$600 Chromebooks are a dangerous development for Microsoft Chrome OS is set to expand beyond the education market. September 01, 2018 https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2018/09/600-chromebooks-are-a-dangerous-development-for-microsoft/
OK, so do Chromebooks have any security and/or privacy advantages? And aren't Android apps horrible in that regard?
ummmm... yes. Chrome OS isn't a vulnerability pool like Windows. When a vulnerability is found, they don't ignore it as "it is not a vulnerability" like MS does. About Chrome Store apps, depends what is your chromebook purpose. You don't need to use any of them, just select the legit ones. anyway you can reset the OS in 15sec. About privacy, Google and MS are same, none are better than the other, just avoid using your real name . what i do on a my Win10 leisure computer? surfing (using Chrome in my case, safest browser) and watching vids on Youtube, my docs are in the cloud. So basically all i need is a Chromebook and i will avoid the security theater rigmarole of Windows.
I don't use them. But Slyguy over at Malwaretips does. https://malwaretips.com/threads/configure-your-chromebook-for-ultimate-security.80764/ "Disable 'Help Google with this OS' Once disabled it stops - in my estimates based on PCAPS about 90% of all telemetry and logging. It makes Chromebook one of the quietest operating systems just behind most linux distros, and legions less telemetry than Windows."
Yes, regarding privacy I agree. Google's business model is much more dependent on user data than Microsoft's.
Where a metered internet connection (especially where ISP packages are abysmal) is the issue, Chromebooks have the advantage. W10 is way more bandwidth hungry when it comes to updates - the worst being when an update fails and the downloading starts all over again. Overage charges are not cheap. When it comes to privacy I think MS profits from the data they collect by sharing what they learn about Windows users with their business partners: hardware platforms in use, program usage, apps downloads, search data and user purchasing habits. They are exploiting knowledge to further their business opportunities. In essence it is a sell strategy. They sell knowledge, not data (spin spin spin).
Given the choice between Google and Microsoft, maybe neither is best? But I do use Google search, translate and maps. As both Mirimir, and as my meatspace identity. But I'm very careful to avoid creating associations. My meatspace identity, for example, never says "meatspace". The idea of using a Google-dependent OS is a little too frightening, however
You don't have to sign in, you can just sign in as guest. Source: I have an older Chromebook and still use it.
I don't think that the Chromebook is a serious alternative to Windows. But I do like to run some Android apps on Windows, is BlueStacks any good? https://www.softpedia.com/get/Mobile-Phone-Tools/Others/BlueStacks.shtml
I think a Chromebook is a viable alternative to Windows, especially for users who are not very knowledgeable. They get all the services they need and it is way less complicated and less expensive to maintain. Also knowledgeable non-enterprise users are aware that Microsoft's business strategy became WaaS, cloud and AI - a big shift in the way MS delivers their products and services. MS cloud services are designed for the enterprise client and that translates to centralized not distributed computing. Today, kids really do not need to beef up on a Microsoft OS or its products to ease into university or the work force. In the not so distant future an employee will have a desktop that is no less than a dumb terminal and a smart(er) phone for communications and useful apps. Evil? At least you have a choice today whereas in the past you did not. Choose your poison, as they say.
Review: HP’s Chromebook x2 could convince me to go all-in on Chrome OS https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/201...-could-convince-me-to-go-all-in-on-chrome-os/
Well, not for me. To me it's all about my favorite apps and I'm not sure if I would be able to do the same on a Chromebook. I did read that Linux apps will soon be introduced on ChromeOS, that could be a game changer, but I've never actually used Linux.
New Zealand chooses Google Chromebooks over Microsoft Windows 10 for education October 23, 2018 https://betanews.com/2018/10/22/nz-chromebook-linux-kiwi-edu/
On my win10 machine, what i do: - surf with chrome - watch vids on YouTube - mail via gmail - share docs via Google docs. - backup files in Google Drive. - sync my Android phones. Guess what? my next laptop will surely be a chromebook. I'm on Windows because my work and love of security softs testing...
I read enough articles, reviews, and comparisons this past month trying to catch myself up to speed and decided since I already am crazy wild attached to android on my smartphones anyway, i'm going to invest in the newest Chromebook myself and am looking forward to see how well Chrome O/S really is live and in person.
But what about other stuff? The reason to use Windows for me is the amount of apps that are available.
I have two laptops: A Lenovo preinstalled with Ubuntu and an Asus ChromeBook. There are some apps available on Chrome that aren't on Ubuntu, and vice versa. I'd consider a MacBook, but I'll never buy another laptop with Windows installed. I really don't miss M$.
I live in Brazil, I am a member of Public Prosecutor's Office and a Chromebook is totally useless for me and for many people that I know of. It doesnt run Java, there is no support for the kind of hardware security tokens that are necessary to use "PROJUDI" or "PJE" systems, it cant run some internet banking modules and there isnt support for many applications that we need to run on daily basis. Chromebook is enough for many users, but for them a Smartphone is a better option anyway (and in my Country, cheaper too). Smartphones are actually much more dangerous for Microsoft than this niche piece of software that Chrome OS is (except for the US market ofcourse).
I am using three 6" android phones already, i think I don't need another one lol. A tablet may also be useful but I love laptops I also have 3 Win10 laptops...if I buy a chromebook it will be mostly for leisure, surfing and watching vids without the hassle of the security circus we used to have with Windows...
Samsung DeX can turn a phone into a full desktop computer: https://www.techradar.com/reviews/samsung-dex-pad