I have compiled Chromium OS from source. Just for fun. Chromium OS is an open-source project that aims to build an operating system that provides a fast, simple, and more secure computing experience for people who spend most of their time on the web. My Chromium OS Build 160525 is for all 64 bit “normal” Desktop computers and laptops. If you have unusual hardware you could check out ArnoldTheBat’s special Chromium OS builds.
How do I run Chromium OS?
Normally you run Chromium OS from a USB stick, but the system can also be installed to hard drive. Could be useful if you want to bring new life to an old computer. Be aware of the fact that Chromium OS can’t be installed together with other Linux systems (or any other OS). It will “take” the whole disk.
The difference between Chromium OS and Google Chrome OS
Chromium OS is the open source project, used primarily by developers, with code that is available for anyone to checkout, modify, and build.
Google Chrome OS is the Google product that OEMs ship on Chromebooks for general consumer use.
Screenshots when Chromium OS is running
Showing installed apps – screenshot 1
As you can see it shows a lot of Android apps installed by me on my Android mobile phone using the same Gmail address as the one I’ve used to log in to Chromium in Chromium OS (ChromX). Even Google Play Store is there. All apps (for example Google Maps) work, but you can’t install new apps using Google Play Store.
Spotify is running – screenshot 2
Softpedia about my Chromium OS Build 160525: http://news.softpedia.com/news/custom-chromium-os-build-now-available-for-64-bit-laptop-and-desktop-computers-504494.shtml
Tried testing it out inside VirtualBox, no luck (did a “VBoxManage convertdd …” on the img file to make a vdi, and a vmdk, neither got past the “Booting the kernel” message).
No, it’s not possible. Just install the image to a USB stick and run it. See http://www.exton.se/?p=818