Which is the best OS in the world? The one that's free! CHROME OS FLEX!

Kristian Toić-TOTALPC Rijeka

3/14/202612 min read

This source features a tech enthusiast from Total PC Rijeka demonstrating why Chrome OS Flex is a superior operating system for business workstations and older hardware. The creator decides to replace Linux Mint on his HP All-in-One cash register system, praising the Google-based software for its incredible speed, stability, and ease of use. He highlights the simple installation process via a USB recovery utility and notes that the system automatically configures peripheral devices like printers and scanners without manual driver setup. The video emphasizes the efficiency of integrated Google services, such as Gemini AI, and the seamless synchronization with Android mobile devices for messaging. Ultimately, the author argues that this free operating system outperforms both Windows and various Linux distributions for professional environments.

How do I install Chrome OS Flex on old hardware?

To install Chrome OS Flex on old hardware, follow these steps based on the provided sources:

1. Prepare the Installation Media

Use a Windows PC: You must create the recovery media on a Windows computer because the Chromebook Recovery Utility does not work on Linux.
Browser Requirement: Open the Google Chrome browser (do not use Brave or Edge) and download the Chromebook Recovery Utility extension from the Chrome Web Store.
USB Requirements: You will need a USB flash drive with at least 8GB of storage.
Create the Stick: Open the utility and select "Google Chrome OS Flex" from the product list. The utility will download, unpack, and write the files to your USB stick, a process that takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

2. Boot from the USB Stick

Insert and Restart: Plug the prepared USB stick into the old hardware and restart the machine.
Access the Boot Menu: You must enter the computer's boot menu during startup (for example, by pressing F9 on HP devices).
Select the Drive: Choose the UEFI USB stick as the boot device.

3. Setup and Installation

Network Connection: You will need an internet connection during setup. If the system does not automatically recognize your Wi-Fi, it is recommended to use a wired LAN (Ethernet) cable.
Configure Settings: Select your preferred language and keyboard layout.
Fast Installation: The actual installation to the internal hard drive (such as an NVMe disk) can be remarkably fast, sometimes taking only about 60 seconds.
Sign In: Once installed, sign in with your Google/Gmail account. This will automatically sync your settings, printers, and applications like Google Drive, Gemini, and mobile messages.

Hardware Compatibility

Chrome OS Flex is a free operating system that can be installed on almost any computer, ranging from 20-year-old machines to the latest Ryzen 9 processors. It is described as being significantly faster and more efficient than many Linux distributions or Windows when used on older hardware.

What are the benefits of using an Ethernet cable during setup?

Using an Ethernet cable (LAN cable) during the setup of Chrome OS Flex provides several practical benefits to ensure a smooth installation:

Reliable Connectivity: Internal Wi-Fi hardware is not always recognized immediately by Chrome OS Flex during the initial setup. Having a physical cable ensures you can complete the network-dependent parts of the installation even if your Wi-Fi is not working.
Professional Stability: For "professional use," such as setting up a computer to act as a cash register (kasa), wired connections are preferred over Wi-Fi because they are considered more stable and reliable.
High-Speed Data Transfer: Using a "gigabit" wire allows for a fast connection, which is useful during the synchronization process after the initial installation.
Overcoming Driver Issues: While Wi-Fi and Bluetooth often work automatically on laptops, certain desktop or all-in-one hardware may show as "disconnected" during setup until a wired connection is established.

Once the system is connected via Ethernet, you can proceed with signing into your Google account and syncing your settings, applications, and printers.

What kind of apps are pre-installed on Chrome OS Flex?

Chrome OS Flex comes with several pre-installed Google applications and system utilities designed for productivity and communication. According to the sources, the following apps and services are available:

Core Productivity and AI Tools

Google Chrome: The default web browser and central hub for the OS.
Gemini: Google's AI assistant is integrated and ready to use.
Google Drive: Fully integrated for file storage and synchronization.
Gmail: Pre-configured for email access.
Online Office Suites: While desktop versions of Office are not installed, the OS provides easy access to Office 365, OneDrive, and Google Drive for online work.

