There's no shortage of options when it comes to deciding what to do with an old computer once it has been replaced. Repurposing an old machine is certainly a noble cause but when it takes 10 to 15 minutes just to boot into Windows, what good can it really server?
New York City startup Neverware has a pretty great idea - transform that old clunker into a speedy "Chromebook." And now, you can give it a try without wiping your hard drive thanks to a new dual boot option.
Chromebooks have been one of the surprise hits of the past few years. Unlike netbooks which attempted to run desktop-class versions of Windows on underpowered hardware, Chromebooks utilize a lightweight (albeit limited) OS that's far less demanding. As a result, manufacturers have been able to churn out slim Chromebooks that are deceptively quick and affordable enough to cause major disruptions in the entry-level laptop market.
Using Neverware's CloudReady software (free for individuals), you can essentially create your own Chromebook (it's not technically a Chromebook as Google owns the trademark for that name). The software is a variation of Chromium, the open source version of Chrome.
Odds are, your old laptop or desktop is probably still faster in terms of raw processing power than most new Chromebooks so you'll end up with a very usable system absolutely free.
If you're interested in giving it a try, you can learn all about installation over on Neverware's website.