Welcome to the wonderful world of Chromebooks (and Chrome O/S) !

A Sure Fire Elixir for Technology Stress !

An exciting separation from commercial oppressors most didn't know they had

A HUGE Breath of Fresh Air for MOTHER EARTH and her darling in crime, MOTHER TIME, too!

Important Information regarding Personal Perspective ! - Please read this at least one time!

This information is written from the perspective of a technology oriented small business person who has used his technology skills to stay fully self-employed in a variety of non-technology centric work for over 2 decades.

I do not use my computers for heavy entertainment use. If this information seems light on Google Play Store type information and entertainment related documentation, this is the reason for that!

Also, it may be important to some. I am a very dis-satisfied LIFE LONG Microsoft Windows User (1988 to present). I also was a small Corporate Client of the Dell Corporation until his planned obsolesce schemes finally turned me to more responsible manufacturers. That may shape some of my feelings too.

Finally, no need to try to "memorize" any of this. You can come back and re-read it for FREE anytime you'd like. There are also FREE tutorials with photos which convey the information below along with much more, and they should really help out too.

Introductions

1) Introduction to a Chromebook and Chrome O/S!

A Chromebook is a notebook computer (laptop computer) with a very simple and secure Unix based "operating system" called Chrome O/S on it.

Google created the Chrome Operating System, shortened to Chrome O/S because it sounds cooler.
Chrome O/S represents an new alternative to Windows, Mac's operating system and other Unix based operating systems
The term "Chromebook" comes from Chrome O/S + notebook computer >> 'Chromebook"
Chrome O/S is not limited to laptops. that's just how it has been marketed. It can be loaded on desktop computers too.
Chrome O/S is limited in functionality as compared to other operating systems. It was/is geared for "Cloud Computing", with very limited local computing functionality.

2) Introduction to Cloud Computing

"Cloud Computing" is the new type of computing in which websites and other web based resources provide the bulk of user functionality. Thus "Cloud Computing" is replacing "Local Computing" from a time gone by.

In "Cloud Computing" you don't have downloadable software on your machine or device.
"Cloud Computing" is something you have to orient towards. It means all the resources you use for personal organization, business and entertainment are actually stored in and being served from the cloud in real time.
- Nobody was doing Cloud Computing 30 years ago because there wasn't a commercial internet then
- Few were doing cloud computing prior to the release of the first iPhone in 2006. At that time, websites were mostly for information and e-commerce only.
- As of 2020, most people have at least one toe in the cloud with the others firmly on dry land, and it's that long stretch that is creating much of the technology stress in society today. Other stress is coming from all the vendors who wanted your dollars and your data so bad they sold their souls to get it. Few soul-sellers realized the true nature of the community games in play, and man is it fun to bring them back into the fray!

3) Introduction to a Web Browser and Google Chrome

A web browse is a small bit of software that allows you to see into the internet.

When you open the software a rectangular screen shows up. There is an address bar, also now called an omni box, near the top of that window and that allows you to identify the web address you want to browser OR it allows you to enter key words to search for web resources you may be interested in.
Think of a web address conceptually like a radio station or tv station, kind of. Each web address provides content to be read or watched.

Whatever you do, don't call Chrome O/S just "Chrome", as that is the more common name for "Google Chrome", Google's Web Browser

Google's Web Browser which is called Google Chrome can be installed on all computers no matter their operating system. This is typically the case for all major web browser software.
Other web browsers that do generally the same thing as Google Chrome include Microsoft's Edge (previously Microsoft Explorer), Mac's Safari, a product called Firefox, and an open source version of Google Chrome called Chromium (more on that in just a minute).
Most everyone was first introduced to web browsing via Microsoft Explorer or Netscape Navigator. Mac has always offered a browser called Safari. Firefox came along to fill voids that these two vendors did not address.
Then Google Chrome came along to provide web based software developers the insight into nitty-gritty browser processing that none of the above vendors were providing access to. This is what enabled the development of web based software on an industrial scale. Without this it was not doable. As developers shifted to Google Chrome because of it's technical superiority, users migrated there too, and it's for this reason that Google Chrome eventually became the go-to browse of choice for the bulk of the Global Computing Community.

