Web-based operating system from Google

Google Chromium OS establishes a free operating system that is designed to run various web applications and surf the world wide web in a more stable way. Offering a faster, simpler, and more secured internet experience, this open-source project can serve as a powerful standalone browser.

Furthermore, Chromium OS provides a tab-based window that contains download and bookmark management. If you’re wondering about its difference from Google Chrome OS, the latter is actually built using this special utility’s source code. Nevertheless, the two browsers are related thus, some similarities can be observed as well.

Is Chromium OS the same as Chrome OS?

Bear in your mind that Chromium OS is a whole different package from Chrome OS. Although associated with each other, distinctions between the two can still be noticed. For one, Chrome is actually one of the leading web browsers supported by Google and its partners while Chromium is a source code kit continued by the open-source community wherein a variety of browsers have been built upon. As stated, Google Chrome is one of them. Moreover, Chrome OS consists of additional firmware features including verified boot and easy recovery. 

Chromium OS builds as corresponding hardware changes are necessary. Google Chrome OS also runs specifically on an optimized disk drive to get further performance and security enhancements. By default, Chromium does not update automatically to prevent blowing away the particular modifications that you have built on your own. The Chrome OS, on the other hand, seamlessly applies auto-updates so that you’re always guaranteed to have the latest and greatest features as well as fixes.

How to set it up

Chromium OS is only available as a source code at the moment thus, you must download and compile it personally to create an image file compatible with any virtual machine solution like VMware or VirtualBox. It’s based on Linux, starts up in seconds, and is mainly crafted to be used on the web. This unique tool is meant to be utilized along with online applications, and you can store all your files in the cloud. Basically, you can access everything online making the system and browsing performance lightweight and swift.

It’s the perfect operating system for low-spec PCs such as netbooks. After logging in with your Gmail account, you’re ready to start. Chromium’s interface can look a bit weird at first as it completely appears differently from any OS you have tried in the past. Nevertheless, it’s extremely intuitive where no learning curve will be required for designers and developers. Meanwhile, for common user types, it can take you a long while to get used to this web-only operating system as the bundle is in the early stage of development.

Build state-of-the-art web browsers

Google Chromium OS is the first step towards a revolutionary web-based operating system that uses online apps and stores everything on the internet. With its advanced state though, average computer users can take a long while to get familiarized with its setup process and usage. Thus, it is mostly used by UI designers and developers. Nonetheless, if you’re persistent in learning, detailed guides are available on its developer page.