This week Google released an early access version of Chrome OS Flex, which is basically software that lets you turn nearly any PC into a Chromebook. Officially Google maintains a list of supported computers, but unofficially you can install Chrome OS Flex on just about any computer… including, it turns out, old Chromebooks.
That could come in handy if you have an older model that’s no longer covered by Google’s Auto Update policy, which means that it’s no longer receiving new builds of Chrome OS with new features or security updates. Chrome OS Flex could provide a way to run an up-to-date build of Chrome OS on old gear… but it’s not without its own risks.
Google officially advises against using Chrome OS Flex on Chromebooks that have passed their Auto Update Expiration dates, noting that Google doesn’t officially support this use case and that users may run into issues with the installation process, may have firmware or other hardware compatibility problems, and may not receive updates.
That said, a number of users have already reported success installing Chrome OS Flex on older Chromebooks, which, quite honestly is probably better than running a 2-year-old version of Chrome OS without the latest security patches, even if those devices never receive another update.
Chrome OS Flex can be installed on EOL Chromebooks, but Google doesn’t recommend it [9to5Google]
Google’s Chrome OS Flex is meant to breathe new life into Mac and Windows PCs… but some users have found it also works on old Chromebooks that have stopped receiving updates. Google doesn’t officially support those models though.
You’ll need a Microsoft account to set up future versions of Windows 11 Pro [Ars Technica]
Buried in this week’s Windows 11 Dev Channel release for Insiders is a note that Windows 11 Pro now requires an internet connection during initial setup and even if you’re setting a PC up for personal use, you’ll need a Microsoft Account.
Pine64 EU Store will offer the PinePhone and PinePhone Pro with a choice of operating systems [@pine64eu]
Pine64 has shipped thousands of hacker-friendly phones, laptops, and tablets, but the company offers limited support, instead relying on the community. Regional retail stores are coming soon to offer better support, more options (and higher prices). The stores will go live in April or May, and more details are coming next month, but Pine64 EU has revealed that it will sell the PinePhone and PinePhone Pro smartphones with a choice of operating systems including Manjaro, postmarketOS, and Mobian.
Hello everyone! When the store launches in April/ May, you’ll be able to choose from @ManjaroLinux @postmarketOS & @MobianLinux latest #PinePhone / Pro releases at checkout.
Projects will be compensated per unit sold.
More info about the store’s launch in mid-March. pic.twitter.com/I9hm1CnjE2
— PINE64 EU (@pine64eu) February 16, 2022
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I’ll say it again…
Linux is only a few clicks away.
I’ll now add. Do not start with ubuntu. Manjaro with KDE will start you off on the road to success AND keep you there.
Nobody seemed to realize until it’s now too late. There was a David willing to stand up to Goliath…and noone would support them.
Valve.
Best,
Steven B.
P.S. Still waiting on my PPP.
I’ll just go linux once my cheap chromebook is EOL, or Gallium which is linux tailored for chromebooks.
Microsoft FORCING every single windows user to have a Microsoft account should be an article unto itself.
Yeah, I know it’s basically like they’re just late to the game, because it just means that every single major OS vendor is deciding that everything everyone does ought to be subject to their scrutiny and linked to a person’s real identity. I’m convinced they want their information on you to replace all other acceptable forms of identification, as they would know that the sum of your past mistakes is more unique to you than even your face.
But that doesn’t change the fact that it’s wrong!
I thought, okay, maybe I’d just use windows 11 pro to keep my games working. But now there’s no way I can let myself do that. I mean, without Valve, consumer users would be screwed. I don’t like Steam’s DRM, but without Valve, a lot of people seriously would be screwed.
If this is the direction things are going I hate to imagine what they’ll pull next. Having your computer refusing to boot if you block telemetry at your firewall? Every bad thing you’ve ever heard about TPMs and Pluton?
Of course it’s not just about the corporate world’s notion that forgiveness of anything you did is not for the little people, this pretty much kills pirate activation for consumers, especially if microsoft accounts start refusing email addresses from providers that don’t require you to cough up your phone number.
That wouldn’t necessarily be wrong, if giving microsoft your money wasn’t also wrong.
Okay, I retract the first statement. There’s not really much to say on the matter besides opinion, not enough for an article especially when someone has already written one.
I’m just really annoyed.