Chrome OS

Chromebooks are a cost-effective alternative to traditional laptops, appealing to students and young professionals due to their built-in productivity tools and user-friendly interface. They feature sandboxing technology that enhances resilience against malware, making them suitable for users learning about digital security. Chromebooks do not natively support traditional antivirus software, but users can access Android-based antivirus applications via the Google Play Store. While vulnerabilities in Chromebooks account for less than 1% of reported issues, users should remain vigilant against threats like fake browser extensions, scam Android apps, phishing attempts, and insecure websites. Key security features of Chromebooks include automatic updates, sandboxing, verified boot, data encryption, and recovery options. Misconceptions persist about their security, such as the belief that all apps in Google Play are thoroughly checked and that malware cannot self-install. If a Chromebook is suspected of being compromised, users can uninstall recent extensions, reboot the device, or use the Powerwash feature for a factory reset. Over 4% of U.S. desktop users utilize Chrome OS, and 30 million students and educators worldwide rely on Chromebooks. They are modeled closely on Linux OS and, while immune to traditional viruses, can still be susceptible to malware. Recommended antivirus options for Chromebooks include Norton, Bitdefender, and Avast. With proper care, Chromebooks typically last between five to eight years.