Google's Chrome OS gets a much needed update

That said, what’s as a matter of fact new and improved in this Chrome OS update? The first thing I noticed is that it’s now easy to use Chrome OS on a Virtual Private Network. Previously this update, you had to turn on the VPN functionality-as an “experimental” feature. This was annoying.

Now, you can use a Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol/Internet Protocol Security private network with a pre-shared key by just clicking on the network icon and selecting “private network.” In my trials, using Windows Server 2008 R2 as my VPN server on both my home network and over the Internet, I had no trouble setting up VPNs and using them for work.

The plus side for private networking

On the plus side for private networking, Chrome OS no longer “forgets” VPN settings. In its last iteration, it would do that at times and I had to try very hard not to throw my Chromebook across the room.

The operating system as well now supports 802.1x. This, in turn, means your Wi-Fi connections are safer if you’re using a network built around RADIUS servers

The operating system as well comes with an assortment of other security and stability fixes.Last, nevertheless not least, the Netflix app. after all works, so you can use a Chromebook or other Chrome OS empowered device as your own portable TV. On the more serious work-a-day side of life, the Citrix Receiver, which enables you to run Windows applications from a Citrix application server, is now available for Chromebooks.

Sure, as a techie kind of guy I think my Chromebook is a great and useful toy, however can I see ordinary businesses and people using it? No, not but. And, if Google doesn’t start improving it fast, I’m not sure I will ever see Joe and Jane User using it.

Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols, aka sjvn, has been writing about research and the business of innovation since CP/M-80 was the cutting edge, PC operating system

...this site began as a subscription-based service called "ZiffNet" that offered computing information to CompuServe users.