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Ask HN: Would ChromeOS exist if Windows was lighter and easier for sysadmins?

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Ask HN: Would ChromeOS exist if Windows was lighter and easier for sysadmins?

Post by WonderAlmighty » Mon, Jan 06, 2025, 7:49 PM UTC

I've heard a lot about why to use ChromeOS over Windows, I think its two things that made it successful (especially in education): Its much more lightweight than Windows, faster and much higher battery life, & Much easier for sysadmins to manage many Chromebooks.

If Windows had those before ChromeOS existed, would it be as appealing as it is or was? Personally I don't think so.

Re: Ask HN: Would ChromeOS exist if Windows was lighter and easier for sysadmins?

Post by legitster » Mon, Jan 06, 2025, 8:19 PM UTC

Windows WAS much lighter circa 8/8.1 (Literally designed to be run on tablets!) But that lightness didn't bring much advantage when you still have to support applications.

At the end of the day, ChromeOS's primary advantage was cost - and it's hard for Microsoft to do anything when the alternative is something being given away for free.

I think even if Microsoft had a compelling, light version that couldn't run apps and didn't have drivers for games, Google would still find a way to horn an OS into the market.

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