Tag: mac
Google’s free Chrome OS Flex can turn an old PC into a Chromebook
Google has released Chrome OS Flex, a way to take older Windows and Mac hardware and replace the operating system, turning them into Chromebooks. It's an interesting development given Windows 11's strict hardware requirements, which could leave legions of older PCs stranded when Windows 10 goes end-of-life in 2025.
Although Google is calling Chrome OS Flex an “early access” and “unstable” project, the concept is intriguing: Instead of disposing an old PC that's nearing the end of its life, you can turn it into a Chromebook instead. Google has launched the new operating system on its dedicated Chrome OS Flex site, though you'll have to sign up with an email to receive download instructions.
Google appears to be positioning Chrome OS Flex for a dual purpose: a way for consumers to try out the benefits of Chromebooks, and a way for enterprises to evaluate how well they can be managed. For example, a Chrome OS Flex “fleet” can be managed with Chrome Enterprise Upgrade, Google says. If this all sounds familiar, you're right: Google bought CloudReady a few years ago, and used that company's work as a way to turn laptop PCs into Chromebooks. Google describes CloudReady as a “previous version of Chrome OS Flex.” “Google will automatically update CloudReady devices to Chrome OS Flex, when Chrome OS Flex is stable,” the company added.
Traditionally, DIY PC enthusiasts would either leave an older PC running, scavenge it for parts, or replace the Windows operating system with a resource-light version of Linux. Now, Google is offering them an additional option: Replace Windows with Chrome OS, and enjoy the benefits of that streamlined operating system. And that's a point to be reiterated: Chrome OS Flex doesn't offer the ability to run Chrome OS in a window or a virtualized environment, a la the new Android apps for Windows. Instead, it replaces Windows, and all of its files.
On a support page, Google says that Chrome OS Flex will be a more limited version of CloudReady, at least for now: “Chrome OS Flex will not allow some system-level access currently available on CloudReady Home Edition, including: command line access via shell and command line access via teletype (TTY),” Google says.
Don't expect things to go smoothly, either. “This operating system is still in early access on the dev channel—you may experience some instability,” Google says.
Matthew Smith / IDG
Installing Google Chrome OS Flex looks similar to installing Windows 11 via installation media on a new PC. You'll need a USB key with 8GB or more. PCs will need at least 4GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. The CPU restrictions are more lenient: You'll need a 64-bit CPU, period. Which is basically any processor made after the year 2000. There are GPU restrictions, though: Intel GMA 500, 600, 3600, and 3650 graphics hardware do not meet Chrome OS Flex performance standards, Google says.
The real gotcha, however, appears to be simply in the diversity of compatible PC hardware, and how it will interact with Chrome OS Flex. Google has published a list of “certified models” that are either currently certified or planned to be certified with Chrome OS Flex, and many, many of them are listed with the caveat “minor issues expected” next to them. (“Models are likely to support at least basic functionality, but are still being worked on by our team,” Google says rather circularly, in describing what “minor issues” might mean. “You might run into minor issues.”)
The certified models include both PCs and Macs.
So why wouldn't you want to install Chrome OS Flex on an older PC? Well, there is the substantial list of caveats that come with the installation. For one, forget Android apps, Google Play, or Parallels Desktop support—that's out, Google says. Google can't manage firmware updates on Chrome OS Flex devices, nor can it provide verified boot capabilities. ARM PCs? Nope.
All this makes it seem like adding Chrome OS Flex to an older PC is very much a “use at your own risk” type of project—but one that can still turn your older PC into a Chromebook, for free. It's worth checking out before you toss it out.
Best password managers: Reviews of the top products
We are terrible at passwords. We still suck at creating them (two of the most-used passwords remain “123456” and “password”), we share them way too freely, and we forget them all the time. Indeed, the very thing that can ensure our online security has become our biggest obstacle to it. This is what makes a good password manager essential.
A password manager relieves the burden of thinking up and memorizing unique, complex logins—the hallmark of a secure password. It allows you to safely share those logins with others when necessary. And because these tools encrypt your login info in a virtual vault—either locally or in the cloud—and lock it down with a single master password, they protect the passwords themselves. If you're looking to fortify your security game, a password manager does that. Yes, web browsers are starting to offer password management features, but they're not good enough.
Mind you, password managers vary widely in capabilities and cost; we compared several of the most popular. All support Windows, Mac OS, Android, and iOS, as well as the major browsers. And all will let you sync your data across multiple devices, though you may have pay extra for that privilege.
Here are our top picks, followed by tips on what to look for when shopping for a password manager. Once you've found the right password manager for your needs, head over to our guide on mastering your password manager.