4) Introduction to Chromium O/S, the Chromium Web Browser, and a RaSpBerRy Pi !

Chrome O/S is a proprietary Operating System developed by Google.

Google also provides an open source version of Chrome O/S called Chromium O/S and an open source version of the Chrome web browser called the Chromium browser to our Open Source Software Community.

And this is when things get exciting!

This may be confusing for some. Imagine that Google Develops and updates a basic version of the operating system and browser. They release that for public use, and then they make small changes to each release that they consider to be proprietary. Then open source developers may make similar or different changes for their own use.

When comparing a Chrome O/S device (running Google proprietary software) to a Chromium O/S device (an open source version of the same) side by side, most will hardly be able to tell the difference other than a few color coding changes on the logos.

These Chrome O/S and Chromium O/S alternatives will lead to more understanding of open source unix operating systems in general without the gaps that existed prior AND it will lead to something called a Raspberry Pi which makes this all quite an interesting community opportunity indeed!! A Raspberry Pi is a $40 mini computer. There is a photo of this at the bottom of this home page.

In summary and for repetition:

Google has created a computer operating system called Chrome O/S as an alternative to Microsoft Windows, Mac O/S and other Unix based Operating Systems. Chrome O/S is a Unix based operating system like Mac O/S and many others.
The Chrome O/S has been throttled for "Cloud Computing" only. You can not download and install software on it like other Operating Systems. It is designed to be used in conjunction with web-based software only via the use of a Web Browser or approved Apps.
Google has been offering a web browser called Google Chrome or just plain Chrome since the mid 2000's for every common Operating System.
Google provides the Open Source Community with an open source version of Chrome O/S and Google Chrome aptly called Chromium O/S and the Chromium Browser. This open source offering enables those who like to code to customize Google's baseline products for specific users and industries in ways that Google can not and/or should not directly support.
A $40 mini computer called a Raspberry Pi can run on Chromium O/S. That is very exciting indeed and most likely where this "Internet of Things" (IOT) is heading. But one step at a time. Focus on the Chromebooks first.

Chrome O/S Expectations!

1) Login Screen Expectations

A Chromebook, like all Chrome O/S devices, has a login page that looks like a PC or a Mac.

You have to use a Gmail Address or a Google Suite related email address to login to a Chrome O/S device.
Once logged in, the digital desktop looks like a generic version of Microsoft Windows without many confusing bells and whistles.
See Tutorials for much more on this!

2) Pricing Expectations and Nefarious Vendors

Chromebooks and Chrome O/S devices are (should be) priced below Windows PC's, because there is no Bill Gates Tax applied and the operating system is far easier to install and support. That's a great thing.

This pricing structure was the case when commercial Chromebooks first came out and still is the case in most instances.
HOWEVER. There are some nefarious industry wide manufacturing collusion issues in play which started to play out in 2019 which are covered in detail on this site.
Don't buy anything from a Global Manufacturer until you read up on the issues here first. And for ONCE, there are some really great options available to stick it to the men who just tried to stick all of us in the mud because most of you can REUSE an old computer and turn it into a really fast Chromebook no matter how old your device is! Much more on this in other parts of this website!

3) Security, Stability and Ease of Use of a Mac!

Chromebooks and Chrome O/S devices have the security, stability and ease of use of a Mac, and that's a great thing too!

Both Chrome O/S and Mac's O/S are Unix based Operating Systems. That's why they are both more secure and stable than Microsoft Windows Machines. Windows Machines have an Microsoft DOS based operating system. The DOS operating system is far inferior in many ways, and it's that lesser solution that has lead to trillions in pirate profits while forcing premature balding on billions for little communal benefit other than stress.
Chromebooks and Macs are easier to use than Windows machines because the developers had a goal of simplified consumer use. The auto updates work better. The power management when closing lid is better. The user interface is better, etc.
Windows machines are harder to use because the developers after Windows XP, Service Pack 2 seemingly took up the goal of turning your logical brain into chop suey for profit. They did this very well from 2005 to 2020.
The "MicroSoft Network Broadcast Company" (MSNBC) has been running cover for this group of technology pirates and brain scramblers for decades now. That's how they've all gotten so rich on half baked beans.

