Chromebooks continue to gain popularity because they are cheap and easy to use. They are free from Windows viruses and do not require much maintenance. They just work. Neverware’s CloudReady allows you to install a version of ChromeOS on most computers manufactured after 2007.
These calculators are probably too old to convert, but you never know | Thomas Claveirole
system requirements
Neverware keeps a list of computers that are certified to work with Neverware. None of the systems I tested were on that list, but still worked perfectly. They advise against running CloudReady on systems with Intel’s GMA 500,600, 3600, or 3650 graphics chips. Also, they recommend desktops and laptops manufactured after May 2007 or Netbooks manufactured after June 2009. I’ve tried it on Dell laptops since 2006 and haven’t come across it. What’s the problem.
Other system requirements are modest: 1 GB RAM, 8 GB hard drive space, and wireless or ethernet connectivity.
Setting
Installation is a two-step process. First, you need to create a portable installation of CloudReady. Then you need to install it on your computer system.
To create a portable installation, you need an 8 or 16 GB flash drive. Neverware only recommends those sizes. The data on the flash drive is destroyed during this process. Next, you will download the CloudReady chromiumos_image.bin file by going here and clicking Download Cloudready now.
You’ll then use the same process to create Chrome Recovery Media for Chromebooks to create CloudReady media. From Chrome on any platform, install the Chrome Recovery Tool. Then launch the application. In the upper right corner, you will see a gear icon. Click that gear icon and select Use local image.
Select the .bin you downloaded earlier, then select the correct flash drive from the Choose the media you want to use window. The recovery utility reminds you that the drive will be erased, so go ahead and select Create Now. A few minutes later, you will have a bootable CloudReady instance.
You will need to boot this USB flash drive, so check your BIOS settings for how to do it. This guide from Lifehacker should help if you’re unsure. You can run the entire CloudReady Chromebook environment from this flash drive, but you’re better off installing it on your computer. That will erase the hard drive on that old computer, so make sure it’s backed up if you still need stuff from it.
When you start your computer from CloudReady, sign in to your Gmail account. Once you’re in your Chrome environment, click the time in the bottom right corner. At the top is the Install CloudReady option. That will start the process. It takes about 20-30 minutes. You will then boot your computer into CloudReady and it will behave like a Chromebook.
Why this is great – and better than Chromebooks
Turning an old XP-era computer into something sleek and usable is nothing new. ChromeOS is something that many people are familiar with and doesn’t require a lot of skill to use. Google makes this easy, and CloudReady will take care of most driver and compatibility issues. It just works.
You can even run Windows programs: It might seem like a step backwards, but sometimes you need an occasional Windows program. Here are some options for Chromebook users.
Older computers running XP or Vista are probably not worth the time and money
to install windows 7
. That costs money. This option is free and reusable and old desktop or laptop. What I really like about this is that lower-end Chromebooks often have smaller screens and keyboards. I was able to take an old 17 inch laptop with a big screen and big keyboard and give it to my mom.
It’s unlikely to be infected with a virus, and if it breaks, I won’t lose much money. Then I can buy another one for under $50 on eBay or at a local thrift store. Since it’s older, I can fix it with standard laptop parts. Chromebooks aren’t cheap to repair and use proprietary parts.
Great for people with disabilities: Chromebooks have great options for people with visual or hearing impairments.
Chromebooks also have small SSDs: usually around 16 GB. When you turn an old computer into a Chromebook, you can specify the amount of hard drive space used. Even computers from 2007 have 80 GB hard drives. That gives you plenty of space to store pictures, music, and movies without having to stream them.
You’ll get different upgrade specs with the CloudReady Chromebook: possibly more hard drive space and better graphics.
Some CloudReady Issues – Why Chromebooks Could Be Better
One of the appeals of Chromebooks is that they are lightweight and have long battery life. If you reuse an old laptop, it will never have the same battery life as a Chromebook. If it’s older, the battery may not hold as much charge. A CloudReady laptop or desktop may have a mechanical hard drive instead of an SSD.
The boot process will be much slower and accessing the hard drive will be very difficult compared to the new Chromebook.
Print from a Chromebook: You can’t plug your old printer into your Chromebook or CloudReady computer. However, there are other ways to print from Chrome.
Since this is not an official Google Chromebook, you won’t receive the latest security releases and updates from Google. You’ll have to rely on Neverware for that. This free version of CloudReady does not have live technical support. They have a great community-supported forum where you can ask others for help.
If you are not using a certified model, not all options on your computer will work properly. One of the Dells I’ve installed doesn’t calculate battery life at all. I never know when it’s going to run out of battery. Also, the special option keys on the keyboard don’t work.
Give it a try!
If you have an old computer that is full of dust, this is worth a try. CloudReady Chromebook computers are great for guest use or just for an extra computer around the house. I keep one in the kitchen to check my email, another in the basement. These old XP computers work fine, so there’s no point in recycling them until they fail.
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
