However, Microsoft isn't taking this threat lightly, continuing to update Windows 10 with new tricks, revolving around an ever-improving Start menu and the helpful Cortana assistant. So, which computing platform is truly the best? To answer that question, we put both Windows and Chrome OS to the test and compared them in 12 rounds of head-to-head competition.
Layout: Windows 10 is very well designed and also has a seamless interface that makes it more friendly for users to use the operating system. Pressing the Start button reveals the new Start menu, filled with your most used programs and recently installed apps on the left. To the right is a wider panel, where you can pin tiles that are animated with updates. The taskbar has been updated to include a Cortana search bar next to the Start button and small icons that show which programs are open.
Also on Chrome OS the Start-like button sits in the bottom-left corner. When pressed, the launcher pop-up features a Google search bar and a list of your most recently opened apps. Depending on if your Chromebook supports Touch or not, scrolling down may Google Now info cards, which give you information like local weather, suggested articles based on your search activity, and calendar updates. Chromebooks with support for the Play Store and Android apps have dropped the Google Now card interface.
Apps and Software
A laptop fully functional it needs to have few basic programs which will be used for productivity, photo editing, video editing, video playback, music playback and a browser.
For Windows laptops and Chromebooks, all of that's possible, but Google's OS is still a work in progress, despite recent additions.
Windows offers a lot of photo-editing programs, including support for Photoshop Elements and the rest of Adobe's Creative Suite. What you will find on the web-based Chrome OS platform are some basic editing options, such as Photoshop Express (for Android supporting machines) and Pixlr Editor for others.
Browsing
Chrome is a great browser that offers strong performance, a clean and easy-to-use interface, and a ton of extensions.
But if you own a machine running Chrome OS, you better really like it, because there aren't any alternatives.
But Chrome browser on Chrome OS cannot run Flash or other important plugins, such as Java, meaning that sometimes, you will run into compatibility problems when trying to view certain websites or select extensions.
While Windows can also run Chrome, along with pretty much every other web browser ever made, giving you the flexibility to surf the internet exactly how you want to.
Microsoft's new browser, Edge, also has some handy features not found in Chrome, such as the ability to write directly on websites and send those notes and scribbles to friends; Cortana search embedded on the same page; and a reading mode that removes distracting elements like ads and saves articles so they can be viewed offline.
Device Productivity
Most software cant be use on Chromebooks, while Microsoft is business-friendly operating system with just about all categories of software for various commercial and personal purpose. As such, many businesses use software that is compatible only with Windows. For instance, you won't be using AutoCAD design software on a Chromebook.Microsoft's own Office suite — which includes Word, Excel and PowerPoint — is also the standard bearer for productivity software.
But that's not your only option on a Windows machine; you can use Google Drive, OpenOffice or any number of third-party software programs.
On Chromebooks, you can still access Word, Excel and PowerPoint, but — unless your Chromebook runs Android apps — they're Microsoft's web-only versions of the apps available through OneDrive.These options require you to be online to use them. You can download files to your local storage and edit them there, but your system will open them as Google Drive files.
There are third-party productivity options for Chrome OS, including Zoho and Polaris, but most of those programs require an internet connection as well.Google Drive, however, works offline, and we really like the real-time collaborative editing and number of useful add-ons. Also, Microsoft has created Chrome apps for its office suite of tools — including Word, Excel and PowerPoint — so you can create and edit those documents on a Chrome OS.
In typical fashion, they are web apps you need to download and install to use, and they are available only for online use.
Gaming Purpose
Most hard-core games require some serious specs, including discrete graphics chips, plenty of onboard storage and advanced processing power.
That's totally doable on a high-end Windows 10 machine, such as the Alienware 17 R3, but the lower-end machines won't be able to handle it.
There are currently no Chromebooks aimed at gaming, and AAA titles aren't available on Chrome OS.
As such, you will not be able to download or play World of Warcraft, Dota 2, Overwatch, Rocket League or The Witcher 3 on a Chromebook.
The games simply aren't supported by Google's operating system. If you've got the Google Play Store on your Chromebook, you're in better shape than those without it. Our favorite Android games for Chrome OS include NBA JAM, Alto's Adventure and Pocket Mortys. If you want to game, you better get a Chromebook with a touch screen, as Chrome OS notebooks without it, which can only pull titles from the Chrome Web Store — where the best things you'll find are Cut the Rope and Plants vs. Zombies.
Additionally, Chrome OS doesn't support Steam, EA's Origin, Ubisoft's Uplay and other gaming portals.
Device Security
Windows has long been a known target for hackers looking to infect PCs with viruses, malware, botnets and keyloggers. In fact, the very first thing anyone should do with a new Windows laptop is install an antivirus suite.
However, Microsoft's Windows Defender does come built in, and that's better than nothing. Windows Defender runs in the background and notifies you if you need to take an action, such as removing a virus.
The SmartScreen feature also warns you when it doesn't recognize an app, to help prevent phishing attacks. Plus, the secure-boot feature means that every time you turn on your laptop, it will check itself for digital certificates of authenticity before it boots. That means it will not load infected software.
Chromebooks have not yet caught the eye of many hackers. But more than that, Google promotes the security of its operating system as a key selling point. A Chromebook automatically checks for and applies security updates, while including Web filters and sandboxing media.
Also, Chrome OS doesn't support Flash, so any security issues surrounding it won't affect the system. If something does get into your Chrome OS system, restoring it to its factory settings requires only a couple of clicks on the mouse pad.
The only security problem Chromebook owners really face is thieves looking to hack the sites you use, where a lot of personal data is stored.
Conclusion Overall Winner: Windows
Post a Comment