FydeOS Brings Old Windows PCs Back to Life as a Chromebook Alternative, ZDNet Review Shows
A ZDNet article reports that the free FydeOS operating system can revive aging Windows PCs, offering a ChromeOS-like experience with smooth performance and AI features, though version selection can be tricky.
The author highlighted a major hurdle: choosing the correct version. The FydeOS download page offers four options for PC: Intel Slim, Intel Modern, AMD Graphics, and Intel Legacy, with descriptions that are not user-friendly. The author first tried Intel Slim, which resulted in a black screen, then Intel Modern, which booted but did not recognize the trackpad. A USB mouse resolved the issue.
Installation requires creating a bootable USB from a compressed .zip file using a tool like Balena Etcher, and the file must not be decompressed first. After setup, users log in with a Google account. The OS includes background updates, boot time of eight seconds, and 'virus armour' for security. It supports web, Android, and Linux apps.
FydeOS AI is a built-in assistant accessible after signing in with a free FydeOS account. The article notes that the AI is listed as a free trial, but no pricing details were found. The FydeOS help chat said it is free 'right now.' The author tested the AI and found it 'fairly adept.'