Windows has numerous advantages over Chrome OS, but the most obvious is its extensive hardware support. This is significant if you plan on running graphically intensive games or high-powered software on your computer. Macs, on the other hand, don't have the same hardware selection as Windows devices, and are more expensive. Moreover, there are only a handful of Chrome OS devices that can compete with Windows hardware. So, which one is better?
For those of us who are used to working with a Windows desktop, Chrome OS will be a welcome change. Its lightweight design and minimalist user interface are refreshing. It is reminiscent of the Chrome browser, so the interface is simple and intuitive. The main screen has just two elements - a magnifying glass app launcher and a shelf where you can pin apps. The shelf can be placed anywhere on the screen, and can be hidden when not in use.
While the interface on Windows is similar to that of Android, the Chrome OS user interface is more minimalist. Windows features a main desktop, a Taskbar, and a menu displaying all your apps on the left side. Unlike the Windows Start menu, which allows you to access a variety of files and services, the Chrome OS interface only shows a list of apps. Chrome OS is not as easy to use, but its user interface is straightforward.
The first thing you will notice when you install Chrome OS on a computer is its clean interface. It lacks all the Windows junk, like the task bar, the taskbar, and dozens of background processes. Chrome OS is fast, especially compared to Windows and macOS, but it's still not a complete replacement for Windows. This is because Chrome OS doesn't have all the legacy programs that Windows does, and it runs on less memory.
For your Chrome OS computer, the amount of RAM that you need should depend on the type of processor it has. Budget Chromebooks, for example, have Intel Celeron or MediaTek processors, which tend to perform slower than higher-spec models. Therefore, you'll need at least 8 GB of RAM to maximize its performance. However, you should keep in mind that this won't be enough for intensive use.
As the name suggests, Chrome OS runs on Google's cloud platform, which means that it can run apps made for Android. That's great news for Chromebook users. Because Chrome OS is based on Android, it has a variety of benefits. For starters, it lets you download apps without an Internet connection, making it perfect for traveling or working on the go. Unlike the Windows operating system, which requires internet access to run its applications, Chrome OS can be used offline, though some apps won't run properly or have limited functionality if you're offline.
However, there are many limitations with Android apps on Chrome OS devices. For example, they can't run traditional desktop apps, but they can run their Chrome versions. Chrome Apps are like native desktop applications, but on the mobile platform. They're available in the Chrome Web Store and are as good as those on Windows and Mac OS. These apps have many uses, including collaboration tools, such as Berkeley Lab's G Suite. Microsoft's Office 365, Maximo, Peoplesoft, JIRA, and Confluence can all be run on Chrome OS.
The latest material you work involves changing the shape and color of individual windows in Chrome OS. Previously, apps windows on Chromebooks have sharp corners. This new prototype sets app windows on Chrome OS to have rounded corners, tying in with the "card" metaphor of Material Design. It is still an early version of Material You, but it's clear that this new style will become a staple of the new OS. For now, we'll just have to wait a few months before we see it rolled out to the public.
Google has also revamped the wallpaper app on Chrome OS with its Material You design. It features rounded corners, larger fonts, and Google's Product Sans font. This look is similar to the design on Android 12.
If you are looking for a new look for your computer, consider changing your Windows theme. Many people like the classic look of Windows, and the new theme has many of the same characteristics. It uses a simpler color scheme and the classic taskbar, while retaining modern conveniences like panes and high resolutions. But what about those who prefer a more retro look? Windows XP is the most nostalgic theme in Windows history, with its blue and green taskbar.
If you're looking for a simpler theme for Windows 10, consider switching to a macOS-style color scheme. Monterey, for example, features a rounded dock icon and a Finder bar across the top of the screen. Using greys and blacks as the primary color scheme, it's a good choice for people who find white backgrounds too harsh. You can also choose between a light and dark version of the theme to customize your computer's appearance.