1. LastPass – Best overall password manager
LastPass ticks all the boxes on our password manager wish list. It makes it a breeze to create unique, complex passwords; capture and manage login credentials; sync them across multiple devices; and share them with others you trust. Its password auditing and updating features help you identify and eliminate weak or duplicate passwords with just a mouse click or two. LP also stores credit card numbers and other personal data to autofill web forms when you're making a purchase, signing up for a service, or paying a bill.
LastPass supports a range of multi-factor authentication options for protecting your vault, including app-based authenticators like Symantec VIP and Google Authenticator, hardware tokens like YubiKey, and fingerprint readers.
2. Dashlane – Best overall runner-up
Dashlane is the strongest contender for LastPass's crown. It has a beautiful interface, is easy to use, and is stocked with features to help you strengthen your online security. Chief among these is a stellar security dashboard that grades your passwords and suggests actions for boosting your score and your protection. Dashlane is free for a single device, but if you want syncing across multiple devices you'll need a paid plan: the $60-per-year Premium plan or the $90-per-year Family plan that covers six accounts. These prices are at the higher end, high quality of the program notwithstanding. That's why Dashlane is our runner-up.
3. Keeper – Most security-minded
It's a consumer's market when it comes to password managers. While we have our clear favorites above, Keeper is a very strong contender in its own right. It takes security issues just a notch above. For instance, it eschews an automatic password update feature as it would require even temporary access to your credentials. It's a solid choice in all respects as well.
4. LogMeOnce
While most password managers require a master password to access your password vault, LogMeOnce relieves you of having to remember even that. It uniquely offers the option of a PIN, biometric, or photo login to access your vault.
5. Password Boss
Password Boss is a perfectly decent password manager. It hits all the basic features you'd expect—easy creation and storage of credentials for your various accounts. It lacks a couple of the extras that our top picks offer, however, like automatic password updates and a web interface. That drops it down a tier.
6. NordPass
With so many strong options to choose from, a password manager needs to fill some pretty big shoes to stand out. Alas, NordPass, while being a fine password manager, and certainly capable of getting the job done, still can't match the dollar-for-dollar value of it's most polished peers.
What to look for in a password manager
At their most basic, password managers capture your username and password—usually via a browser plugin—when you log in to a website, and then automatically fill in your credentials when you return to that site. They store all your passwords in an encrypted database, often referred to as a “vault,” which you protect with a single master password.
Of course, most password managers do much more than this and many extend protection beyond your login credentials to other types of personal data. We narrowed it down to a few essential features that we looked for and you should too:
- Password generation: You've been reminded ad nauseam that the strongest passwords are long, random strings of characters, and that you should use a different one for each site you access. That's a tall order. This is what makes password generation—the ability to create complex passwords out of letters, numbers, and special characters—an indispensable feature of any good password manager. The best password managers will also be able to analyze your existing passwords for weaknesses and upgrade them with a click.
- Autofill and auto-login: Most password managers can autofill your login credentials whenever you visit a site and even log you in automatically. Thus, the master password is the only one you ever have to enter. This is controversial, though, as browser autofill has long been a security concern, so the best managers will also let you toggle off this feature if you feel the risk outweighs the convenience.
- Secure sharing: Sometimes you need to share a password with a family member or coworker. A password manager should let you do so without compromising your security.
- Two-factor authentication: To an enterprising cybercriminal, your password manager's master password is as hackable as any other password. Increasingly, password managers support multi-factor authentication—using a second method such as a PIN, a fingerprint, or another “trusted device” for additional verification—to mitigate this risk. Choose one that does.
- Protection for other personal data: Because of how frequently we use them online, credit card and bank account numbers, our addresses, and other personal data can be securely stored in many password managers and automatically filled into web forms when we're shopping or registering an account.
No online security measure is 100 percent foolproof, though, as we were reminded when LastPass, one of the most reputable password managers, recently scrambled to fix a pair of vulnerabilities that could have compromised users' passwords and their computers. And just last month, OneLogin was victim of a breach that compromised customer data, including the ability to decrypt data.
Still, most security experts agree that password managers are still the safest way for people to manage their myriad logins, and we agree that the benefits far outweigh the risks. Just choose your password manager carefully after researching all the options starting with the guide. We also have a guide to the best free password managers.
Editor's note: Because online services are often iterative, gaining new features and performance improvements over time, our reviews are subject to change in order to accurately reflect the current state of the services.
What are the system requirements for Total War: Warhammer III?
Be sure your PC can run the game before you purchase it.
The post What are the system requirements for Total War: Warhammer III? appeared first on Dot Esports.
