ChromeOS

(Redirected from Chrome OS)

ChromeOS
Distribution of Linux
ChromeOS94Desktop.png
Architecture
Release type
Initial version
Latest version121.0.6167.159 (Stable)
122 (Beta)
123 (Dev)
Initial release15 June 2011
User interface
Package managerPortage
Terminal
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.

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. It is currently at version 114.

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. It is currently at version 115.

Dev[edit | edit source]

The Dev channel releases the least tested and the buggiest builds. It gets updated once or twice a week. It is currently at version 116.

Canary[edit | edit source]

The Canary channel releases untested builds (it is bleeding-edge). It gets updated daily. It is currently at version 117 for certain devices. 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.

Chromium OS[edit | edit source]

Chromium OS is an open-source variant of ChromeOS.

Gallery[edit | edit source]

69.0.3497.35[edit | edit source]

94.0.4606.114[edit | edit source]

121.0.6167.159[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]