A Better Option than Chrome OS: CloudReady
Have you ever wanted to give Chrome OS a try but didn’t have a Chromebook? The Chrome OS emulator is an option, but it’s not powerful enough if you’re a designer or developer. So, what’s the solution?
Chrome OS is a special software that’s built on top of Chromium OS, which is actually free. But here’s the catch: it’s not very user-friendly, especially for non-developers. This brings us to our main problem: how can you try out Chrome OS without any hassle?
If this sounds like you, then CloudReady might just be what you’re looking for. It’s also based on Chromium OS but offers a much more user-friendly experience compared to its foundation. While it may not replicate everything about Chrome OS, it does offer the best features and functionality.
Want to give it a shot on your own computer? I’ll show you how simple it is to install CloudReady.
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Discover CloudReady’s Features
Neverware CloudReady is built on Google’s Chromium OS, the same open-source foundation as Chrome OS. This means it incorporates all the best qualities of Chromium OS, including speed, simplicity, and security.
Compatibility with Older Hardware
Neverware prides itself on CloudReady, an advanced operating system that is also compatible with older hardware. It works with various hardware configurations, even those that were designed and sold many years ago. This means you don’t have to upgrade your old machine to make it functional again.
Regular Updates
With CloudReady, you don’t have to worry about keeping your system up to date. Just like Chrome OS, CloudReady has automatic updates that install the latest bug fixes and patches for you. This means you can always count on having a secure and reliable operating system.
CloudReady releases updates every six weeks, making sure you get the latest features and security enhancements. Whether you’re using the free “Home” edition or any other edition, you can enjoy the benefits of automatic updates.
Stay secure with CloudReady
CloudReady is built on the same foundation as Chrome OS, which means it has all the essential security features. Your data is encrypted to ensure a safe multi-user experience, and the secure sandboxing feature protects you from accidental authorization of malicious programs.
Enterprise Features
CloudReady isn’t just your everyday operating system. It’s packed with enterprise-grade features, like top-of-the-line cloud-based management and mass deployment options. What’s more, it plays nicely with Chrome Management and Google Admin consoles, giving you a seamless way to manage CloudReady devices alongside your trusty Chromebooks.
How to Install CloudReady
Installing CloudReady is a breeze, as long as you know the steps. It’s as easy as installing a Linux distro. You just need to whip up a boot disk, and from there you can install the operating system by booting up your system using said boot disk.
Prerequisites
But before we dive into the exciting world of CloudReady, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need to get started. Here are the essentials:
- A trusty pen drive with at least 8 GB of space, although we recommend going for 16 GB if you can swing it.
- A burning desire for a cutting-edge operating system.
- The belief that CloudReady is the future.
To get started with Neverware CloudReady, you’ll need a few things. First and foremost, you’ll need a computer with the basic requirements. These requirements should be available on any system manufactured within the last ten years, but it’s always a good idea to double-check before diving in. You can find a list of officially certified computer models if you want to be extra sure.
In addition to the computer, you’ll need an internet connection. It can be a working (minimal) connection, but a high-speed connection is preferred for optimal performance.
Once you have your computer and internet connection sorted, it’s time to create a boot disk. This can be done on a Windows, macOS, or Chrome OS device. Simply follow the instructions provided by Neverware to create the boot disk.
Now that you have everything you need, you’re ready to embark on your CloudReady journey. Happy exploring!
To install Neverware CloudReady, I’ll show you how to make a bootable flash drive. Don’t worry, it’s easy! Follow these steps on your Windows computer. If you’re using a different operating system, I’ll also explain how to do it on Chrome OS and macOS. And hey, even if you’re on a Windows PC but plan to install CloudReady on another system, these steps still apply to you. Let’s get started!
- To get started, download the “USB Maker” for CloudReady.
- Once the download is complete, open the executable file and follow the instructions. Make sure you have an 8 GB or 16 GB flash drive ready. It will take about 20-30 minutes to copy all the necessary files and create the boot disk.
