Chrome OS: Becoming A Fanboy

Granted, my Linux experience is pretty much on par with everyone else besides the occasional flirt with the Xubuntu operating system and Android of course, but I can't help but find myself admiring and "geeking out" on Google's Chrome OS that comes with the various assortments of Chromebooks on the market.

It is eerily simple to get started. When you open up your Chromebook for the first time, there really isn't a whole lot to behold except the subtle genius that Google has become well known for and that is "simplicity." If you've ever used a Chrome browser then you are going to feel right at home with the OS.

In today's world, most folks simply don't need a full fledged operating system. In fact, many people don't even need a laptop or even a desktop for that matter. But Chrome OS seems to fill a niche - being that most Chromebooks are very inexpensive, lightweight and seemingly fit for the average consumer as well as the education sector.

hp Chromebook 11

It's A Computer Isn't It?

So what about these minimal machines would apply to a tech geek like myself? For one thing, trying out any new piece of equipment for the first time is and always will be a rush. For another thing, there is that feeling of adventure and exhilaration of stepping into the unknown.

Ok, ok...This isn't extreme computing by any means. Heck, there is absolutely nothing extreme about a quaint and curious Chromebook but I assure you -- It is a computer.

Lets examine some of the reasons that this Geek is becoming a fanboy: (Note - I rarely buy into any kind of fanboyism so please don't take it literal...I give all technology a fair shot in end.)

Acer Chromebook C720

Simply Simple

I like Chrome OS because of the simplicity and while (for me) it won't replace a hefty beefed out Windows machine, it still packs quite a punch and if left uncontested, could ultimately turn into the future of laptop OS design.

Quick On

When you press the power button on a Chromebook, it turns on and boots up in less than 10 seconds. That is extremely useful for someone like me who often needs quick access to a computer connected to the internet and especially jotting down notes and ideas.

Beautiful

The OS itself really looks nice and polished. Everything you need to run the computer is right in front of your eyes. At the start, you will have familiar taskbar with Google icons for some of it's web services. This and the Web Store is pretty much all you need as there are tons of apps in the Chrome Web Store that are pretty slick and polished and allow you to get things done like you would on a Windows or Linux machine.

Chrome OS Desktop

Familiarity

If you know how to navigate in a Chrome browser then you already know how to use Chrome OS. It's that easy! The secret is that many of the apps will simply open up the browser such as the Google+ app for example, will simply open up Google+. This is a good thing!

Good Battery Life

When an Operating System take up very little resources, it naturally consumes less battery! That is always a plus!!

It's Google-y

If you use Google's services frequently then you will find all the markings of what makes Google a household name all packed into the Chromebook. The smattering of white space along with the colors red, blue, yellow and green will surely be present on some systems.

It's Not TOO Linux-y

Let's face it -- Android feels VERY "Linux-y" right off the shelf and while that is good for many --It is not so good for others. I enjoy a variety of Linux based systems but surely not all of them and Chrome OS is based off the Linux kernel the same as Android. Some people just don't need all the customization options that Linux systems bring to the table.

It just doesn't have the same feel as many of the Linux systems that I've encountered and for me that is quite alright. If I want a Linux system then I will go for Linux Mint or Xubuntu and I like the fact the Chrome OS doesn't feel the same.

Inexpensive

You won't find very high specs on some of the lower-end Chromebooks but the current generations are certainly worth their price tags. A Chromebook 11 from hp should run you about $280 while a higher end Chromebook 14 will be about $349.

For Power Users Too?

A power user might snicker at these minimal machines but the power user sometimes loses the outlook of what a casual user wants in a computer and we've seen this with our iPhones and Android devices. Most people just don't need a whole lot of power under the hood and these smaller machines can be a greater value to the masses with price tags that more and more people can afford.

They aren't going to replace your enterprise machines or your gaming rigs but they can serve as a nice supplement to your other devices. And if you are a power user, then you're probably a Geek like me and just want to try it out anyways.

In The End

I feel comfortable recommending the current generation of Chromebooks, not as a replacement but supplement to the plethora of devices you may already own. I would also recommend it for someone's first ever computer as the simplicity of it is just stunning. It really starts to make you think about not needing a clunky Windows OS or an expensive Mac system. It all depends on what your needs are.

Am I a Chrome OS fanboy at this point? Nope. But it is surely growing on me!

