Old laptops or desktops used to be the main machine, but now they are left unused in the drawer because they contain old components that can’t run the latest version of Windows properly. However, you can install Google’s new Chrome OS Flex operating system to turn a slow-moving notebook into a handy Chromebook, or an old desktop into a handy Chromebox. These activated devices are so good at the most important tasks (web browsing, streaming, editing content in the cloud) that you don’t have to buy a new computer for your kids or yourself.
Google Chrome OS may not be the place for intensive computing tasks or popular game releases, but it does provide a solid and inexpensive platform for learning and working.You can also push the limits a bit and stream the game Xbox Cloud or vapor..You can also learn coding Build an electronics project■ Use CircuitPython.
Google recently released Chrome OS Flex, an operating system similar to that used on Chrome devices. Basically, Chrome OS Flex is just a way to open a Chrome browser session and use Google’s cloud services. However, this OS can be used on devices other than Google. This means that old dust-collecting hardware can be reused for children to learn, adults to work and to entertain their families.
This method uses ChromeOS Flex to breathe new life into Intel 4th generation-based PCs at a cost of $ zero.
For this project you will need:
Laptop or desktop
- Intel / AMD 64-bit CPU
- 4GB or more RAM
- 16GB or more storage
8GB or more USB drive.
PC running Google Chrome browser
The target machine was a Lenovo M93P Tiny desktop with an Intel 4790S CPU and 16GB of DDR3 RAM. Our storage drive was a 2.5 inch SATA hard drive.
Create a ChromeOS Flex installation drive
1.1. Open Chrome browser The PC does not necessarily have to be the computer on which ChromeOS Flex is installed..
2.2. Install Chromebook Recovery Utility extension from Chrome Web Store..
3.3. Click on the extension and[拡張機能の管理]Choose Use the three dots next to the Chromebook Recovery Utility.
4.4. Slide the switch to the right to Make sure the extension is turned on
5.5. Click on the extension and When Then Chromebook Recovery Utility Load the installer.
6.6. [はじめに]Click The installation will start.
7. Click Select Model from List.
8.8. Select “Google Chrome OS Flex” and “Chrome OS Flex” From the drop-down menu.
9.9. Insert the USB drive and select from the drop-down menu When [続行]Click.
10.10. [今すぐ作成]Click Download the OS and write it to a USB drive.[続行]Double-check that the correct drive is selected before clicking.
11. After the installation is complete [OK]Click to close the Chromebook Recovery Utility application.
12.12. Remove the USB drive From the computer.
Install ChromeOS Flex
1.1. Insert the USB drive into your laptop / desktop What you want to install.
2.2. Power on When Select a USB drive as the boot device.. The process is slightly different for each machine. See your machine’s manual.
3.3. Please select your location When next,[インストールを開始]Click.
4.4. Connect to a Wi-Fi access point When [次へ]Click. Alternatively, connect the Ethernet cable and connect automatically.
5.5. To continue, please accept Google’s Terms of Service.
6.6. Select the user who will use Chrome OS Flex and[次へ]Click.
7. Enter your Google account details and[次へ]Click.. This will link this device to your Google account and trigger a set of security settings to verify that it contains your device. This depends on how your account is configured.
9.9. Select or clear the check box To enable Google to collect hardware data [同意する]Click I will continue.
10.10. Choose how to integrate the Google Assistant with your device.. We skipped these screens because our device doesn’t have a microphone or camera.
11.11. [開始]Click to complete the installation.
You are ready to use your new Chrome OS Flex device.
What can you do with Chrome OS Flex?
Chrome OS Flex offers almost the same functionality as Chrome OS. You can play the game via Stadia, Xbox Cloud and Nvidia GeForce Now.
Unfortunately, unlike official Chromebook devices, you can’t play Steam Link games. What is the reason for this? Chrome OS Flex is not compatible with Android apps and has no official Steam support (unlike modern Chrome devices). The major cloud gaming streaming services are still available, so you won’t lose to the game.
If you primarily use online services such as Google Drive, Documents and Email Services, ChromeOS Flex will feel like any other Google device.
Manufacturers and coders can use Chrome OS Flex to create electronic projects on devices running Adafruit’s CircuitPython. The device will appear as a USB drive and you can write the code directly to the device.
Streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Disney +, and YouTube all work as expected. After all, I’m using the Google Chrome browser.
