ChromeOS

ChromeOS
	Distribution of Linux
Architecture
Release type
Initial version
Latest version	129 (Stable); 130 (Beta); 131 (Dev); 132 (Canary)
Initial release	15 June 2011
User interface
Package manager	Portage
Terminal shell
Based on
	Gentoo
Status
	Active

ChromeOS (formerly known as Chrome OS^[1]) is an operating system developed by Google. Based on Gentoo^[2] and the Google Chrome web browser, it uses the Linux kernel and was designed to be a fast and lightweight operating system. ChromeOS runs mainly on web applications, although native applications are also supported. It is distributed to consumers, businesses, and schools.

Availability[edit | edit source]

ChromeOS was developed mainly for Chromebooks, as well as Chromeboxes, Chromebases and Chromebits. On 15 February 2022, a distribution of ChromeOS which can be installed on computers without ChromeOS pre-installed, ChromeOS Flex, entered early access in the Dev channel. A ChromeOS recovery image can also be installed onto a generic x86 device through unofficial means.

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

Channels[edit | edit source]

ChromeOS has four release channels: Stable, Beta, Dev, and Canary.

Stable[edit | edit source]

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.

Beta[edit | edit source]

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.

Dev[edit | edit source]

The Dev channel releases the least tested and the buggiest builds. It gets updated once or twice a week.

Canary[edit | edit source]

The Canary channel releases untested builds (it is bleeding-edge). It gets updated daily. Unlike other channels, it cannot be normally enabled through the settings menu and must instead be opted into by invoking the live_in_a_coal_mine command (a reference to canaries acting as carbon monoxide detectors).

Variants[edit | edit source]

ChromeOS Flex[edit | edit source]

ChromeOS Flex (previously known as CloudReady) is a variant of ChromeOS originally created by Neverware. It is intended for use on old desktops. Neverware was bought by Google in 2020, leading to its name change to ChromeOS Flex in 2022. This version has less features then Chrome OS on real Chromebooks so certain people might want to use Brunch.

Chromium OS[edit | edit source]

Chromium OS is an open-source variant of ChromeOS.

Fyde OS[edit | edit source]

Fyde OS is a fork of ChromeOS made for users who don’t want to go through the hassle of installing the brunch framework or finding alternative over ChromeOS Flex because lack of Google Play support.