A quick review of Google's flagship Chromebook called Pixel can be found here. Warning: This may amaze you! http://cnettv.cnet.com/hands-google-chromebook-pixel/9742-1_53-50141484.html

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How To Get Started On Google+

So if you came here wondering about how to make it in the world of G+, then you have came to the right place. I don't claim to be an expert but am eager and willing to share what has worked for me. You can take the time out to read various G+ references and material  but I just want to speak directly from hands on experience.

Start with Good Character

G+ is truly what you make of it. It is an open canvas for which you can paint your life. Or, you can use it to help others, grow your business and just straight up have fun! The first way to approach G+ is by keeping good character, being nice and behaving in a way you would in real life. This alone can get you quite far in your G+ career but there must be more to it right?

Socialize

Being that it is a social network-- it might be good for you to just get out there and learn the ropes by engaging with fellow plussers. Your circles may be empty and you may not know anyone but this simply means you've entered this new digital realm for the first time. Think about when you enter a place where there is a large gathering. People don't just stand at the front door now do they?

Set Goals

Don't lose site of why you're on G+. Although it may be quite easily to get lost in some of the fun you're about to have-- it may be important for you to maintain sight of your business. If you are here to simply socialize that is perfectly fine and very welcome! There is a little something on G+ for everyone.

Join Communities 

Here's where most people figure out that they are totally in love with G+. Find a community that shares a common interest with you but be particular because often times the communities will fill up with spam and share, listen and engage content! This is how you start building relationships.

Don't be afraid to circle People

It is perfectly acceptable to circle people you don't know. Don't fret if they don't circle you back right away.It may take some time for you to interact with them in order for them to be comfortable enough to follow you back. Sometimes you will never get followed back simply because the person is not interested enough in your content. This is no one's fault because everyone has different and varying interests.

Think of it as a brand new opportunity for you to start fresh and build a solid foundation for which you can share your life's experiences. You are bound to find lots of things in this new world that you absolutely love and people that you can't believe you've lived your whole life without knowing.

The experience really does end up being what you make it. If you are mean and trollish on G+, you won't make it very far and most likely will end up getting the boot. Google really frowns upon spammers and abusive behavior.

Share!

You can share photos, videos, music , links to anyone you feel like sharing to. I would recommend that you start out sharing publicly so others can see your posts as well. Don't start sharing everything privately because this will annoy some and you may get uncircled. If you don't have anythinng in particular you would like to share then find someone else's post you find interesting and simply reshare their post to your own page. This is part of the flow and it's encouraged to do so!

Use  Hashtags    

Hashtags allow your post to get noticed more plus they can be a fun, creative way to express yourself.

Profile Completeness

Filling out your profile completely will get you a lot further than you think. People on G+ like to know that they are interacting and engaging with a real person! That means you should be using your real
name!

Add Photos of yourself

This will also help to identify you. Your avatar will be your first impression so make sure you use a good inviting picture of you. You can always change your profile pic at anytime if need be.

Energy

You will notice that plussers will often have VERY HIGH energy and you would do yourself a favor by letting this rub off on you. You don't have to go the pace of the crowd as long as you keep positive, friendly and genuine. Of course, there will be people that are not to your liking that maybe mean or perhaps having a bad day or even may have spilled all their coffee and they have no more. Plussers love their coffee!

Participate in Strange Phenomena

You will notice some strange things on Google Plus like Caturday and Goaturday but this can be a great way to get your "foot in the door". Caturday takes place on Saturday and happens to be where many people share images, GIFS and videos of cats and Goaturday is much the same but with Goats! This may seem silly but is an extremely effective method of connecting with people as it's nice to have common ground with the crowd.

Quality

I'm not even going to mention quantity here because it's not something you need to be concerned with. It's not about numbers, it's about relationships and connections. This is social networking at it's finest after all!

Conclusion

Google+ is what you make it. Like an artist-- you can think of it as an open canvas in which you have all creative control. Or if you are more of a tech kind of person you can certainly think of it as an uber-geeky tool to stay connected. If you are not either of those things, that is just as well because you have just opened the "doors of perception" and the world you are about to enter could possibly change your life. 

I know it has mine.

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YouTube Comment Curmudgeoning

Everyone seems to be in an uproar about the the newly implemented comment integration between YouTube and Google Plus. Whether you are on either side of the equation -- It's not a big deal really.

