A new OS for when old computers can't handle Windows 11

So is Google positioning itself - with their new (unreleased at this time) Chrome OS Flex - for those millions of old computers that won't be able to handle Windows 11?

It looks like it works similar to how Linux distributions do and you can check it out without actually installing on the computer hdd/ssd.

OK, so I went to youtube to see if they had anything on it, and the videos are popping up now. The installs are from the dev channel since it's not out yet. Here's one:

Interesting. I haven't had much luck with mainstream linux on old computers. There are certainly more niche linux distros that cater to older hardware I wonder if google is actually going to optimize in that regard. Especially the browser which google obviously has full control over except being tied to the mainline chrome codebase. Even lite linux distros are beholden to the browser which they typically don't have control over.

It's the old Cloud Ready revamped after Google bought it in 2020. No Linux or Play Store

Well, it's definitely another option for older computers for when the day arrives and Windows 10 expires and we find Windows 11 starts showing issues on older pc's. I was watching another video of the install, and the narrator was warning about saving your data because everything, including the Windows OS, will be wiped out. I guess that probably means that a dual boot OS system is out of the question? This is just the dev form, so maybe too early to tell. The guy narrating said it made his old laptop 'blazing fast.' though......... his words.

Don't know how I would feel about turning pc into a Chromebook with no options for other browsers. That's a negative for me.

CR: yeah that is Cloud Ready revamped.

shaocaholica said:

Interesting. I haven't had much luck with mainstream linux on old computers. There are certainly more niche linux distros that cater to older hardware I wonder if google is actually going to optimize in that regard. Especially the browser which google obviously has full control over except being tied to the mainline chrome codebase. Even lite linux distros are beholden to the browser which they typically don't have control over.

Click to expand...

I used to put Bodhi Linux on anything that wouldn't run Windows. Works well. It's nothing like as sophisticated IMO but works well on netbooks. Works well on any computer actually. Always had issues with the others. It think it's about the only one that still has a 32 bit option.

mackie said:

Don't know how I would feel about turning pc into a Chromebook with no options for other browsers. That's a negative for me.

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I have an old W10 laptop, just seeing if it will dual boot this. downloading now

You can actually install android on a computer. Doesn't work very well though, I found! I wouldn't be keen on a "chromebook" either.

Nope, the Chrome OS is horrible.

CornishRattler said:

I have an old W10 laptop, just seeing if it will dual boot this. downloading now

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Any joy? :)

mackie said:

So is Google positioning itself - with their new (unreleased at this time) Chrome OS Flex - for those millions of old computers that won't be able to handle Windows 11?

It looks like it works similar to how Linux distributions do and you can check it out without actually installing on the computer hdd/ssd.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/02/15/google-chrome-os-flex-old-computers/

Click to expand...

I think most computers could handle Windows 11 that will run Windows 10 - with the rufus install and tpm requirements etc removed. Except 32 bit computers - which will run hardly anything! Or those that wouldn't upgrade to Windows 10. But for how long is another matter. I guess once Windows 10 stops being supported, a lot of those computers will be "old". But I think an old computer is still a working computer until it dies! So running something is good. I'm a bit of a fan of bodhi linux for things that won't run windows. It's a pain to install but works well. Main problem is Linux software seems very dated compared to windows these days.

I saw someplace where Chromebook supports Linux Debian. They turn it 'on' and with a simple linux install command they install the browser of their choice (Firefox, Vivaldi, etc.). When they switch out of Debian and back to regular Chrome mode, the browsers are there and available. I don't know if Debian is available in Chrome OS Flex though. That would be a definite plus for me.

I actually didn't mind my chromebook. I used one while I cared for my mother as I was handling her, and my finances and I just felt safer with doing it with the chromebook.
Not sure I would like the above operating system though if I could not use the playstore.

Chromebooks are fine for kids(or adults) that don't need a full fat computer.

I still had a windows laptop to play with. I had the chromebook for finances only.

Hazel123 said:

I think most computers could handle Windows 11 that will run Windows 10 - with the rufus install and tpm requirements etc removed. Except 32 bit computers - which will run hardly anything! Or those that wouldn't upgrade to Windows 10. But for how long is another matter. I guess once Windows 10 stops being supported, a lot of those computers will be "old". But I think an old computer is still a working computer until it dies! So running something is good. I'm a bit of a fan of bodhi linux for things that won't run windows. It's a pain to install but works well. Main problem is Linux software seems very dated compared to windows these days.

Click to expand...

My test computer running W 11 is one of those, it's 64-bit and runs 11 amazingly well. I would like MS to create a W 11 Lite for older machines for the future, but that's just wishful thinking. But.... who knows what they'll be doing in a few years. I've played with several distros but never bodhi. I finally settled on Mint and it's worked well for my basic usage. Other things, I go to Windows.

For 32bit only linux I have had good experiences with Bunsen Labs linux. They still maintain a 32bit build which is nice. Last time I played with it I was able to get 1080p h.264 (tweaked) playback on a pentium-m.

I have a Chromebook sitting on my shelf gathering dust. I haven't had a chance to change it over to puppy linux yet.
I found the chomebook too limited for me or others who like to "play" with their OS's.

Hazel123 said:

Any joy? :)

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Na, I ended up thinking what was the point tbh. I got it downloaded and live booted from the usb and then stopped

Hi,
Win-10 still has a lot of years of support and 32 bit compatible
Chrome/ book is a google one for who ever likes that company deal which I'd never be part of

Linux wise options are for the most part sudo pretty lame compared to windows to do basic stuff.