Windows 8.1 vs Google Chrome OS review

Management and Security

Windows systems are a major target for hackers and coders of malware so individual systems require time and effort to administer, manage and maintain. There are many effective, free or paid-for tools to help with this. Ideally an IT admin need to keep an eye out for emergency patches and updates. This can mean managing Windows 8.1 systems can be hard work for a small business.

With Chrome OS, you leave maintenance and administration up to Google. Patches and security updates are downloaded and installed automatically when Chromebooks start up, and are invisible to the end-user messages warning about imminent shutdowns are non-existent. Anti-malware protection is baked in, while most apps aren't ever installed locally, which makes the Chromebook an intrinsically more secure platform though there are enough potential vectors to stop anyone getting complacent.

With a small fleet of Chromebooks in a business there's little need to do anything, but Google provides a web-based Management Console as part of Google Apps for Business. This allows you to track devices, pre-install or block specific apps, as well as control user and network access.

Winner: For SMBs, Chrome OS. Windows has more advanced management tools and administration features, but in a smaller business Chrome OS devices need precious little time or work.