4) Two More Positive Concepts before the Limitations!

1) Chrome O/S is NOT limited to Laptops! That was just the easiest and most logical path for the introduction to a simple, throttled Unix based O/S !!

Chrome O/S can be loaded on laptops, desktops and all-in-one devices just like Microsoft Windows or Mac O/S.
It also appears it can be loaded on these new yogi computers that can twist, wiggle and turn in fun funny ways with fancy touch screens too.

2) All computers are just computers!!

Underneath it all, a computer is a computer is a computer.
The same types of hardware are found in all devices.
It's the Operating System that turns a computer into a PC, a Mac, a Chrome O/S device OR some other type of unix o/s based device (more on this later)
The term "Chrome O/S device" is going to be used more than "Chromebooks" moving forward to be sure you more quickly parallel "Chrome O/S Devices" with Windows Machines and Macs from a physical configuration perspective. Chrome O/S isn't for little toy laptops, and it never was, but few knew until now!

In summary and for repetition:

Chrome O/S devices are comparatively low cost computing gifts from digital gods when their pricing and performance is not manipulated for profits by digital devils! They feel safe, stable and and familiar. They are great for all kinds of wonderful things.
They will likely be remembered historically as a critical stepping stone in an experiential path that leads to even lower cost open source O/S devices called Raspberry Pi's ($40 each!!).
BUT, and there's almost always a but, there are LIMITATIONS with Chrome O/S devices as compared to Mac's or PC's that you want to understand with clarity to avoid any initial confusion and surprise disappointments.

With limitations comes LIBERATION!

1) Chrome O/S Device Limitations - 2 minutes

Chrome O/S devices ( and thus Chromebooks ) are LIMITED in functionality as compared to Macs, PCs and other non-throttled Unix driven computers which have operating system names like Ubuntu, Linux, Mint and others

Chrome O/S allows for browsing of the internet with the Google Chrome Web Browser and it allows the download and use of Chrome O/S approved Apps from the Google Play store. And that is all for now.
1. If you are already familiar with computers, imagine a PC or a Mac that only has a Google Chrome Web Browser icon on the desktop. That generally represents the functionality available in a Chrome O/S device like a Chromebook.
2. Chrome O/S devices can run apps from the Google Play store including simple things like a popup calculator and gaming apps. Very few of those are used for business or personal organization and in fact, I don't use many of them, so it's easy for me to forget about them. Those that are business oriented are likely replaced by me with a cloud based spreadsheet.
3. Also, for quick clarification here. The Chrome Web Browser can use extensions , but these extensions are different from the "apps" found at the Google Play store. These extensions are to be run and managed at the browser level, not at the operating system level. Thus they should work in the Chrome Browser no matter the operating system. Extensions for the Browser are downloaded from the Chrome Store ( https://chrome.google.com/webstore/category/extensions ) not the Google Play store ( https://play.google.com/store?hl=en_US ) . If this is confusing forget it for now. It's trivial until you get more important things framed, and it'll make full sense as you start to come up to speed.
Chrome O/S devices can NOT use downloadable software other than that offered via the Google Play Store (for Chrome O/S) or the Google Chrome Store (for the chrome web browser) at this time
1. So things like the old fashioned Quicken and Quickbooks desktop software can not be used at all on a Chrome O/S device.
2. Likewise, "local" versions of Microsoft Word, Excel or PowerPoint can not be used at all either.
3. The other most relevant (and very powerful) downloadable software I have been struggling to find a good replacement for has been TechSmith's Snag-It. Snag-it is (was) a screen capture and photo annotation tool that started out great but suffered software bloat as they all have over the past 20 years. There was very little competition for Snag-it. That's an oddity we'll come back to when we talk about technical monopolies.
Chrome O/S devices can NOT be connected directly to a printer or scanner at this time. Actually, they can be connected, but they can't communicate with each other at all yet, so just pretend they can't be connected physically even though the ports to do so probably exist.
Chromebooks don't seem to connect to some of the Airborne Wifi signals on American Airlines and others right now. This is odd and not natural at all, but it seems progress is being made. On a recent regional flight, my Chromebook was able to connect for the streaming in flight entertainment, but on other flights that day it could not. It seems they are slowly accepting the idea that Chromebooks are here to stay, and they are upgrading the flight wifi systems accordingly. Something about all this seemed quite unnatural for sure, but it seems to be working it's way out.

