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OpenCore is the right answer for older MACs with higher specification as Corei9 or Xeon – or you keep the latest macOS possible – as e.g. High Sierra – and turn to Mozilla Firefox and Thunderbird with latest security updates – the macOS security updates with automatically loaded MRT ConfigData and XProtectPlistConfigData are enough for most of us to drive the old MAC without being spied out and secure enough – the only question is if you dare online banking and run a password manager (?)
 
Why not install Windows instead? Especially since this “Chrome OS Flex“ doesn’t even support Android apps or Virtual Machines.
Because it's slow AF. Have you seen that recent article about Windows updates failing? And the official response was that your comp needs to be online for 6 hours straight for updates to install cleanly. WTAF.

I'd like a Windows Light though, if it actually works. if it won't cause 100% load on my CPU with compatibility telemetry, update process host, search indexer, wsappx, .... when I turn on one of my comps that's been off for a couple of weeks, it always takes like 10-20 minutes for everything to settle down. You don't want that on a 10 years old Macbook, do you?

There was a Windows 10X, but then it got canceled. Of course.

This Chrome OS thing looks very-very useful. Too bad it's from Google though.
 
Windows on an old Mac? That’s going in the wrong direction (my main computer is running Windows 11 so I’m not anti-Microsoft or anti-Windows).

This is a great solution if you need mostly internet-based features (like a Chromebook). A lot of K-12 is based around Google Docs and other websites. Having a light OS like ChromeOS will extend the life of many computers. I install Linux as my computers age, including my 10+ year old Mac Mini. An SSD and Linux on that makes it run smoothly and with current security updates and features (which I don’t get sticking with OS X).
My son’s school uses chrome books and it is a horrible experience for everyone that is only eclipsed by organizations lock fully into windows 365 like LSU.
 
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There's no need to run macOS Monterey on older macs. Just run them on the OS with which they shipped!

For the 2015 MacBook Air 11" pictured, macOS Sierra still works wonderfully, without all the weird discolorations and permission popups.
You’re vulnerable to security issues if you do this. They haven’t patched Sierra in years.
 
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A good move from Google that could undermine the Windows monopoly on PC OSs. I'm surprised it hasn't gone the whole hog to do a fully blown Chrome OS because so many schools, colleges and public work places pay big money for Windows and if there could be a cheaper option then it will help reduce the cost of public spending and perhaps improve education and the public sector.

I don’t think this is going to make much of any impact for the average home user. The first step for install is “create a USB installer”. The average user has no clue what that is. Then having them figure out what key gives them the boot menu and then, especially on older hardware, trying to figure out why the device isn’t showing up as an option, etc.

Google truly does not know the general public if they think this will work.
 
The first thing that came to mind was…

View attachment 1959703

I’ll admit I have limited experience with Chromebooks - but that’s partially because I really didn’t enjoy the experience.
I first thought of the Borg from Star Trek -- assimilating other species.

Then I thought of zombies...vampires...

Google isn't doing this to be kind or ecological. They just want your data...buyer (or victim) beware.
 
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A couple people have posted about using Linux on older Macs. One the last month I have been trying out different Linux distributions on my 2010 MacBook Pro 17" (Intel HD integrated and Nvidia GeForce GT 330M GPUs).

Currently I am using the Zorin OS Lite distribution and it is working well so far, including recognizing the old Nvidia GPU so I can connect an external monitor.

[Edit: corrected GPU names]
 
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I just need a simple and reliable way to install a light Linux distro on my old Mac (and my experience with that is not as smooth as I expected).
Yeah, I have tried a number of Linux distributors recently. Right now Zorin OS Lite is working well for me, and Bodhi Linux was pretty good on my MBP 2010 17". With Bodhi I needed to change some the appearance options (default desktop theme was too green but there are many choices), but it performed well..
 
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This is genius on Google’s part. They don’t need to sell you Chrome Books first, they turn your current device into one and you’re hooked to their OS for future hardware upgrades. And surely they won’t support Apple Silicone, so you think trice about being „stuck“ with macOS.
Still a hard pass for me, but damn, that’s clever and sneaky.
Competition is good, too. Go Apple.
 
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Also without recent security updates.
I also remember how fast my MacBook early 2008 became obsolete. No software even supports Lion anymore (the last supported OS on that MacBook) and also even High Sierra is becoming obsolete.
I don't understand his logic. Of course you have to upgrade when possible.
 
Why? Why would anyone do this?
Cause there is one thing where Apple really lags behind - Support Times on Laptops and Desktop-Machines.

While 10-15 year old Machines can easily run Windows 10 and even 11 (with some tweaks) or any instance of Linux, Apple usually had a lifespan of 5-8 years on Macs.

Usually this machines arent bad or not capable of running new OS, Apple just does not want them to do so. So Googles approach is a way of giving completly fine machines a new life.
 
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