Installing CloudReady
Now that you have the boot disk, you can begin the installation process. Here’s what you need to do:
- First, you need to boot your computer using the boot disk you created. If you’re not sure how to do this, you can check out our wiki page for instructions on booting from a disk.
- Once your computer is booted, you will see the welcome screen of the CloudReady Installer. Please be patient, as it may take a moment to load.
First, let me walk you through the steps to install CloudReady on your computer. It’s easy, so don’t worry!
Step 1: Click on the clock at the bottom-right corner of your screen. A vertical menu will appear. From there, select “Install CloudReady.” 
Step 2: In the new window, click the “Install CloudReady” button. But before you proceed, make sure to carefully read and agree to all the warnings and terms and conditions. This step is important, so take your time. The installation process may take a while, so be patient. Step 3: Once the installation is complete, your computer will automatically shut down. Now, remove the boot disk from your computer and start it up again.
And that’s it! You’re all set with CloudReady now. Go ahead and explore the great features it has to offer. Enjoy!
So, you’ve finished installing CloudReady – awesome! But before you start diving into your new system, there are a few important configuration options you need to set. These settings are pretty crucial, but don’t worry, I’ll guide you through them.
Once we’re done with these, you can always play around with more settings in CloudReady’s Settings menu if you want.
- When your computer starts up again (without the boot disk), you’ll be greeted by CloudReady’s welcome screen. It’s the same setup screen that Chromium OS and Google Chrome OS users see too.
- On this welcome screen, you can pick your language, keyboard layout, and connect to a network. Once you’ve finished, just click Continue.
- Now your computer will look for updates and install the latest ones for your system. When it’s done, the login screen will appear.
- You have to log in using your Gmail or Google account on CloudReady. Once you’ve signed in, you’ll see the classic desktop.
- Finally, you’ll need to install some third-party media codecs and plugins to play proprietary or restricted media on your system.
To get started, follow these simple steps:
1. Click on your user account icon or photo in the bottom-right corner of your desktop screen. From the options that appear, select “Settings”.
2. In the “Media Plugins” section, you’ll find three options: “Adobe Flash”, “Proprietary Codecs”, and “Widevine Content Decryption Module”. For each option, click either the “Enable” or the “Install” button below it.
3. Once you’ve done that, you can close the window and start enjoying CloudReady!
If you run into any issues, check out these frequently asked questions for troubleshooting:
Q: Why isn’t CloudReady USB Maker recognizing my flash drive?
A. To use CloudReady USB Maker, you’ll need a flash drive with either 8 or 16 GB of storage. If your flash drive has less or more storage than the recommended amount, the USB Maker might not be able to accept or recognize it. Also, keep in mind that not all flash drives are designed to be bootable, so they won’t work with the USB Maker.
Q. I’m having trouble starting up my computer using the boot disk I made.
A. You need to understand how to change the boot order in your computer’s settings to prioritize booting from a bootable disk. If you’re not sure how to do this, take a look at this wiki page for guidance. If you’re confident that you’re doing it correctly but still can’t boot, it’s possible that the disk was not created properly. Try checking the boot disk on another computer.
If the boot disk is working correctly and you’re able to boot another system with it, then please refer to the aforementioned wiki page. If the boot disk is not functioning properly or is corrupted, please create a new boot disk.
Q. I’m experiencing a different issue. Where can I find assistance now?
A. If you have a question or a problem, you can find answers in the CloudReady knowledge base. They have a lot of common issues and their solutions there. But if you can’t find the solution you need, you can post a question and get help from the CloudReady community.
If your issue is related to Chromium OS or Chrome OS, you can try asking the G+ community for help. They’re a lively bunch and might be able to assist you.
Why not give it a shot?
CloudReady is basically the same as Chrome OS. I really love the way Google and Chrome OS products and services look and work, so CloudReady is just as great.
