[rdlviper]

Does anyone know when the latest version (the one that will appear on the Chromebook) will be available online? Since this is all open-source, I would believe it should be fairly soon.... probably before June 15?

I wouldn't mind setting it up on an old laptop I have laying around to play with it and see how I like it before investing in a new machine.

 

[modder]

To my knowledge you need to download the Chromium OS and compile source code if you want to run it on exising hardware, I believe Chrome OS only ships with the specific Chrome approved hardware.

 

[geekyass]

Sorry, kind of a newb here, what is Chromium OS?

 

[bells-n-whistles]

Can you really just install it that easily on any computer? Wouldn't you actually have to purchase the software first? I'm also new to all of this.

 

[Ben]

Can you really just install it that easily on any computer? Wouldn't you actually have to purchase the software first? I'm also new to all of this.

Whether it can be easily installed is questionable, there is the verified boot system which requires a chip on the motherboard - what else that chip does and how it does what it does are mysteries to me. That said, "purchase?" Chrome OS is based on linux, which Google can not do without complying with the licence which basically reads "I scratch your back you scratch mine." When Google gets a free OS to work with, any work they do to it has to be given away for free. A lot of free, open-source software works this way. My fear is that the verified boot chip has made a new way to get around the GPL, which Tivo did by hiding how to replace the software on Tivo machines. The new GPL bars that, but it might not strictly say that you can't have a chip which replaces software it does not recognize.

 

[Wookiee]

Good question =o)

 

[George]

So isn't the the idea that an operating system is not necessary with a Chromebook?

 

[mtluvsChrome]

Link to Help Answer Question

Sorry, kind of a newb here, what is Chromium OS?

Chromium OS = Chromium Open Source. Google Chrome is my web browser. At least once a week I check to see if there are any updates by clicking on the little grey wrench in top left corner then on the 'About Google Chrome' link. When the About Google Chrome box opens and checks for updates, there is a click-able link in that open box...Chromium. Below is that link. From there, us (newbies) can gain insight as to what Chromium open source is.

Chromium - Google Code

 

[mtluvsChrome]

Operating System

So isn't the the idea that an operating system is not necessary with a Chromebook?

The Chromebook has an operating system....Chrome OS. I am wondering if by your question you might be referring to "computer software", rather than an operating system??? As far as I know, ALL computers MUST have an operating system to operate. However, one of the neatest and most unique characteristics of the Chromebook is the absence of computer software that we have loaded on our computers, which not only clutters up our desktop and takes up huge amounts of hard drive but the software can also pose security risks if not regularly updated.
The Chromebook operates on the Chrome OS, is all about living on the web, using web apps, storing data in the clouds, speed, and security....just to name a few. And again,...eliminating our need for "bulky" and expensive computer software

 

[tracyorsteve]

Auto Upgrade

Will Chrome auto update on the chrome notebooks

 

[iamamomof5]

Judy B, mom and childcare provider. Looking for a replacement to a Dell XPS with Vista. Is Chrome OS the answer to my problems?