{"id":246,"date":"2011-07-19T22:03:37","date_gmt":"2011-07-20T02:03:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.chromebookuser.com\/?p=229"},"modified":"2022-06-25T14:14:38","modified_gmt":"2022-06-25T18:14:38","slug":"chrome-os-linux-choose","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/techquentin.com\/chrome-os-linux-choose\/","title":{"rendered":"Chrome OS versus Linux:  Which should you choose?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Chrome OS vs Linux.\u00a0 Linux vs Chrome OS.\u00a0 Many folks are asking these days which platform is the best alternative to running Windows or Mac OS.\u00a0 Currently, I use the Lubuntu Linux distribution, which is a lighter version of the popular Ubuntu.\u00a0 I have it installed on an early edition Lenovo S10 netbook.\u00a0 I also have a Google CR-48 Chrome Laptop from the Google Test Pilot program. \u00a0In my experience, each platform has its own advantages and disadvantages.\u00a0 In this article, I will discuss the pros and cons of using each platform.<!--more--><\/p>\n<p><strong>My Background<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I have been involved in personal computers since back in the mid-1980s as a part of my employment with the US Government. I have had a chance to see a good bit of the evolution of personal computers and their operating systems. The personal computer has become my main tool for communications, offering a fixed address for a \u201c<em>mobile guy<\/em>\u201d. It has been the most cost-effective way to stay in contact with people. In other roles, the personal computer has also served as a gadget to be played with, as an entertainment center, and as a source of <em>excruciating aggravation<\/em>. \ud83d\ude09 Computers have also served as a painfully expense hobby as well.<\/p>\n<p>In recent time, my mobile computing needs have been fulfilled by two devices, my Lubuntu based netbook and my Chrome OS-based CR-48 Laptop.\u00a0 I will now take a look at the pluses and minuses of using each system.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Chrome OS Advantages<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Chrome OS offers a \u201cone-stop\u201d solution for the user who simply wants to access and utilize the Internet. The user need not understand operating systems, viruses or how to defrag a hard drive. All of this is accomplished for you, seamlessly and transparently.\u00a0 Simply turn on the computer, access the Internet and go. You only need to know that the battery has to be charged or that the device has to be plugged into an AC connection. \u00a0Beyond that, you are free to go about your Internet-based life.\u00a0 <strong>As a middle-aged guy, I like that!<\/strong>\u00a0 No more endless hassles with operating system problems such as required patches, installation of virus and malware software, or tracking down configuration issues. And those are just a few of the hassles experienced on PCs! \u00a0With Chrome OS devices such as the Google Chromebook, you just find an Internet connection and go!<\/p>\n<p>Oh yeah. Chrome OS devices do not require maintenance costs like other platforms. You need not buy another thing! No software costs, no upgrade costs, no extra hardware costs. \u00a0You get free updates and plenty of free apps, including Gmail and Google Docs.\u00a0 OK, so maybe you\u2019ll have to buy a case for your Chromebook :-). You may also be inclined to spend money on accessories such as external keyboards, mice, and removable media. \u00a0These items are often nice to have but they are all optional.<\/p>\n<h6 style=\"text-align: center;\">Video: Introducing Google Chromebook<\/h6>\n<div class=\"jeg_video_container jeg_video_content\"><iframe title=\"Google Chromebook Youtube Video Intro\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/1oa8Nr5NuI8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p>As CR-48 Test Pilot, I have really come to appreciate Chrome OS and have seen how the future may unfold.\u00a0 I think industry is heading in the direction of low maintenance devices, cloud storage, free apps, and hassle-free ownership.\u00a0 Regarding the promises of Chrome OS, I\u2019m in, but I\u2019m not completely in\u2026 yet. \u00a0Chrome OS is still a work in progress and requires some changes before it can reach its potential.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Chrome OS Disadvantages<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>While Chrome OS has a lot going for it, there are a few issues that need to be addressed.\u00a0 First, Chrome OS machines are largely useless as computers when not connected to the Internet. \u00a0There aren\u2019t a lot of Chrome OS applications that work offline.\u00a0 Offline versions of Gmail, Calendar, and Google Docs are being developed but are not yet available. Perhaps this will improve over time, but for now: No internet connection = Not very useful.<\/p>\n<p>Second, there are some significant limitations in managing data on a Chrome OS device. I find moving files to the cloud with your Chromebook is not as easy as it is when using a Linux OS computer. The Chrome OS file manager is very primitive and lacks many typical features found in other operating systems.\u00a0 Many common file types such as zip files, Microsoft Office files, and some media files must be uploaded to the internet before they can be accessed.\u00a0 While I think it\u2019s ok for data to live in the cloud, Chrome OS needs better support for accessing and managing files locally.<\/p>\n<p>My third big gripe with Chrome OS is that it\u2019s largely incompatible with many types of peripherals and upgrades.\u00a0 CD\/DVD drives and external hard drives are not supported.\u00a0 Currently, Bluetooth is not supported.\u00a0 Support for many types of cameras and camcorders is questionable.\u00a0 As of right now, you cannot simply connect a standard printer to a Chromebook.\u00a0 Instead, you need to share a printer connected to a PC or Mac, or you must buy a printer that supports cloud printing.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Linux Advantages<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>First, the Lubuntu Linux distribution I use allows me to do much of what Chrome OS does.\u00a0 In fact, Lubuntu Linux mimics Chrome OS by including the non-branded Chromium version of the Chrome browser.\u00a0 Unlike the Chrome OS device, however, Lubuntu leaves me with a computer that\u2019s usable off-line.<\/p>\n<p>Second, all of my \u201coffline\u201d data is right there on my computer, easily transferable to removable media. \u00a0I can access this data as long as my computer turns on, even when it isn\u2019t connected to the Internet.