How to turn an old laptop into a Chromebook
Sometimes, a Chromebook beats a Windows laptop. Complexity often makes life harder for users easily confused by computers—and the people who provide them IT support. A Chromebook's simplified interface does away with driver management, endless system updates, and even malware avoidance.
More importantly, Chromebooks run a lightweight operating system that feels fast and responsive on older and budget hardware, making them far more affordable. In fact, you can create your own Chromebook for free if you have an older laptop lying around. You just have to install the equivalent of Chrome OS on it.
The process takes less than an hour, and the end result often feels snappier than today's dirt-cheap Chromebooks. Here's how to do the conversion.
How to convert a laptop into a Chromebook
For this project, we'll be using Neverware's CloudReady operating system, which is based on Chromium OS—the same open-source code that Google built Chrome OS on. You can read more about the basic differences between the two if you're curious, but all you need to know is that Neverware has made the experience of using CloudReady nearly identical to Chrome OS.
The one key feature missing is support for Android apps. (Despite purchasing Neverware in December 2020, Google has not merged development for CloudReady and Chrome OS.) So if that's integral to your needs, you'll have to buy an official Chromebook. Otherwise you're good to go.
Update (Feb 15, 2022): Google has launched an early version of Chrome OS Flex, which builds upon and will ultimately supercede CloudReady. Since Chrome OS Flex is a limited version of CloudReady, with some missing features and compatible devices still experiencing “minor issues,” this guide will continue to rely on CloudReady for now. Google says that existing CloudReady installations will automatically be upgraded to Chrome OS Flex when the latter is stable.
Step 1: Check that your laptop will meet the requirements
CloudReady's system requirements are very minimal: Just 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, full BIOS access, and manufactured after 2007.
Like Chrome OS, CloudReady's system requirements are very minimal. The laptop must have 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, full BIOS access, and ideally been manufactured after 2007. You will still need to check your CPU model, though, as Neverware says that processors with Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 500, 600, 3600, or 3650 graphics hardware don't meet CloudReady's performance standards. (In other words, Atom processors from the Silverthorne, Lincroft, and Cedarview families, which were found in low-end laptops between 2008 and early 2012.)
Your best-case scenario is to find your laptop on Neverware's list of certified devices, which clearly outlines support for features like a webcam or touchscreen. (Click on the model's name to see those details.) We lucked out that our test model, a 2013 Lenovo ThinkPad X240, had full feature support across the board.
We lucked out with our test machine, a Lenovo ThinkPad X240: All of its major features are supported.
Note: On the compatibility list, you'll see desktop systems like iMacs and NUCs listed as well—so if you have a spare monitor, mouse, and keyboard, you can instead spin up a Chromebox. Systems running integrated graphics work best.
If your laptop meets the hardware requirements but isn't on the certified devices list, don't worry. You can try out CloudReady from the flash drive you'll create next, which will allow you to test out how well it works without having to nuke your system.
FRIENDLY REMINDER: Before you begin installing CloudReady, back up any files within your existing OS! The process is the same as a clean install of Windows, Linux, or MacOS and will completely wipe your drive.
Step 2: Prepare the flash drive for installation
To install CloudReady, you'll need an 8GB USB drive (at minimum) and a PC, Mac, or Chromebook to create the installation media. The process takes about 20 minutes.
We'll be using CloudReady Home edition, which is free and will work even if you plan to use this Chromebook for school. You can ignore any notes or warnings about restrictions related to management licenses—they're for the CloudReady Enterprise and Education versions, which would be purchased by an institution.
The easiest way to prepare a CloudReady installation flash drive is with a Windows PC.
Using a Windows PC to create the flash drive installer is easiest, as you can download the USB Maker and let it take care of the whole process. For Macs, Linux PCs, and Chromebooks, you'll need to download the CloudReady Home Edition image first, then follow Neverware's instructions for manually building your installer.
Step 3: Boot to flash drive
In order to boot to your newly created flash drive, you must bypass your laptop's automatic boot order, which usually defaults to the primary storage drive. You'll do this by hitting a key on your keyboard when your PC first powers up, similar to entering the BIOS. Search online for how to access the boot priority menu for your particular laptop, since it's not universal. For example, our Lenovo ThinkPad X240 required mashing F12 right at startup, while for our HP Spectre x360, it was F9. CloudReady even provides a list of boot keys for major laptop makers.
An alternative method is to enter your laptop's BIOS (again, you will need to search for which key to press when powering on your laptop) and rearrange the automatic boot order, then undo that change after your CloudReady install.
In either case, you should be able to choose the USB drive as your boot device. A white screen with the CloudReady logo will appear shortly thereafter.