Communication Apps

Google Messages: Once synced with an Android phone, you can send and receive SMS messages directly on the computer.
WhatsApp: This is available for use and synchronization with your mobile device.

System Utilities and Media

Gallery: A versatile app used to view and edit images, watch videos, and fill out PDF documents. It also includes built-in filters and features like Google Lens for image searching.
Camera: A dedicated app for taking photos and recording video.
Scanning Utility: The system includes a fast scanning tool that automatically detects connected hardware (like Brother or HP scanners) and allows you to scan to PDF, JPG, or PNG.
Printing Support: The OS automatically identifies and sets up drivers for connected printers.

1. Access the Correct Browser and Utility

Use Google Chrome: You must use the Google Chrome browser to create the media. The utility will not work if you use other browsers like Brave or Edge.
Download the Extension: Search for the Chromebook Recovery Utility in the Chrome Web Store. You do not need to be signed into a Google account to download or use the extension.

2. Prepare the Hardware

USB Stick: You will need a USB flash drive with at least 8GB of storage or larger.
Insert the Drive: Plug the USB stick into your Windows PC before starting the process.

3. Configure the Utility

Start the Process: Open the utility and click "Get started" and then "Next".
Identify the Product: When prompted to identify your Chromebook, choose "Select a model from a list" and then select "Google Chrome OS Flex" from the product menu.

4. Finalize the Creation

Wait for Completion: The utility will download the necessary files, unpack them, and write them to the USB stick. This entire process typically takes between 15 and 20 minutes.
Verification: The tool will verify the data once the writing is finished.
Eject the Media: Once the utility says the process is complete, click "Done" and safely eject the USB stick from your computer.

The sources note that this utility must be run on Windows because it is not compatible with Linux. Once created, the stick is ready to be used to install Chrome OS Flex on your target hardware.

How do I edit images and PDFs in the Gallery app?

In the Gallery app on Chrome OS Flex, you can view and modify your files using several built-in tools designed for quick edits and document management.

Editing Images

When you open an image in the Gallery app—whether it is a file from your downloads or a document you have just scanned—you have access to the following features:

Basic Adjustments: You can crop, rotate, and rescale images. For example, you can manually enter new dimensions (like 1980 x 1318) to change the resolution.
Filters and Exposure: The app includes filters and settings to adjust the exposure, allowing you to make an image lighter or darker.
Drawing Tool: There is a "Draw" feature that allows you to draw or write directly on the image.
Google Lens Integration: You can use the "Search with Google Lens" feature within the app to identify objects or locations in your photos, such as identifying a city from an aerial view.

Working with PDFs

The Gallery app is also used for managing PDF documents:

Filling Forms: You can use the app to fill out PDF documents directly.
Seamless Scanning: When you use the system's scanning utility to scan a document, Chrome OS Flex can automatically prompt you to open and edit that file in the Gallery app immediately.

The app serves as a versatile, all-in-one tool for viewing and editing files without the need for additional third-party software like Photoshop.

How do I authenticate my phone to sync messages?

To authenticate your phone and sync messages on Chrome OS Flex, follow these steps based on the sources:

Sign in with your Google Account: The process begins during the initial setup when you sign in with your Gmail or Google account. This action automatically triggers the synchronization of your settings, apps, and connected services across devices.
Access the Messengers Section: Once logged in, you can navigate to the messaging area. The sources mention that to link your specific communication apps, you must authenticate using your mobile phone.
Instant Synchronization: After the authentication process is completed on your Android device, your SMS messages and WhatsApp will sync "in the same second".
Direct Interaction: Once the sync is active, you can read and write messages directly on your computer screen, which allows you to stay focused on your work without needing to check your physical phone.

This integration ensures that your computer acts as a seamless extension of your mobile device for all your communication needs.

How do I sign in to access Google Drive and Gemini?

