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While Microsoft produces computers designed for Windows and Apple MacBooks are built for macOS, Google computers like Chromebooks have their unique operating system called ChromeOS. If you're thinking about making the switch to Google's bespoke OS, we're here to make a formal introduction.

Our guide takes you through the basics of Google's OS, the pros and cons, and why it may look familiar. You'll find all the information you need to decide whether ChromeOS will work for you and how to use it.

ChromeOS is a lightweight operating system that competes with the likes of Windows and macOS. It's designed to be cloud-first, works on Chromebooks and Chromeboxes, and fueled by many of the technologies that Google also uses for its Chrome browser and other software. Think of it like the computer-oriented version of Android software or a laptop-friendly evolution of the Chrome browser.

Since ChromeOS and Chromebooks go together like bread and bread crust, Google's OS is a great choice for anyone interested a lightweight computing experience that offers more than can be done on your phone or tablet. That includes groups like:

ChromeOS does several things really well, helping it stand out among the common operating systems. When using ChromeOS, expect advantages like:

ChromeOS can't do everything well. The OS has more of a dedicated niche than alternatives, leading to some disadvantages. Some users may run into problems like:

What makes ChromeOS stand out compared to other operating systems? The UI is very Google-themed, but other important features go deeper than that. When you first log in to the OS and boot up the homescreen, you'll find several unique facets compared to systems like Windows or macOS:

If you've used the Chrome browser to hop online (it's one of the most popular browsers in the world), you'll find ChromeOS very recognizable. The interface is similar, and the more you explore, the more you'll see that ChromeOS and the Chrome browser are so integrated that they can feel like the same thing. Since much of the operating system uses Google apps and cloud storage, it's often like working directly in the Chrome browser, and even settings and menus will look similar. But there are a few differences worth talking about.

First, extensions. You can apply all kinds of extensions to the Chrome browser to give it third-party capabilities or add compatibility with the apps you use, most available on the Google Play Store for easy downloads. While you can still use extensions on ChromeOS, there's no guarantee they'll interact with the system like you downloaded an app. Some are better at integrating with ChromeOS than others.

Second, ChromeOS can operate offline, and users can pre-download content to work without the internet and view any of their saved materials, even if they use cloud storage.

What if you don't have or want a Chromebook but still want to try ChromeOS? You have an option for that. ChromeOS Flex is a free version of the operating system that you can download for your PC or Mac computer. It's helpful if you want a complete OS option for collaborating with others who use ChromeOS or want to try out the operating system before dropping cash on a Chromebook.

Early versions of ChromeOS struggled to support apps designed for Android. Google has been working on the convergence between the two systems for some time. Now the latest versions of ChromeOS are entirely compatible (older Chromebooks may still struggle with Android software).

Users can now download apps from the Google Play Store and use them on their Chromebooks, even if those apps are meant for Android. They may not always act the same. Developers can optimize their Android apps for ChromeOS, so their choices will vary. However, they won't cause the operating to bug out or crash.

There are also integrations with Android phones that can enhance your ChromeOS experience. One popular example is Smart Lock, which allows you to use your Android phone to unlock your Chromebook and log in automatically.

Now you know how ChromeOS works and what to expect if you get a Chromebook. This lean browser offers snappy app management with a focus on cloud storage, but it also limits you with a focus on the Google ecosystem. If you know you'll need a certain app or another type of software for work or school, look up how it works with ChromeOS before buying a Chromebook. Otherwise, Google offers a Chromebook tutorial where you can learn more and pick up additional tricks.

See the rest here:
ChromeOS: The AP guide to Google's desktop operating system - Android Police