Google reported On the readiness of the operating system chrome os flex for widespread use. Chrome OS Flex is a separate version of the Chrome OS, designed to use on ordinary computers, and not just on the devices originally supplied with Chrome OS, such as ChromeBook, Chromebase and Chromebox.
The main areas of the use of Chrome OS FLEX mentioned the modernization of existing old systems to extend their life cycle, reduce costs (for example, you do not need to pay for OS and additional software, such as antiviruses), increasing infrastructure security and unification of software used by In companies and educational institutions. The system is supplied free of charge, and source texts spread under the free license Apache 2.0.
The system is based on the Linux nucleus, the UPSTART system manager, the EBUILD/PORTAGE assembly, open components and the Chrome Web browser. The user environment of Chrome OS is limited to a web browser, and instead of standard programs, the Web applications are involved, however, the Chrome OS includes a full-fledged multi-window interface, desktop and taskbar. On the basis of virtualization mechanisms, layers are provided to perform programs from Android and Linux. It is noted that the optimization implemented in Chrome OS FLEX can significantly reduce energy consumption compared to the use of other operating systems (energy savings up to 19%).
, by analogy with the Chrome OS, the FLEX editorial office applies a verified loading process, integration with cloud storage, automatic installation of updates, Google Assistant, storage of user data in an encrypted form, mechanisms for preventing data leakage in the event of loss/theft of the device. Unified funds from Chrome OS are provided for centralized management systems – adjustment of the access policy and updates can be carried out using the Google Admin console.
Currently, the system is tested and certified for use on 295 various models of PC and laptops.
To deploy Chrome OS Flex, a network download or download from a USB drive can be used. At the beginning, it is first proposed to try out a new system without replacing the previously installed OS, loading from a USB drive in a Live mode. After evaluating the suitability of a new solution, you can to replace the existing OS through loading over the network or from a USB-booster. The declared system requirements: 4 GB of RAM, X86-64 CPU Intel or AMD and internal storage of 16 GB. All specific settings and applications for the user are synchronized at the first entrance.
The product was created using the developments of