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

mackie · Feb 17, 2022

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/

mackie · Feb 17, 2022

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:

shaocaholica · Feb 17, 2022

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.

CornishRattler · Feb 17, 2022

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

mackie · Feb 17, 2022

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.

Chrome OS Flex is an ideal off-ramp for millions of PCs that can’t run Windows 11

We kick the tires on Flex and install it on some old hardware for good measure.

arstechnica.com

Hazel123 · Feb 17, 2022

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.

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.

CornishRattler · Feb 17, 2022

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.

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

Hazel123 · Feb 17, 2022

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.

Dch48 · Feb 17, 2022

Nope, the Chrome OS is horrible.

Hazel123 · Feb 17, 2022

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

Any joy? :)

Hazel123 · Feb 17, 2022

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/

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.

mackie · Feb 17, 2022

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.

humbird · Feb 17, 2022

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.

shaocaholica · Feb 17, 2022

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

humbird · Feb 17, 2022

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

mackie · Feb 17, 2022

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.

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.

shaocaholica · Feb 17, 2022

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.

thomaseg1 · Feb 17, 2022

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.

CornishRattler · Feb 18, 2022

Hazel123 said:
Any joy? :)

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

ThrashZone · Feb 18, 2022

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.

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

Well-known member

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Well-known member

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Member

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Well-known member

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Well-known member

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Well-known member

My Computers My Computers

At a glance

At a glance

Well-known member

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Well-known member

My Computers My Computers

At a glance

At a glance

Well-known member

My Computers My Computers

At a glance

At a glance

Well-known member

My Computers My Computers

At a glance

At a glance

Well-known member

My Computers My Computers

At a glance

At a glance

Well-known member

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Well-known member

My Computers My Computers

At a glance

At a glance

Member

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Well-known member

My Computers My Computers

At a glance

At a glance

Well-known member

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Member

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

....................

My Computers My Computers

At a glance

At a glance

Well-known member

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Minor Threat

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Similar threads

My Computer

My Computer

My Computer

My Computer

My Computer

My Computers

My Computer

My Computers

My Computers

My Computers

My Computers

My Computer

My Computers

My Computer

My Computers

My Computer

My Computer

My Computers

My Computer

My Computer