Archive for category: Update

If your computer is too old or too slow to use effectively, you might want to consider installing Neverware CloudReady to it. This free software turns your computer into a Chrome OS computer, just like the college Chromebooks you’re used to. Before you get started, take a read through this whole page to familiarize yourself with CloudReady.

Minimum Hardware Requirements

• RAM: 2GB or greater
• Storage space: 16GB or more
• BIOS: Full administrative access, in order to boot from the CloudReady USB installer
• Processor and Graphics: Components made prior to 2007 will likely result in a poor experience. Additionally, the following graphics hardware does not meet performance standards on CloudReady: Intel GMA 500, 600, 3600, 3650

What do I need to get started?

• A computer running the latest version of the Chrome browser.
• An 8GB or greater USB stick
  • Note – Sandisk USB sticks can sometimes cause problems.
• Time, we can’t say how much as it depends on a variety of factors.

Ready?

If your computer meets the hardware requirements, you have the necessary equipment and are happy with the ‘Important Information’ at the bottom of this page then we’re ready to create a USB Installer and install CloudReady to your computer.

Let’s get started!

Build your CloudReady Installer

• If you have a Windows 7 or greater computer, download and run the USB Maker Tool to easily set up the USB with minimal fuss. This is the easiest method. Once that tool is finished, you can head straight to Step 2.
• If you don’t have access to a Windows 7 or greater machine, it will take longer to create a USB stick and a bit more effort but it is possible.
  • Head to this link, look for the ‘Create a USB Installer Manually’ and click ‘Download 64-bit image’.
  • Once downloaded, click the relevant link based on what device you are using to create the installer. This is the guide on how to install the image to the USB stick.
    • Mac – Click Here
    • Chromebook – Click Here
    • Windows – Click Here
• If you have a Linux machine, follow these instructions.

Use the USB to install CloudReady to your computer

1. Turn off the computer you want to install it to.
   1. Remember, this cannot be undone once it’s finished.
2. Plug in the USB Installer. Remove all other USB sticks.
3. Boot to your computers Custom Boot menu.
   1. Below is a list of the most common models and their corresponding keystroke:
      1. Dell – Tap F12 when the Dell logo is displayed.
      2. HP – Tap F9 when the HP logo is displayed.
      3. Lenovo – Tap F12 when the Lenovo logo is displayed.
      4. Apple – Hold Option (next to the ⌘ key) when the computer first turns on.
      5. Toshiba – Tap F12 or F2 when the Toshiba logo appears.
      6. Acer – Tap F12 as the Acer logo appears.
      7. Other – Try tapping Esc, F1-12, or Enter during bootup.
      8. If you can’t find your model, try looking online for the manual for your device.
4. Use the arrow keys to highlight the relevant option. Hit Enter once you’ve picked the right one.
   1. You will need to look for either the brand name of the USB or something along the lines of ‘USB Device or ‘USB Storage’.
5. If you’ve done everything correct so far, before long you’ll see a white splash screen with the CloudReady logo.
6. Once you see the Welcome screen, click the time in the bottom right corner of the screen.
7. Click Install OS.
8. Read through the disclaimer and if you agree, click INSTALL CLOUDREADY…
9. You will now get your absolutely final warning, if you’re still happy, click ERASE HARD DRIVE & INSTALL CLOUDREADY
10. Depending on the speed of the USB device and the target hard drive, this process should take between 5 and 20 minutes. When the installation has finished, your machine will shut itself down completely.
11. When you’re sure your machine is powered down, unplug your CloudReady USB Installer and power the device back on.
    1. Note: During the install process, your machine may become idle or dim it’s display. Be sure to use the keyboard or touchpad to check if the machine is fully powered off before removing the USB.

Setup

1. When you turn the device on for the first time, you’ll see the same Welcome screen as before. Click Let’s Go to begin.
2. If you are using a laptop, this is where you will need to connect it to your wifi.
   1. If you are using a network cable, it should automatically connect to the internet.
3. Choose whether or not to participate in Anonymous Data Collection Policy then click Continue.
4. All Done! You can now log in and use your Chrome OS device! Congratulations.

In the Settings menu of the device, you may want to look for the ‘Media Plugins’ menu and install extra components to allow you to get the best experience.

Important Information – MUST READ

• Although we recommend CloudReady, Barton Peveril cannot support it if you have issues. We also accept no responsibility or liability for anything that may occur in your use of CloudReady.
  • As this is a free application, Neverware do not give access to technical support.
  • You can find some helpful information on their Knowledgebase.
  • You can ask a question for help on their forum.
• Neverware has a list of over 350 devices they have certified CloudReady to work on. You can find this here – Certified List.
  • If your computer isn’t on that list, it may still work with CloudReady, head to this link to find out more information.
• You MUST back up your data. CloudReady will completely wipe everything from your computer.
  • We recommend backing up to Google Drive as it will be easy to access this from the CloudReady computer once it’s created.
• You CANNOT go back once installed. When we say it wipes everything we mean everything.
  • Windows, Mac OS, Linux or whatever operating system you have will be completely removed.