It seems as though, if you were happy with the way the comments were setup before the new integration then you're going to hate it and tell the world how awful and crappy it is and that Google is a big meanie head for doing it.

On the other hand you have the people that couldn't stand the comment system (like me) and thought it was the equivalent of the writing on an old department store bathroom wall where you can also find racial and hateful comments and the always popular "Mike wuz hear."

When I talk about this subject, I admit that I am kind of biased being a Google+ fanboy and all and I am just quite shocked and appalled that so many people are "shocked and appalled" by this  new (and better) form of the way comments are dealt with.

Why is it better? Well, for one thing....ACCOUNTABILITY!

It's now easy to track all the arsenine comments that people have been leaving over the years by forcing them into a Google+ account. Here's the secret... Behave on the internet the same way you would in real life!

And another reason is that it's good for business. Yes, on Google's end, it's easier to sell advertising statistics from people who are real and not named Jackass42069 but I'll talk about that on another day!

I would like to think that the majority of us saw this integration coming from a mile away and then I learn about hundreds of YouTubers not knowing that Google+ and YouTube are owned by the same company! I understand that people may not have this knowledge but some spoke as if Google+ was bulling YouTube into "seeing it their way" in which I am just baffled by.

The move is a great move for not only Google but for the users as well. There needed to be some kind of integration and the old comments needed scrubbing. It's going to be a better, safer community for us all in the long run. You don't have to like it but there is no use getting all in a tizzy about a service that is FREE to you. 

There are alternatives to YouTube but you can kiss your paychecks goodbye if you go that route!

Watch my short vlog on the comment integration!

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Windows 8.1 Review

There is plenty that has already been said about the 8.1st incarnation of Windows and the tech world has deemed it unpopular to give this one any praise. Then again, there are a number of people who simply love the seemingly bi-polar yet very fast and very powerful Operating System.

Let's pretend for a second that you you're not totally against change because if you are, you should exit the tech industry immediately. Anyone still reading? Good. Let's move on.

The most immediate changes you will notice from Windows 8 to 8.1 are three things:

          1. There is a start menu. It makes it look prettier, but it doesn't add much funcionality.

          2. You can now quickly switch between metro apps via the sidebar.

          3. There is a quick access to all your apps on the start screen by pressing the down                         arrow.

These small changes really add to the value of Windows 8 but for a long awaited update, they are quite miniscule and I'm not sure if it's enough to sway people to jump on board, especially for those running Windows 7.

If Windows 8 was free, I would deem it a totally acceptable upgrade being that it is lightning fast and performs very well overall. However it costs more than 100 dollars for those who are looking to make the switch and just simply isn't necessary for those running Windows 7.

If you do make the jump from Windows 7, please bare in mind that it will be frustrating at first to navigate around because your brain is simply used to accessing your programs from Start. The biggest trick in 8 to reveal is that by right clicking on the new start menu, it brings up a nice list of settings such as control panel, task manager, command prompt, network connections, device manager etc.

I have been beating on one of my own Windows 8 machines for months now and it handles my online school work, collaborations, audio and video editing, daily tasks, heavy social networking (On Google Plus, of course), image editing, blogging and just about anything else you use a computer for-- Windows 8 has been a very positive experience overall.

I really want to listen to the higher up technology professionals and agree that it is terrible and a usability nightmare, but I have to strongly disagree with that notion. Microsoft maybe on a proverbial "nosedive" but I don't think Windows 8 should take blame for it.

I've heard the complaints since 8 hit the market and yet I still fail to understand what all the fuss is about. There are so many different answers to that question but if you "just don't like it" then that is totally fine, but as someone who has thoroughly handled this beast with as much real world testing as possible, I just can't make the argument for it being a bad OS. It really does make things simpler once you wrap your head around the fact that it's a little different than previous versions.

I'm not a big fan of many of the apps on the Metro side of the interface but it's quite easy to just ignore altogether if need be. Those apps are aimed more for tablets and phones but are still available to desktop users and some of them are definitely worth checking out but it's probably just going to be a passing phase as you continue to use the tried and true desktop.

Is it a must have "go out and buy it right now" OS? No. And I wouldn't go out of my way to upgrade, Unless you're still running XP or earlier. I would however, purchase a new machine with Windows 8.1 already installed.

What do you think of Windows 8.1?

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