Why Chrome OS?

Berkeley Lab's IT User Support Department is continually striving to stretch dollars for science.  One way to achieve this objective is to offer low-cost, low maintenance Chrome OS laptop and desktop devices to users in lieu of expensive Windows or Mac OS computers.

Chrome OS is an open source derived operating system designed by Google that is based on the Linux kernel and uses the Google Chrome Web Browser as its principal user interface. As a result, Chrome OS primarily supports web applications, such as G Suite (formerly called Google Apps for Work, Google Docs etc..)

Chrome OS devices (Chromebook, Chromebox, Chromebase and Chromebit) cannot run traditional native Windows or Mac programs, but often there is a Chrome App version of the traditional desktop application. View available Apps in the Chrome Web Store.  These are the same Apps and Extensions available for install in the desktop Chrome browser on Mac OS and Windows.  They can be a good alternative for those who heavily use Berkeley Lab's G Suite collaboration tools, or other browser based tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Office 365, Service Now, Amazon Web Services or Google Cloud Platform.

Other features of Chrome OS:

• Berkeley Lab Chrome OS devices provide protection against loss or theft of data, Chrome OS devices can be wiped remotely and/or completely disabled until recovered
• Chrome OS devices protect against loss or corruption of data by not storing documents and data on device hard drives
• Chrome OS devices are inexpensive ($400-$500 dollars generally) and require far less maintenance than traditional computers

Operations Chrome OS Device Testing

Beginning in FY2017, the Operations Desktop Support (ODS) program is piloting a project to provide some Operations users (on a voluntary basis) ChromeOS devices for testing and evaluation. Operations users who would like to participate in the program are encouraged to request an assessment by submitting a ticket to [email protected] or by calling x4357(H-E-L-P).  The more participants the more dollars saved in Operations that can go towards science.

Digital Signage

Does your department or group need digital signage at an affordable price? Chrome OS powered signage could be that solution.  If you would like a demo or seek consultation submit a request to [email protected] and we will be glad to provide you with information.