However, it must be either locally stored or in your Google Drive -- it wont pull in an image from a service like Facebook.

Updates made since then have given Chrome OS users better file format support, faster navigation, revised menus, dramatically improved offline abilities, and a traditional-looking desktop.

But if you loathe the Chrome browser, its still highly unlikely that youll enjoy this operating system.

On the other hand, if you love Chrome, then Chrome OS is a big heaping helping of Chrome with some extra Chrome on the side and more Chrome for dessert.

Like Chrome the browser, Chrome-the-OS has a freely available open-source sibling, called Chromium OS.

If you like coding and developing, this is likely going to be your best bet for exploring what makes Chrome OS tick.

Please note that because of the similarities between the Chrome-the-browser and the Chrome OS, parts of the Chrome review have been reproduced here where applicable.

Installation is not an issue for the Chrome OS since it comes preinstalled.

When you start up your system, its recommended that you sign in using a Google account.

Youre not required to, and if youd prefer, you can opt for the Guest mode.

Guest mode in Chrome OS cleverly uses the Chrome browsers trackless browsing mode, called Incognito.

Incognito prevents guest users from leaving any traces of their session, as well as keeping them from making any changes to your apps and other settings.

After choosing your log-in method, youre asked to read through and accept the EULA.

This will only appear for the initial log-in; it wont show up for subsequent uses and users.

Next, you can take a photo of yourself with the Webcam, use a provided icon, or use your current Google account avatar.

It took our avatar about 30 seconds to synchronize our existing account avatar from the cloud.

Chrome then takes anywhere from 30 to 60 seconds to synchronize your Google settings, if any, and then the computer is ready to be used.

Theres no doubt that the EULA is annoying, but weve never seen another new, unused operating system start so quickly.

The desktop itself shows only your background by default, but a Tic-Tac-Toe-style icon on the Launcher reveals all your installed apps over the desktop background.

The lower-right corner shows the time, Internet connection status, battery status, and shows your Google account avatar to indicate whos logged in.

Click the avatar to show shutdown options and reveal more information and settings.

You can customize the background with one of several dozen options, or upload your own image.

Download Chrome For Os X