The Chromebook May Just Be What Your Business Needs
Chromebooks are laptops that run Google?s Chrome OS, which is a very lightweight operating system that depends heavily on Internet-connectivity to bring value. This is largely because they typically come with a small amount of storage and aren?t really compatible with outside software. Typically, anything that you can do in your Chrome browser (or with Android apps {more on this later}), you can do on a Chromebook. Let?s look at how Chromebooks could be just what you are looking for for your employee workstation needs.
Chromebooks are Affordable
The number one thing you should know about Chromebooks is that they can be had for significantly less than other Windows or macOS-fueled laptops. Since they are designed for a particular purpose, you can get a productivity machine for low cost. While some Chromebooks are available at a higher price point, options from HP, Acer, and Asus can be friendlier on the budget than other similarly-specced laptops.
All About Productivity
Since the Chrome OS operating system isn?t conducive to running all types of stand alone applications, it can be thought to be limiting to what you can do with them. If you are looking for a productivity machine, however, the Chromebook is surprisingly great. Once connected to an Internet connection they can do about anything you need them to productivity wise. This is especially true if your business utilizes the Google Workspace or Microsoft Office productivity suites as both are available and capable in Chrome OS.
Android Integration
Another cool feature about Chromebooks is that they are capable of running many of the Android apps found on the Google Play Store. Chrome OS is integrated with mobile app compatibility so you can go on the Play Store, download your favorite productivity or communications apps and be up and running as fast as if you were using a smartphone.
Security
One of the main benefits of the Chromebook is the lack of dedicated exploits for the operating system. Google uses its ?Defense in Depth? approach that provides many layers of security so if one layer is compromised, there are additional layers of security that are at work simultaneously to mitigate threats. Windows and macOS are much more utilized interfaces and hackers develop their attacks around these often-used platforms. Since Chrome OS is less utilized, but developed by one of the top software companies in the world, hacks and malware are much less of an issue. Furthermore, the operating system can be reinforced with two-step verification and other built-in features that are easy to configure and use.
If you are looking for an affordable computing option for your new small business, you should consider the Chromebook as a good tool that is affordable and can give you everything you need out of a budget laptop. If you would like to talk to one of our IT professionals about Chromebooks, cloud-based software, and other computing options that run alternatives to more traditional methods, give White Mountain IT Services a call today at (603) 889-0800.
