A Chromebook is a laptop of any brand that runs Google’s Chrome operating system, Chrome OS, and most of its applications and documents are online or in the “cloud.” It is obviously designed to be used primarily with an internet connection and doesn’t have a lot of storage space on its own.
Facts about a Chromebook
• Does not allow software installation.
• You do not get viruses. No need for antivirus software.
• It is frequently updated automatically.
• All your applications and storage are online.
• Provides SD card slot.
• Your applications are in the Chrome Web Store.
Facts about Chrome OS
• A lightweight operating system.
• All your applications are web-based.
• Offers easy access to applications.
• Able to handle multiple tasks at the same time.
• Updates on its own.
• Fast, easy to use and safe.
• You can get rid of the malware infection without damaging your data and settings.
• Your data and settings are stored in the cloud.
• It does not have a hard drive.
• All data stored on it can be accessed from any computer.
• It is pre-installed and cannot be downloaded.
• You can work with minimal capacity offline.
• Only works with Chromebook laptops and the Chrome web browser.
To start Chrome OS, you need to sign in with your Google account or you can go to guest mode. Opting for guest mode also means going incognito, in which browsing sessions leave no traces. Going incognito also restricts changes to apps and settings.
What are the easy-to-deploy and manage applications you’ll need?
To transfer all files and storage to the cloud, where the user can work comfortably and maximize the functions of most applications and documents on the Chromebook; Google Drive, SkyDrive, Dropbox, and other similar services are required.
• Google Drive: offers 5 GB of free space.
• SkyDrive: offers 7 GB of free space.
• Dropbox: provides 2GB of space for free.
These types of services offer free storage spaces and are capable of being synchronized with the desktop, which means that files and documents can be easily shared with a few clicks. For those who need more space, this software also sells a certain amount of gigabytes for certain amounts.
Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop can only be used online.
The full desktop version of Microsoft Office is not available on Chromebook. However, Office Online can be used. It’s the official web-based version of Office and it’s free. Editing photos with Adobe Photoshop also requires an Internet connection. Windows desktop applications cannot be installed on it either.
Can you work offline with a Chromebook?
Although losing your Internet connection prevents you from maximizing your capabilities, you can still work offline. You can:
• Edit documents on Google Drive or Dropbox.
• Read and compose messages in Gmail.
• Watch downloaded movies.
• Listen to the downloaded songs.
• View PDF files and Google Calendar.
• Play installed games that can be run offline.
Once you reconnect, all the uploaded files and the changes you made will be synced.
The security of cloud computing
There are so many security concerns about cloud computing that come along with its growing popularity. Businesses large and small use cloud computing because it is cheap, fast, and easy to maintain. The vulnerability of your data actually depends on your security protocol. Choosing a qualified cloud service should be heavily considered to ensure security.
Is it an ideal Chromebook for business use?
Chromebooks are ideal for business use as they cost cheaper compared to other computers or laptops. There is no need to spend money on antivirus, this means that more money can be allocated to the revenue-generating aspects. This type of laptop is easy to use, fast and secure, which makes it very ideal for entrepreneurs. Using this type of machine will allow them to do business efficiently despite the distance and the hustle and bustle.
So can you live completely in the cloud?
The Internet makes it possible for the Chromebook to offer its full capabilities. Since we live in a world where there are still areas without Wi-Fi, the idea of living entirely in the cloud has just started to take hold of reality. The machine allows us to experience life in the cloud, where almost everything is at our fingertips. Today, Wi-Fi is available in most private properties, workplaces, and establishments. Chromebooks can run at full capacity most of the time. Although the device may be damaged later on, the data in the cloud will remain unharmed and can be accessed from other computers at any time.
Most people in these modern times would prefer to live entirely in the cloud, as long as Internet access is stable. In the cloud, difficult and tedious tasks are solved with a few clicks, distant distance is challenged, and life improves. The Chromebook helps us to fully acquire the benefits and advantages of the existence of the Internet quickly and easily. Although you may find cloud computing unstable for your business, you can never deny the satisfying entertainment and convenience it provides. Storing and sharing movies, music and images does not cause us problems with the cloud.
Like everything else in this modern world, there are pros and cons to living in the cloud. As far as many people can see, it offers more good than bad. However, many remain skeptical of the overwhelming capabilities of high-end devices and computing intelligence. If living in the cloud can make a person productive and improve their life, many will find ways to work around the inconvenience of residing in it. Unconsciously, everyone is slowly integrating into the World Wide Web, and many find it difficult to live without it anymore.
Chromebook is the simplest and most practical tool that can take a person into the future, which is cloud computing. It is another new invention that can take people to a new stage of improvement. This machine makes us experience the positive result of the hard work of digital experts who worked hard for a better life and a better place to live.