2) A Liberation from Limitations! - 1 minute

The above Chrome O/S limitations may sound stifling to some -- but all PROPER solutions are 100% dependent on user needs -- and these "limited Chrome O/S devices" are very LIBERATING in amazing ways for most computer users today. Believe it or not. The facts speak for themselves !!

All good engineers know that the right solution for a given problem is always 100% dependent on properly defined needs
One of the most common phrases being uttered by the GCC ( the Global Consuming Community and the Global Computing Community collectively) these days is "I don't need all of that"
Another being muttered by the GCC is "I just need to do ___________________".
And a third is "Who's designing all this ____________________ (negative word typically associated with dark stuff!) "
And it's for trillions or gazillions of these types of GCC utterings into the ether that the sun now SHINES BRIGHT on these Chrome O/S devices.

You must identify your own needs first to figure out if what is limiting for some might in fact be liberating for YOU!

In truth, there's not a consuming or computing person on the planet who couldn't benefit from a Chromebook or a Chrome O/S device for either a primary or a secondary machine.
The only question left is whether or not it could be your primary machine now, or if it can only be a secondary machine for you for a while longer due to one of it's limitations.

And that's the real point of understanding we need to get to sooner rather than later. Every computing person on the planet needs to start their Cloud Orientation shifts soon, and with this shift a Chrome O/S device becomes a required secondary device for piece of mind and reduced stress. Thus everyone needs a Chrome O/S device or comparable one way or another! And that's about what, 2-3 Billion devices for starters ?!?! And that's not counting the fact that many people will want a third, fourth and fifth device if the price is right, which it already was before the eMMC Scandal drew attention to all of this!

In summary and for repetition:

Chrome O/S devices 1) are for Cloud Computing only 2) they only accommodate wireless printing at this time 3) they can't be used to control commercial desktop scanners at this time, and 4) there are are some issues with Airline Wifi connections although those seem to be diminishing.
Options for Cloud based software are skyrocketing, and every computing person on the planet needs a secondary device for piece of mind and reduced stress. Thus everyone needs a Chrome O/S device or comparable one way or another! And if the price is right, most will want to own more than one!
That's about 3 Billion devices for existing computing humans, assuming everyone needs only one secondary device when in fact most need a handful of them?!?! Never mind the 4 billion who are still waiting for their first digital download!

A Cloud Computing Orientation is required for maximum Chrome O/S benefit, BUT a Chrome O/S Device is NOT required for a Cloud Computing Orientation!

1) Cloud Computing vs Local Computing

In order to benefit from the existence of a Chrome O/S device, a computing human MUST be Cloud Computing Oriented.

"Cloud Computing" means you are using website based resources for all of your data management and software needs.

The opposite of "Cloud Computing" is/was "Local Computing".

Local Computing revolved around downloadable software that was used for all of your data management and software needs. It was good stuff, but if you didn't have your computer with you, you had nothing.

2) A Cloud Computing user Knows!

