ChromeOS facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

This page is about the operating system. For the web browser, see Google Chrome. For open-source version of OS, see ChromiumOS.

Quick facts for kids Logo as of March 2022
ChromeOS 120 desktop
Company / developer	Google
Programmed in	C, C++, assembly, JavaScript, HTML5, Python, Rust
OS family	Unix-like (Linux)
Working state	Preinstalled on Chromebooks, Chromeboxes, Chromebits, Chromebases
Source model	Closed-source with open-source components
Initial release	June 15, 2011; 14 years ago (2011-06-15)
Update method	Rolling release
Package manager	Portage
Supported platforms	ARM32, ARM64, IA-32, x86-64
Kernel type	Monolithic (Linux kernel)
Userland	Aura Shell (Ash), Ozone (display manager); X11 apps can be enabled in recent ChromeOS
Default user interface	Google Chrome
License	Proprietary

ChromeOS is a computer operating system made by Google. It's based on the Linux kernel and uses the Google Chrome web browser as its main way for you to interact with it.

Google first announced ChromeOS in July 2009. They said it would be an operating system where your apps and files would mostly live "in the cloud" (meaning online, not just on your device). ChromeOS was mainly designed to run web applications.

All versions of ChromeOS support web apps like Google Docs or Microsoft Office 365. Since 2016, ChromeOS can also run Android apps from the Google Play Store. From 2018 onwards, ChromeOS also supports Linux applications. These Linux apps run in a special, lightweight virtual machine environment.

History of ChromeOS

Google wanted to make sure ChromeOS met people's needs. They watched how their own employees used computers and also looked at how people generally used their devices.

ChromeOS was first planned for smaller, secondary devices like netbooks, not as someone's main computer. Google asked hardware makers to use solid-state drives (SSDs) in these devices. SSDs are faster and more reliable than traditional hard drives. Also, ChromeOS doesn't need much storage space because it uses cloud services. In 2009, Google said ChromeOS needed only a tiny fraction of the space that Windows 7 required.

On November 19, 2009, Google released the basic code for ChromeOS as the ChromiumOS project. This meant other developers could see and work with the code. At a press conference, Google showed an early version of the system. It looked a lot like the Chrome browser, with regular tabs and special "app tabs" that were smaller and could be pinned for quick access. The system started up in just seven seconds, and Google aimed to make it even faster.

First Chromebooks (2010-2011)

In 2010, Google gave out a test Chromebook called the Cr-48. The first Chromebooks for sale were delayed until 2011.

On May 11, 2011, Google announced two new Chromebooks from Acer and Samsung. The Samsung model came out on June 15, 2011. Soon after, Netflix announced that its streaming service would work officially on ChromeOS. This was a big deal because other devices often needed special software like Microsoft Silverlight to play Netflix videos.

Growing Popularity (2012)

An open Samsung Chromebook

By 2012, Chromebooks were becoming more popular. Google and Samsung released new devices, including the first Chromebox, which is a desktop computer running ChromeOS. These new devices were faster but still more like netbooks than powerful laptops.

Later in 2012, Samsung and Google released a much cheaper Chromebook (around $250). It was the first to use an ARM processor, which helped keep the price down and meant it didn't need a fan. Acer quickly followed with an even cheaper model.

In April 2012, ChromeOS got a big update to its look. It added a new window manager called "Aura" and a traditional taskbar. This made ChromeOS look more like a regular desktop operating system, with windows you could move and resize. This change made it easier for new users to get used to ChromeOS.

When Google Drive was released, ChromeOS also got built-in support for it in July 2012. This made it easy to save and access your files in the cloud.

Chromebook Pixel (2013)

The Chromebook Pixel (Wi-Fi) open

Before 2013, Google didn't make its own ChromeOS devices. Other companies designed and sold them. But in February 2013, Google released the Chromebook Pixel. This was different because it was Google's own device. It had a powerful Intel i5 processor, a super high-resolution touchscreen, and was priced more like a high-end laptop.

Recent Developments (2013-Present)

Even though some people wondered about the future of ChromeOS, sales of Chromebooks kept growing. In 2014, Intel also started making processors specifically for Chromebooks and Chromeboxes.