To sign in and access Google Drive and Gemini on Chrome OS Flex, you follow these steps based on the sources:

Use your Google Account: During the initial setup process, or when prompted by the system, you must sign in with your Gmail/Google account,.
Automatic Synchronization: Once you provide your credentials, the operating system automatically synchronizes your settings, files, and applications across your devices,.
Accessing the Tools: Because Chrome OS Flex is a web-based operating system, services like Google Drive and Gemini are integrated and available immediately after you sign in,.
Menu Navigation: You can find these applications by clicking on the "G" icon (the launcher), where Gemini, Google Drive, and Gmail are listed and ready for use,.
Cloud Integration: In addition to Google services, the system also allows you to sign in to other online platforms like OneDrive or Office 365 to manage your work entirely online.

By signing in with your primary Google account, you ensure that all your productivity tools and AI assistants are linked and accessible directly from the desktop,.

To authenticate your mobile phone for use with Chrome OS Flex, follow these steps based on the sources:

Sign in to your Google Account: The primary authentication begins when you sign in to the computer using your Gmail/Google account. This initial sign-in triggers the synchronization of your settings and linked services.
Link Your Messaging Services: To specifically sync your messages, navigate to the "Messengers" section on your Chrome OS Flex device.
Complete Authentication on Your Phone: You must then use your mobile phone to complete the authentication process for services like WhatsApp and SMS. This link allows the computer to act as an extension of your phone.
Instant Synchronization: Once the mobile authentication is finished, the systems sync "in the same second," making all your SMS and WhatsApp messages immediately available on your computer screen.

Once these steps are completed, you can read and write messages directly from Chrome OS Flex, eliminating the need to check your physical phone while working.

To sync WhatsApp to Chrome OS Flex, you need to link your mobile device through your Google account and complete a brief authentication process.

According to the sources, follow these steps:

Sign in with your Google Account: During the initial setup of Chrome OS Flex, you must sign in using your Gmail/Google account. This is the primary step that allows the operating system to begin synchronizing your settings, applications, and connected services.
Navigate to Messengers: Once the system is running, go to the "Messengers" section of the interface.
Authenticate via Mobile: To specifically activate WhatsApp and SMS syncing, you must authenticate the connection using your mobile phone.
Instant Synchronization: After the mobile authentication is complete, your messages will sync "in the same second". This allows you to read and write WhatsApp messages directly on your computer screen, so you do not have to look at your phone while working.

By following this process, Chrome OS Flex acts as an extension of your mobile device, providing seamless access to your communications alongside other integrated tools like Gemini and Google Drive.

Is Chrome OS Flex compatible with Ryzen 9 processors?

Yes, Chrome OS Flex is compatible with Ryzen 9 processors.

According to the sources, the operating system is highly versatile and can be installed on a wide range of hardware, from 20-year-old computers to the latest Ryzen 9 systems. The sources also highlight successful usage and installation on other modern hardware, such as a Ryzen 5 Pro (used to create the installation media) and an Intel i3 (N300).,

Yes, Chrome OS Flex is compatible with Ryzen 9 processors.

How do I use the scanning utility for documents?

The scanning utility in Chrome OS Flex is integrated directly into the system, allowing you to digitize documents quickly without needing additional third-party software.

To use the scanning utility, follow these steps based on the sources:

1. Access the Utility and Detect Hardware

Automatic Detection: When you open the scanning tool, the system immediately looks for connected scanners. It is described as being significantly faster than other operating systems, which may take several seconds to recognize hardware.
Select Your Device: If you have multiple devices, the utility will ask you to choose which one to use (for example, a Brother or HP scanner).

2. Configure Scan Settings

Document Placement: You can choose to scan a single sheet of paper placed on the scanner glass or use an automatic document feeder if your device has one.
Choose File Format: You can save your scanned documents in various formats, including PDF, JPG, or PNG.
Adjust Quality and Size: The utility allows you to set the page size (such as A4) and choose the color mode, with options for color, black and white, or grayscale.

3. Save and Edit

Select Destination: You can choose to save the scan directly to your local files or a specific folder.
Immediate Editing: Once a scan is finished, Chrome OS Flex automatically offers to open the file for editing.
- PDFs: You can fill out scanned PDF documents directly.
- Images: You can use the Gallery app to crop, rotate, rescale, or draw on the scanned image.

The system is designed to handle these tasks seamlessly, and it even keeps a log of what was printed or scanned and on which device.