Are Chromebooks More Secure Than Windows Laptops?

As our dependency on technology and the internet grows, cyber threats are also becoming a cause for concern. At the moment, given the need for good economic decisions, two of the most popular options for laptop users on a budget are Chromebooks and Windows laptops. In this article, we will look more closely at the security features of both Chromebooks and Windows laptops so that we can decide which of the two is more secure than the other. 

Chromebook Operating System and Security Features 

Chromebook runs on a Linux distribution operating system known as ChromeOS, which is compact and secure. While ChromeOS is a very secure operating system, in the event that it is infected by malware, hackers could potentially spy on user activities, take control of the device, and even steal a user’s identity. However, according to technology writer Ilijia Miljkovac, getting the best antivirus for Chromebooks will help secure your device and prevent unwanted virus and malware infections. (source: https://www.techopedia.com/antivirus/best-antivirus-for-chromebook).

This is because Chromebooks also have a sandboxed operating system that was designed and developed by Google to run each application in its own isolated environment, meaning that if an application is to be attacked by malware, the possibility of it spreading across the device becomes very slim. 

In general, a Chromebook is a type of laptop computer that requires an internet connection for most of its applications to work properly since the majority of the applications and documents are stored in a cloud service. Their quick boot time, slightly low price, and long battery life sets Chromebooks apart from traditional laptops. 

When new updates are available, ChromeOS automatically updates itself and applies all security patches in the background without any of the user’s input. These updates are done regularly, leaving little room for malware to attack the system. Chromebooks are designed in such a way that during the boot process, the system checks if the operating system hasn’t been compromised, and in the event that anything is found to be amiss, the system attempts to repair itself by downloading a new copy of the operating system. 

The main OS is stored in a read-only partition of the system, which ensures that malicious software is kept away from the system files and cannot tamper with them in any way. Since Chromebooks’s uses are limited to basic computer operations, they are less targeted by malware creators because they are not as widely used as Windows laptops. Because they rely on cloud-based services and hardly work offline, they give malware and computer viruses fewer applications to attack. 

Windows Operating System and Security Features 

On the other hand, a Windows laptop runs on the Windows operating system that Microsoft created. They can run applications that are resource-intensive and require powerful hardware configurations. The Windows operating system is more widely used than ChromeOS because it is able to run a wide range of software, which makes it a big target for malware and cyber attacks. Compared to ChromeOS, Windows’s internal security leaves much to be desired and relies heavily on third-party antivirus software for protection. 

The effectiveness of these antivirus solutions can vary depending on how much a user is willing to spend. Although Windows provides regular updates, they usually require some input or action from the user before completion. Users often schedule the updates for a later time or date or ignore them completely, leaving them vulnerable to virus and malware attacks.

The Windows operating system is protected from unauthorised changes by a security feature known as User Account Control, which gives you authority over applications and the entire system depending on your account rights. Although it helps reduce the risk of malware making system-wide changes, it is not as foolproof as sandboxing is in ChromeOS.

Other Uses of Chromebooks and Some of its Best Points

Chromebooks are very affordable when compared to Windows laptops. This does not mean that there are no expensive Chromebooks out there or affordable Windows laptops, but the specifications of ChromeOS contribute to the overall price of Chromebooks. This affordability is what makes them popular, especially with students.

Most Chromebooks support lightweight Android apps, including games like Roblox and Minecraft. Chromebooks often come with Google Drive storage, where you can store your files and applications. Depending on the size of your personal files, you can buy more cloud storage when the need arises.

The Disadvantages of Chromebooks 

Although Chromebooks can be used for a number of things, their use is limited to basic computer operations that do not require high processing power. Chromebooks were designed with budget-conscious users in mind, which is why some of them come with low-end specifications such as 4GB of RAM. This is not ideal for users who multitask or are used to running more complex operations. 

Because of the low-end specifications, if a user tries to open multiple tabs or run many applications simultaneously, the system might freeze. They are perfectly dependable when used according to their specifications, but pushing them beyond their limits is what will likely cause the system to slow down or even crash in extreme situations due to their lack of heavy computing power. 

Advantages that Windows Laptops Have Over Chromebooks 

• Windows laptops can run a number of programs, including professional applications like Adobe Creative Suite and industry-specific programs that are not available on Chromebooks, such as Microsoft Visual Studio and AutoCAD.
• Windows laptops support a wide range of games because of their compatibility with major gaming platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and Origin.
• There are varieties of Windows laptops that suit different user needs. You can get a laptop based on your budget, from cheap ones with minimal specifications to an expensive one with a powerful processor and large amounts of RAM, depending on what you will be using the laptop for.
• Many Windows laptops have options for upgrading computer components like RAM and storage, which is typically not possible with Chromebooks.
• Windows laptops can fully function offline, allowing access to installed software and local files without needing an internet connection.
• Windows supports a wide range of hardware accessories like high-resolution monitors, ensuring compatibility with existing technological infrastructure.

Conclusion

The security of both Chromebooks and Windows laptops depends on the requirements of the user. Both devices have their own security measures and risks, but Chromebooks are considered to be more secure and easy to use. However, the final decision has to be made based on your specific needs and preferences and your value of online security.