignition times even on the modest configurations that are most often found on Chromebooks. Chrome OS thus welcomes users on an almost empty desktop, with no real possibility of evolution, since no shortcut, folder or file can be added to it. Only the wallpaper can be changed. To access the various available functions, you will need to go to the dock at the bottom of the screen, and deploy it fully if the object of your quest does not appear in the shortcut line, obviously customizable, or that of the suggestions. The menu is reminiscent of the Android application drawer, with different panels with rows of applications to scroll in full screen under the Google search bar.
Software
It was one of the big problems with Chrome OS when it started. It was then only possible to install applications from the Chrome store. The choice was limited and, to top it all off, many applications only worked online. Faults which are far from having disappeared, but which we find today attenuated. The Chrome Web Store has grown over the past few years, and more and more apps are now available in offline mode, but it’s usually a good idea to activate before you can take advantage of it. But the easiest way to get an idea of the offer, and to know if it is suitable, is still to explore the catalog accessible from any browser, while knowing that there are now also alternatives. Note before detailing this that these web applications only open within Chrome, but still have their own icons in the application drawer and in the dock to facilitate navigation, and avoid getting find themselves facing a multitude of tabs that are difficult to identify.
Linux compatibility
A second alternative to Chrome apps is offered through Linux compatibility. Still in development, it can be activated in Settings and allows you to install Linux command line tools, code editors and IDEs on compatible Chromebooks. It is thus possible to add various and varied software, word processing, email clients, or even editing with Gimp for example. The advantage is to be able to benefit from local applications adapted to PC use. The installation is however a little more complex since it goes through a command terminal requiring some knowledge of the Linux environment. The applications thus installed are then accessible from the main launcher.
Pros and Cons of the Chromebook
The advantages of this rather special laptop are numerous. Regarding the price, for example, it is considerably reduced since a Chromebook does not include an internal hard drive or DVD player. It is ultra-light and takes up less space than a conventional laptop. The fact that there is no rotating hard drive also optimizes the autonomy of the device. The start-up time is reduced to a few seconds. The risk of losing your data is almost zero since their backup is available online. In addition, you can access it at any time and from any material. In general, applications such as Gmail, Google Calendar or Google Play take a very short time to load. With the Chrome OS operating system, these applications are optimized and therefore easier to use. The level of security is also very high on Chromebooks since an automatic update is launched every six months to avoid downloading viruses and malware.
As for the cons, there are far more accommodation and logistics issues than other things. First, you need a certain level of accommodation to get used to the user interface. However, if you are used to Google tools, you will have no harm. The other drawback is related to online storage. If storage on Google Drive is offered for two years, it becomes payable. In addition, if you are not connected to the internet, you cannot have access to your data. By way of conclusion, we can say that the Chromebook is a perfect tool for those who like lightness on any occasion. You must, however, remember that if you find yourself in an area not covered by the network, your data will be unavailable. Therefore, it would be useful to provide an external storage disk.
