Google has announced the readiness of the operating system Chrome OS Flex for widespread use. Chrome OS Flex is a standalone variant of Chrome OS designed to be used on regular computers, not just on native Chrome OS devices such as Chromebooks, Chromebases, and Chromeboxes.
Key areas of application for Chrome OS Flex include upgrading existing legacy systems to extend their lifecycle, reducing costs (for example, no need to pay for an OS and additional software such as antivirus), improving infrastructure security, and unifying software used by companies and educational institutions. The system is supplied free of charge, and the source texts are distributed under the Apache 2.0 free license.
The system is based on the Linux kernel, the upstart system manager, the ebuild/portage build toolkit, open components, and the Chrome web browser. The user environment of Chrome OS is limited to a web browser, and instead of standard programs, web applications are involved, however, Chrome OS includes a full multi-window interface, desktop and taskbar. On the basis of virtualization mechanisms, layers are provided for executing programs from Android and Linux. It is noted that the optimizations implemented in Chrome OS Flex can significantly reduce energy consumption compared to using other operating systems (energy savings up to 19%).
By analogy with Chrome OS, the Flex edition uses a verified boot process, integration with cloud storage, automatic installation of updates, Google Assistant, encrypted storage of user data, and mechanisms to prevent data leakage in case of loss/theft of the device. Provides tools for centralized systems management that are the same as Chrome OS - access policies can be configured and updates can be managed using the Google Admin console.
Currently, the system has been tested and certified for use on 295 different models of PCs and laptops. Chrome OS Flex can be deployed using a network boot or boot from a USB drive. At the same time, it is first proposed to try out a new system without replacing a previously installed OS by booting from a USB drive in Live mode. After evaluating the suitability of the new solution, you can replace the existing OS via network boot or from a USB drive. Stated system requirements: 4 GB RAM, x86-64 Intel or AMD CPU, and 16 GB internal storage. All user-specific settings and applications are synchronized on first login.
The product was created using the developments of the Neverware company acquired in 2020, which released the CloudReady distribution kit, which is a build of Chromium OS for legacy equipment and devices that were not originally equipped with Chrome OS. During the takeover, Google promised to integrate CloudReady's work into the core Chrome OS. The result of the work done was the Chrome OS Flex edition, which will be supported in the same way as Chrome OS support. Users of the CloudReady distribution will be able to upgrade their systems to Chrome OS Flex.
Source: opennet.ru