ChromeOS

Chrome OS is an operating system developed by Google. It is based on Gentoo. It is designed to be a fast and lightweight operating system that is based on the Google Chrome browser. It uses the Linux kernel. Chrome OS runs mainly on web applications, although it does support native applications as well.

Availability
Chrome OS is mainly found on Chromebooks, laptops that run Chrome OS. They are also shipped on Chromeboxes, Chromebases and Chromebits. On 15 February 2022, Chrome OS Flex, which is a distribution that can be installed on computers that don't have Chrome OS pre-installed, entered early access in the Dev channel. There are also ways to unofficially install a Chrome OS recovery image onto a generic x86 device.

The open-source equivalent of Chrome OS, Chromium OS, can be compiled to run on computers other than the ones with Chrome OS pre-installed.

Channels
Chrome OS has four release channels: Stable, Beta, Dev, and Canary.

Stable
The Stable channel releases fully tested builds to ensure minimal bugs. It gets minor updates every two to three weeks and major updates every six weeks. It is currently at version 100.

Beta
The Beta channel releases less tested builds that are more prone to bugs. It gets minor updates every week and major updates every six weeks. It is currently at version 100.

Dev
The Dev channel releases buggy least tested builds. It gets updated once or twice a week. It is currently at version 101.

Canary
The Canary channel releases untested builds (it is bleeding-edge). It gets updated daily. It is currently at version 102 for non EOL devices.

Switching to the Canary channel

 * You CANNOT do this in Chrome OS Flex and Chromium OS.

The user cannot switch to the Canary channel from Settings. To switch to the channel, Developer Mode must be enabled on the device. After enabling Developer Mode:


 * 1. Log in to a user account, and then press Ctrl+Alt+T.
 * 2. Type, press Enter, press Y, and then press Enter.
 * 3. Check for updates in Settings.
 * 4. After the update was installed, the device is now set up to get updates from the Canary channel.