Google Chromebook Business, Is it good for the companies ?
Google Chromebook Business Overview
Because Google is a household name across the world, every product the company releases creates a great buzz. The Chromebook is no exception. The ability to quickly turn on the device in seconds and perform online tasks at lightning speed makes the Chromebook a good choice for a particular segment of users. All your built-in favorite apps are one click away and updates are automatically downloaded and installed, so your device never slows down. As the Chromebook is competing with traditional notebooks, it is important to know what Chromebooks offer.
What Is A Chromebook?
A Chromebook is an innovative personal computer that runs on Chrome OS; it is specifically designed for faster, easier computing. The device is intended to be connected to the Internet, as most of its applications and built-in Google products run in the cloud. The Chrome OS comes with a Linux kernel, Chrome Web browser and integrated media player. With multi-layer security incorporated into the OS, you don’t need an antivirus solution. The system boots in 8 seconds on average, the boot time depending on the configuration you choose. Although an Internet connection is required to make the most out of a Chromebook, there are several native apps in the Web store that can be used offline.
Chromebook Configuration
Though designed to resemble traditional notebooks, Chromebooks are different. The configuration is less complex when compared to a traditional notebook, but the price is lower as well, ranging from $200 to $500.
Chromebooks come with Chrome OS, an advanced version of the Chrome browser, running on a Linux kernel. There is no regular desktop and everything can be done using the browser. Because Chromebooks use Chrome OS, they are highly dependent on the Google suite of applications. Since most people are familiar with the Chrome browser, navigating through the Chromebook user interface is simple and easy. Using the Windows-like taskbar, you can browse the device’s list of apps and choose the one you need. The multi-layered security eliminates the need for an antivirus program.
What Can You Do With A Chromebook?
Just as gaming laptops cater to a specific audience, Chromebooks are the right option for people who spend a lot of time on the Internet but may be unsuitable for others. The lightweight OS boots in 8–10 seconds and offers a sign-in screen. You can sign in using your Gmail account and access Web apps in the cloud. Users who do not have a Gmail account or do not want to use one can log in as guests. Chromebooks support plug-and-play, and you can connect a camera, mouse, keyboard or flash drive. Chromebooks allow users to perform basic writing and photo editing tasks. Microsoft Office Suite does not work on a Chromebook, but users can create similar documents using Google Docs.
Advantages Of Chromebooks
Chromebooks cater to a specific audience who need to perform online tasks quickly. The device is lightweight and boots at lightning speed so that you don’t waste any time. With its longer battery life, you can work for many hours. Data security and backup are efficiently automated, so that you don’t have to worry about losing your data: the device backs up data several times a minute to the cloud. Moreover, you can access your files and data from any device, anywhere, by simply logging in to your Google Drive. When a cloud-based device is lost or stolen, you will lose your money but not the data. Every time you boot the device, security and software updates are automatically addressed. You also get 100GB storage space in Google Drive. Overall, Chromebooks are extremely cheap and affordable.
Limitations Of Chromebooks
A Chromebook is only suitable for people who simply browse the Web, send emails, interact on social media and perform basic office tasks. Although the device is cheap and affordable, its functionality is limited because you cannot install traditional software. If you need to work on Word documents or graphics programs, you have to use a traditional laptop. The Chromebook’s limited interconnection with MS Office is a major drawback. Although you can open Microsoft files in Google Docs, it is not possible to work in their native programs (such as Word). Connecting a direct printer is not possible either, but you can use Google Cloud to print wirelessly. There are no optical drives to run CDs or DVDs, and users only have limited models from which to choose. Another major drawback of Chromebooks is the need for Internet connectivity: though the device has native apps that can be opened offline, you need a good Internet connection to make the most out of it. Skype is not available either.
Google Chromebook Business Conclusion
Is Chromebook good for you? It all depends on what your needs are. While there are certain limitations in the functionality of the device, increasing cloud computing usage makes it an attractive option.
Parallels Remote Application Server And Chromebook
In this article we have discussed the pros and cons of Chromebook, but still have to address the question in the title: Is Chromebook good for business? How can Chromebook support companies, considering that about 95% are still using MS Office? Parallels Remote Application Server is the answer to this dilemma. With Parallels RAS, you can use your Chromebook enjoying all the advantages mentioned above, but at the same time continue using all the applications you need for your business, primarily MS Office. This works very simply: Parallels RAS allows you to access a pool of business applications from any device and wherever you are. You just have to click on the icon to work on your Chromebook as on a normal PC.
About Parallels Remote Application Server
Parallels Remote Application Server is a powerful tool for seamless virtual desktop and application delivery. Easy to configure and install, it can be set up in less than five minutes. Parallels Software’s solutions offer an outstanding experience from the start. Easily deliver Windows applications hosted on hypervisors and Windows remote desktop servers to anyone anywhere using any type of operating system, computer or mobile device. By hosting applications in the private cloud, businesses will also benefit from reduced administration overheads and lower demand for helpdesk support, and can easily control access to applications while ensuring that all users are using the latest and most secure versions of the applications.
Google Chromebook Business: Google Overtakes Apple As The World’s Most Valuable Brand http://www.businessinsider.com/google-most-valuable-brand-2014-5
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Google Chromebook Business: Linux kernel http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_kernel
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Google Chromebook Business: Living With a Chromebook: Can You Live With Just a Chrome Browser? http://www.howtogeek.com/161662/living-with-a-chromebook-can-you-live-with-just-a-chrome-browser/
Google Chromebook Business: What Chromebooks can do offline http://www.zdnet.com/what-chromebooks-can-do-offline-7000027307/
Google Chromebook Business: An Overview Why Microsoft’s Worth $42 http://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2013/01/09/an-overview-why-microsofts-worth-42/
Google Chromebook Business: 2X ApplicationServer XG version 11 (Review) http://www.zdnet.com/2x-applicationserver-xg-version-11-review-7000023796/
Google Chromebook Business: Application virtualization http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Application_virtualization
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Google Chromebook Business: https://www.google.com/work/chrome/devices/