A Cloud Computing Oriented user knows the value of "logging in to the Chrome Browser" so your stored settings can be recalled and synced in order to support you on any computer you login to next!
A Cloud Computing Oriented user knows password management systems reduce his/her stress for life, and he or she really enjoys having them along for their digital ride!
A Cloud Computing Oriented User knows that cloud based software exists to replace their downloadable software tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Quicken desktop, Quickbooks desktop, Snag-it and other downloadable screen capture and annotation tools. They also know heading this way with mindfulness is good for them.
A Cloud Computing Oriented User knows their Franklin Covey and/or Day Timer type organizational systems (Calendar, ToDos, Contacts, and Key Information Tracking ) can be replaced with digital options in an organized manner that's a fit for them. NOTE: Microsoft Outlook was the first digital go-to for most trying to flee the paper systems, but it lacks much and has lacked much for decades. A well tested DIY (Do It Yourself) solution for task management in Google Sheets rocks, as a small example! (more on that later)
A Cloud Computing Oriented User knows that smart phones, used wisely, can dramatically help with organization and reduce all kinds of personal and technological stress by providing simple access and edit abilities to the information listed above.
A Cloud Computing Oriented User knows to use social media in a healthy manner to enhance and benefit their human experience while maximizing knowledge transfer among all GCC members in a simple and enjoyable manner.
A Cloud Computing Oriented User knows mastering Cloud based Spreadsheets is the key to our future from a stress reduction and digital simplification perspective.
A Cloud Computing Oriented User has one and only one goal in mind, and that is to FREE UP TIME! Once our time is free'd up, you can do whatever your heart desires, and that's a goal worth sprinting towards today!

We go from wanting to knowing and knowing to being!

In summary and for repetition:

Cloud Computing uses web based software. Very little resides on the machine itself. You can download media like movies and such for viewing offline, and some cloud functionality is available offline if configured properly.
Cloud Computing Users Know a LOT of GREAT things that make them very efficient and happy computing humans!
As humans in a digital world, we are constantly shifting smoothly from wanting to knowing and knowing to being!

This is NOT a Baby and Bathwater situation! You do NOT have to have, buy or build a Chrome O/S device before you start Cloud Computing Orientation!! Please keep the bath water for each new technology topic, please, as water is known now to be Precious !!

1) Start Orienting now, even if you only have an older device!

Take your current Mac or PC and pretend the only functional icon on it is a Google Chrome Browser!

Thus, you can practice your way towards life on a Chrome O/S device without making any costly or stressful decisions right now!

Yes. It is just that simple.

2) If you want to embrace a Chrome O/S device sooner rather than later, here are your options...

You can currently buy laptops with the Chrome O/S pre-installed online or via retail stores -- BUT, we'd suggest holding off if you can.
You should be able to go to your local Technology Shop and ask them to install Chrome O/S on a used laptop or desktop of your choice!!
And if you like to tinker with hardware and enjoy saving money, you can in fact try to convert older PCs and Macs to Chrome O/S devices yourself for FREE!! Pointers for that will be elsewhere in this website or just Google it.

In summary and for repetition:

You can start Cloud Computing Orientation today with any of your current internet connected Mac's or PC's!
No Chrome O/S device required at this time, although access to one is suggested for faster educational experience.
If you want to own a Chrome O/S device today, consider re-purposing an older PC or Mac for a low cost, hi performance option that benefits Mother Earth.

The combination of 1) a Cloud Computing Orientation and 2) a Chrome O/S Device is an Elixir for Technology Stress AND Environmental Stress simultaneously, with life long, ever lasting benefits...

1) Technology Stress Declines with Cloud Computing

Technology Stress and Economic Costs related to 'them' has been off the charts the past 20 years. A broader push towards Cloud Computing in general is the elixir that helps millions if not billions heal from trauma while changing our world for the better, lickety split.

A Chromebook or other Chrome O/S device is the tool people need most now because it eliminates "All that other stuff" that the GCC has been saying they simply don't want or need. It's really just that simple and that kind of thing for sure now. Long term, it seems this is the missing stepping stone to open source Unix Operating Systems. The very fact that that a small but thriving Unix community is already established and frolicking in fun ways in the shadows is the balancer that should keep this Chrome O/S shift in commercial cross check.

2) Mother Earth and the Moon Above Shine Bright with Cloud Computing

Chrome O/S devices can be created by converting older PC's and Macs into NEW and FAST Chrome O/S devices that will meet the needs of all as primary or secondary devices, while decreasing Rare Earth Exploration and reducing the Creation and Recycling of Toxic materials for many Moons!

REUSE, REDUCE, RECYCLE - We've been stuck in Recycle Mode for far too long. We are trying to educate others on Reduction now, but Profiteers are constantly in the way.

The best option has always been REUSE, and the time has finally come where that can be done in a massive and positive way with computers and many other items too. That is the true Boon for Mother Earth and her silently rhyming sibling Mother Time, and they are eager and ready to climb!