Google encouraged businesses to use Chromebooks, especially when support for Windows XP ended. In 2020, ChromeOS devices actually sold more than Apple Macs worldwide!

Since July 2021, a part of ChromeOS called the embedded controller uses a special operating system called Zephyr, which Google helps maintain.

Hacking Contest

In March 2014, Google held a hacking contest called "Pwnium." They invited computer security experts to find weaknesses in ChromeOS. Hackers found a few issues, and Google fixed them quickly.

New Design and Android Apps

In June 2014, Google announced that ChromeOS would connect with Android phones to share notifications. More importantly, it would start running Android apps directly from Google Play. This was a huge step for ChromeOS.

Google also started using a new design style called Material Design for its products, including ChromeOS.

Features of ChromeOS

For Businesses and Schools

Chrome Enterprise, launched in 2017, is a version of ChromeOS designed for businesses and schools. It includes special features for managing many devices. Schools were among the first to use Chromebooks because they are easy to manage and use cloud-based tools.

Many companies now use cloud computing because it offers better security (data isn't just on one device), easier management (no need for constant software updates on each machine), and lower costs. Employees can also access their files securely from any Chrome device.

Beyond Laptops

Google expanded ChromeOS beyond just laptops. In 2014, they released Chromebox for Meetings, a kit for conference rooms. In 2016, they introduced Chromebase for Meetings, an all-in-one device for smaller meeting spaces.

Hardware for ChromeOS

A Chromebook

Laptops that run ChromeOS are called "Chromebooks." The first one was the CR-48, a test model given to reviewers in December 2010. The first Chromebooks for sale came out in May 2011.

A year later, in May 2012, Samsung released the "Chromebox," which is a desktop computer running ChromeOS.

In early 2014, LG Electronics introduced the "Chromebase." These are all-in-one computers, meaning the computer hardware is built right into the monitor, along with a camera, microphone, and speakers.

The Chromebit is a tiny device that looks like a USB stick but plugs into an HDMI port on a TV or monitor. It turns that display into a computer running ChromeOS. The first one was released in 2015 by Asus.

In March 2018, Acer introduced the first Chromebook tablet, the Chromebook Tab 10. It was designed to compete with the Apple iPad and even came with a special stylus that didn't need batteries.

ChromeOS devices can also connect to multiple monitors if they have the right ports.

In February 2022, Google announced ChromeOS Flex. This is a special version of ChromeOS that you can install on older Windows or macOS computers, giving them a new life as a Chromebook.

Software Updates

ChromeOS devices get automatic updates for 10 years for models made in 2019 and later. These updates keep the operating system, browser, and hardware working well and securely. Google has a website where you can check the update end date for any ChromeOS device.

Applications on ChromeOS

At first, ChromeOS mainly used web applications. Over time, Google encouraged developers to create "packaged applications" and "Chrome Apps" using web technologies like HTML5. These apps felt more like regular computer programs.

In September 2014, Google launched App Runtime for Chrome (ARC). This allowed some Android apps to run on ChromeOS. In 2016, Google made it possible for most Android apps to run on supported ChromeOS devices by giving them full access to the Google Play Store. This was a big change, making many more apps available.

In 2018, Google announced that desktop Linux applications would officially come to ChromeOS. This feature was released as a beta in October 2018 and fully released in 2021.

In 2023, Google released Valve Corporation's Steam for Chromebooks (in beta). This allows you to play video games on Chromebooks that meet certain requirements.

Chrome Apps (Older)

From 2013 until January 2020, Google supported special "Chrome Apps." These apps could run outside the Chrome browser, work offline, and use multiple windows, just like regular computer programs. However, Google has now decided to move away from Chrome Apps in favor of "progressive web applications" (PWAs) and Chrome extensions.

Built-in Tools

ChromeOS has a built-in media player to play music and videos, and view images, even without an internet connection.

It also includes a file manager, similar to what you find on other operating systems. This lets you see and manage files stored on your device or in Google Drive. You can open and work with these files using various web applications.