Tip: Did you end up in your laptop's default operating system after booting, despite repeated button mashing? You likely waited too long to start pressing the key, or you aren't pressing the right combination of keys. (Example: Function keys may require also holding the Fn key—or not.)
Step 4: Install CloudReady
When the welcome screen appears, you can take one of two routes: Immediately wipe your laptop's drive and install CloudReady, or configure CloudReady on the flash drive. Choose the latter if you'd like to test drive CloudReady for short while—doing so allows you to try out Neverware's OS without any destructive changes to your system.
Note: Neverware does not recommend running CloudReady indefinitely from a USB drive due to performance and storage limitations, as well as a lack of OS updates.
Option 1: Installation
After booting to the flash drive, wait for the welcome screen to appear, then click on the bottom right-hand part of the screen where the time shows. In the menu that appears, choose Install OS.
You'll find the option for installing CloudReady to your laptop within this menu.
Confirm you've backed up your data, and then proceed with the hard drive wipe and CloudReady installation. Neverware says the process will last between 5 and 20 minutes, depending on the speed of your flash drive and the size of your laptop's hard drive.
Upon completion, your laptop will shut down. Remove the USB drive, then power the system back on (and undo any changes to your BIOS's automatic boot order, if applicable). You'll see a welcome screen once again, now running from your laptop. Click on Let's Go to begin setup.
Option 2: Try out CloudReady from the flash drive
When the welcome screen appears, click on Let's Go to start setup. After passing through configuration screens for Wi-Fi, data sharing, and Google account login, you'll reach the desktop. Close out of the pop-up window that shows info on the paid editions and current release notes to begin using CloudReady.
Unless you wish to read the release notes, you can close out of this desktop start screen right away.
You can later install CloudReady locally by clicking on the time in the bottom right-hand part of the screen. Choose Install OS in the menu that appears. After completion, your laptop will shut down. Remove the USB drive, then power the system back on (and undo any changes to your BIOS's automatic boot order, if applicable). You'll see the welcome screen once again, now running from your laptop; begin setup by clicking on Let's Go.
Step 5: Log into your Google Account
If you installed CloudReady to the laptop's storage drive, you now only need connect to the internet (either via Wi-Fi or ethernet), set your data sharing preference, and log into your Google account. You'll then reach the desktop, where you'll see a pop-up window that shows info on the paid editions and current release notes.
Close it to start using your DIY Chromebook—you're all set to go. As of version 89 of CloudReady, proprietary media plugins no longer need to be installed manually. You can start streaming video from services that rely on DRM (Netflix, Hulu, etc) right away!
How well does it run?
As a Windows PC, our Lenovo ThinkPad X240 was starting to get long in the tooth. As a Chromebook, its hardware automatically made for a smooth, pleasant experience.
For this article, we used a 2013 Lenovo ThinkPad X240, borrowed from our IT department's stash of decommissioned laptops. This 12.5-inch touchscreen laptop is long in the tooth by today's standards, mostly due to a spinning-platter hard disk drive—when working within Windows 8.1, the system felt sluggish even during basic use.
But our X240's Intel Core i5-4300U processor, 8GB RAM, and 500GB drive absolutely crushes today's budget Chromebooks. It hangs pretty well with mid-range models, too, despite its 1366×768 resolution display. When we tried CloudReady off the flash drive, the touchscreen worked immediately and the system ran buttery smooth; even when installed on the hard disk drive, CloudReady had a much faster response time than Windows 8.1. Normally in an older laptop, I'd swap in an SSD to prolong its life, but I found I could use CloudReady on the X240's existing hardware without yearning for that upgrade.
Standby battery life also improved, allowing us to go from a day of use between charges in Win 8.1 to a couple of days in CloudReady.
If you don't have an old laptop
Try hunting for gently used notebooks among reliable friends or family. Local universities sometimes also have surplus departments, which offload older computer equipment by selling it to the public. On occasion, you can find good refurbished computers through Amazon Warehouse or Woot, too.
Final tips
- If your older laptop has low-end hardware (or very old hardware) paired with a hard-disk drive, you'll get better performance by swapping in an SSD. Find out the height of your existing hard drive before buying to ensure it'll fit.
- Though CloudReady functions all but the same as Chrome OS, one small difference is that the keyboard layouts don't match exactly. Most keyboard commands carry over, but a few are a little different. Our Lenovo ThinkPad X240 didn't even match Neverware's suggestion of CTRL + F5 for taking a screenshot; for some inexplicable reason, CTRL + F11 worked instead. You may also need to experiment to find the right key combos.
Editor's Note: This story originally published on 8/24/2020 and has been updated with current instructions for installing CloudReady.
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