\u00a0 On a Chromebook, if I don\u2019t use an internet connection, I may not be able to access my data.<\/p>\n<h6 style=\"text-align: center;\">Video: Why Linux is BETTER!<\/h6>\n<div class=\"jeg_video_container jeg_video_content\"><iframe title=\"Why Linux is BETTER!\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-NNbFboiSt0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p>Third, I can install Linux on hardware I already own and be able to do most of what I can with Chrome OS.\u00a0 Economy of operation: using equipment I already have.\u00a0 While the dedicated Chromebook hardware looks awesome, spending anywhere from $350 to $500 for a new Chromebook is not necessary if I already have an old netbook that can run Linux.\u00a0 I can use those savings to buy other gadgets!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Linux Disadvantages<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>One big disadvantage of Linux is that it may not support your hardware. \u00a0While the Google Chromebook is designed to fully support Chrome OS, Linux may not support all of the components in the device you plan to use.\u00a0 This includes webcams, touch pads, network or wifi cards, Bluetooth modules, or proprietary hardware buttons such as volume controls or functional keys.\u00a0 This issue can often be resolved by sticking with fully compatible hardware or by locating appropriate drivers.\u00a0 Working around compatibility issues may not be a big challenge for the technically inclined. However, unsophisticated users may find troubleshooting Linux compatibility issues too much of a hassle.\u00a0 Where your Chrome OS Chromebook is simply a \u201cturn on and go\u201d proposition, Linux installations may require some effort.<\/p>\n<p>Linux devices require more maintenance than Chromebooks.\u00a0 The Chromebook is updated automatically and transparently.\u00a0 The Chromebook utilizes data stored in the cloud which is backed up automatically.\u00a0 Thus there is no extra software to install and no user intervention required.\u00a0 On the other hand, Linux requires a bit more hands-on maintenance.\u00a0 The user is required to keep their Linux installation up to date with OS and security patches.\u00a0 If an upgrade causes a problem, the Linux user will have to troubleshoot the problem. \u00a0The Linux user must also ensure that their data is backed up.\u00a0 This includes installing and configuring backup software and managing backup storage space.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, the Chromebook is likely to be easier to use than a device running Linux.\u00a0 The Chrome OS user experience lies mainly in the Chrome browser.\u00a0 Since most computer users are already familiar with web browsers, the learning curve for the Chromebook is likely to be very small.\u00a0 While browsing the web on a Linux device should be the same experience as with a Chromebook, navigating the operating system may require users to learn something new.\u00a0 Also, the usability of Linux is impacted by the higher maintenance requirement mentioned above.<\/p>\n<p><strong>So where does that leave us?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Chrome OS is by far an easier way to access and use the Internet. \u00a0In addition, I believe the Chromebook is a ground-breaking evolution in personal computing. \u00a0The world needs low cost, low maintenance computers, and the Chromebook is destined to fulfill this need.\u00a0 The current limitations are being addressed on a daily basis and I believe cloud computing and Chrome OS will continue to evolve.\u00a0 However, I can understand why some people may want to wait for the platform to become a bit more mature.<\/p>\n<p>Linux can provide a Chrome OS-like operating environment while still retaining your conventional computer-like environment. \u00a0Linux gives you a virus-free (currently) operating system with many useful, free programs, just like with Chrome OS.\u00a0 Unlike Chrome OS, there are many good applications that work offline.\u00a0 Plus you have offline access to most if not all of your data.\u00a0 On the downside, Linux isn\u2019t as easy to use or maintain as a Chromebook.\u00a0 Some will find setting up and maintaining a Linux device too much of a hassle.<\/p>\n<p>So what do you think?\u00a0 Do you favor the low maintenance, easy to use Chrome OS based Chromebook?\u00a0 Or do you favor the greater flexibility offered by the Linux platform? I invite you to add your thoughts in the comments section below, or in Chromebook Forum. \u00a0I see this discussion as a collaborative effort among computer users to find solutions they need today for a better tomorrow.\u00a0 Let us know what you think.\u00a0 <strong>Happy Computing!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chrome OS vs Linux.\u00a0 Linux vs Chrome OS.\u00a0 Many folks are asking these days which platform is the best alternative to running Windows or Mac OS.\u00a0 Currently, I use the Lubuntu Linux distribution, which is a lighter version of the popular Ubuntu.\u00a0 I have it installed on an early edition Lenovo S10 netbook.\u00a0 I also [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":10000867,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[134],"tags":[],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/techquentin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/246"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/techquentin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/techquentin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/techquentin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/techquentin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=246"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/techquentin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/246\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10000796,"href":"https:\/\/techquentin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/246\/revisions\/10000796"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/techquentin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10000867"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/techquentin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=246"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/techquentin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=246"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/techquentin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=246"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}