In summary and for repetition:

Release the Technology Stress that you have been storing and saving for a rainy day! That Time is now!
Some will call it the Internet of Things (IOT)
I prefer to think of it as a time when thinking kings created rings upon rings of marvelous and wonderful things!!
The time is now for a Global Community Collaboration for the sake of selves, Mother Earth and Mother Time!

The End Goal is a raSbBeRry Pie! (Raspberry Pi)

In the past few years, a line of relatively small computer chips with wifi capability and all the ports on them to call them a computer have become available for purchase commercially for under $40. This device is referred to as a 'raspberry pi' (and don't ask me why, a I have no idea).

These devices have a small static storage system that acts like a hard drive. It can be flashed with Chrome O/S and possibly/probably other Unix operating systems.

Can you connect the dots now?

This mini computer, which is the size of a small wallet, is the future of accessible and affordable internet computing for a booming Global Consuming Community and a Global Computing Community (collectively referred to as the GCC moving forward).

And this is why this ball is rolling sooner rather than later!

Some of you may find this reference chart below from the Technology Club helpful.

From left to right it moves from the most well known and understood devices to the least, ending with a fantastic product called a Raspberry Pi! (image to right)

Website Introduction

This website has been designed with your FREE education in mind. In order for our Global Community to make all the healthy shifts we need to make to leave the Olde Ages behind, we need everyone computing better today. No humans left behind! This website has four distinct educational sections at this time. And everything here is FREE and will be for life. This is how education has always been in tribal communities and this is the way education is supposed to be.

Guides

This website includes the following guides...

G101 - Is a Chrome O/S device a good fit as a primary or secondary machine
G102 - Local vs Cloud Computing Guide
G103 - Commercial Chromebook Buyers Guide (w/ cautions about eMMC and Global Manufacturers)
G104 - Stress Tests for all New Chromebooks
G105 - Convert and Old PC or Mac to a Chrome O/S Device with Professional Support
G106 - Convert and Old PC or Mac to a Chrome O/S Device by Yourself!
G107 - Buy a Used, Refurbished or Newly Converted Chrome O/S device from a local vendor or online

Tutorials

The tutorials will get you education and information you need to DO THINGS faster and cheaper than any other resources online.
I was always a fan of the the "Dummies" books, which can be quite good. Unfortunately, I found the 'Chromebooks for Dummies' to be lacking in many ways or I would have just recommended it instead.
IMO and unknown to most, those Dummies books that focused on Technology were seemingly all part of a real sham. The 24 hours books were far better. The Dummies books never did a good job with the technology education for really new beginners, because they didn't provide for a cognitive framework for the information. They bounced around from one thought bubble to another and in the end, the reader was left scattered as a scrambled egg platter, but flattered they made it to the end. In my opinion, it was all cleverly written to omit that which would have created mental structure for technology information, but that was only easy to see once you had a sound mental framework for technology in place prior to reading their work.

Visuals

References are made to various visuals throughout this website. Often times the visuals are then broken down into sub sections for conversation. This menu item provides quick access to some of the key visuals.

History

The eMMC Scandal - An extended version of the eMMC scandal that lead to this publishing with a conspiratorial twist. A catalyzing event in-deed!
History - 1980s to 2020 -- This summarizes the progression of Hardware and operating systems from 1980's to Present. We also introduce the concepts of "controlled opposition" and "co-petitors", both of which can be as damaging or even more so than monopolies, when viewed in proper context. The concept of Fascism is introduced. Without understanding history and vocabulary, sometimes you have no idea what kind of major, positive change is staring you straight in the face.
History - 2014 - 2020 - This short story introduces Acupuncturist Ric Valentine and the beginning of our journey together that lead us first to Chromebooks and then his conversion to Cloud Computing and the run up to Cloud Based Spreadsheet software that is often times second to none.

Indeed, indeed, it’s time to come up to speed!!

The shifts are coming fast. The future is here at last!!

Do wake now wake, because it’s time to take 'their' cake!!

From My Tribe to Yours, Happy Computing!!