Remote Access

ChromeOS allows you to access other computers remotely using a feature called "Chrome Remote Desktop." This is like being able to control another computer from your Chromebook.

Android Applications

At a Google event in 2014, they showed Android apps like Flipboard running on ChromeOS. Later that year, Google released a beta version of the App Runtime for Chrome (ARC), which let selected Android apps work on ChromeOS.

In 2016, Google made it possible to run Android apps on many ChromeOS devices with full access to Google Play. This was done using a special "container" that holds Android's parts, allowing Android apps to work directly with ChromeOS.

Linux Applications

All Chromebooks made since 2018, and some older models, can run Linux apps. These apps can be installed and used alongside your other apps. Google has a list of devices that support Linux apps.

Before Google's official support, people could use a tool called Crouton to run Linux apps on ChromeOS. But Google's official way is more secure because it doesn't require you to turn off important security features.

How Linux Apps Work

Google's project for Linux apps on ChromeOS is called Crostini. It runs a virtual machine that creates a separate environment for Linux. Inside this virtual machine, Linux apps run in isolated "containers." By default, a Debian Linux environment is provided. You can install programs into this environment using tools like APT.

How ChromeOS is Built

ChromeOS is built on top of the Linux kernel. It was originally based on Ubuntu, but later switched to Gentoo Linux. For the Crostini project (for Linux apps), it now uses Debian.

Google described ChromeOS as having three main parts:

Firmware: This helps the system start up very quickly and also adds security by checking the boot process.
System-level software: This includes the Linux kernel, which is specially tuned for fast performance.
Browser and window manager: This is what you see and interact with, handling all your open windows and tabs.

Developer Access

ChromeOS includes a basic command line tool called "crosh." If you put your device into "developer mode," you can access a more powerful bash shell, which is useful for developers.

Open Source Parts

ChromeOS is partly developed as an open-source project called ChromiumOS. This means that developers can look at and change the code for ChromiumOS. However, ChromeOS itself is supported by Google and its partners, and it gets automatic updates.

Design of ChromeOS

User Interface (How it Looks)

When designing ChromeOS, Google wanted to keep the screen simple and clean. They aimed to combine apps and web pages into a single tab bar. They also thought about having a full-screen mode for apps, with smaller "panels" at the bottom for things like chat.

Window Manager Update (2012)

On April 10, 2012, a new version of ChromeOS gave users a choice: the original full-screen view or overlapping, resizable windows, similar to Microsoft Windows or Apple's macOS. This change made ChromeOS feel more like a traditional desktop computer.

Printing

In 2016, ChromeOS added "Native CUPS Support," which became a standard feature in 2020. This allows ChromeOS to work with most printers, even if they don't support Google Cloud Print.

Google Cloud Print was an older service that helped devices print to supported printers over the internet. However, Google stopped supporting Google Cloud Print after December 31, 2020.

Updates and Channels

ChromeOS uses the same update system as the Google Chrome browser. There are three main channels:

Stable: This is the most tested and reliable version, updated with features that have been thoroughly checked.
Beta: This channel gets updates about once a month with stable features from the Developer channel.
Developer (Dev): This channel is where new ideas are tested. It can sometimes be unstable.

There's also a "canary" channel, which is even more experimental.

Security of ChromeOS

Google designed ChromeOS to be a very secure operating system. It has features like automatic updates and "sandbox" technology, which helps protect against harmful software.

ChromeOS devices come with Trusted Platform Module (TPM), a special chip that helps with security. They also have a "trusted boot path," which checks the system when it starts to make sure it hasn't been tampered with.

ChromeOS devices always have full disk encryption turned on, which means all the data on the device is scrambled to protect it. The key to unlock this data is stored securely in the TPM chip.

Logging In

You use your Google Account password to sign in to ChromeOS. For extra security, you can add other ways to sign in, like a PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition. You can also use "smart unlock" with a paired phone. These options help protect your Google account from people looking over your shoulder.

If you use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for your Google Account, you might need to use it when you first set up your ChromeOS device. You can also set it up so you need to use MFA every time you sign in, for even greater security.