What is Chrome OS?

A simple operating system made for the web

Chromebooks are a new type of computer designed to help you get things done faster and easier. They run Chrome OS, an operating system (like Windows or Mac OS) that has cloud storage, the best of Google built in and multiple layers of security.

Chrome OS is really designed as an operating system for computers that are only used for connecting to the Internet. Rather than downloading and installing programs, you just run them in your Web browser and store them on the Internet. In order to make that possible, the OS has to boot up very quickly and the Web browser has to be extremely fast. Chrome OS makes both of those happen.

Chromebooks come with free apps like Google Docs, Sheets and Slides, which let you create documents, spreadsheets and presentations in real time with other people. You don't have to worry about losing any of your work since your files are automatically backed up online. You can also open and edit Microsoft Word, PowerPoint or Excel files.