Google has finally released an early version of its new open source operating system Chrome OS. This is a step-by-step guide to running it within Sun VirtualBox, a multi-platform, free virtualization software, making your pleasure all-free!

1. Download components

You need to download two components:

1. Sun Virtual Box, a free virtualization software for Windows, OS X, Linux or Solaris.
2. A Chrome OS image, currently available as torrent file at piratebay.org. If you experience problems downloading the file, read the Beginner’s Guide to BitTorrent. You can also download the VMDK image (NOT the VirtualBox one, it does not work) from GDGT and use it with VirtualBox. You don’t have to give your real E-Mail adress in the registration process.

2. Install VirtualBox

Double-click the downloaded setup file and follow the on-screen setup process. Make sure all downloads are complete before install, because it will disconnect you from all networks during setup.

3. Decompress the image file

After finishing the download you’ll notice that the image file is in a BZip2-compressed format. Unzip the file using freeware like e.g. 7-Zip.

4. Setup your Chrome OS machine in VirtualBox

1. Start VirtualBox
2. Click “New” to add a new virtual machine.
   
3. Choose a name for your machine and select “Linux” as operating system and “Ubuntu” as version.
   
4. Set the memory size of your virtual machine to “1024 MB” as that is the most common memory size for real netbooks.
   
5. Select to use an “existing hard disk” and click the folder icon on the right to open the Virtual Media Manager.
   
6. Click “Add” and select the uncompressed Chrome OS image file you downloaded. Then highlight it by a left-click and hit “Select”.
   
7. You successfully set up your Chrome OS virtual machine. Now run it by clicking “Start”.
   
8. After few seconds you’ll see a login screen. As your image file is not from a trusted source (namely the BitTorrent network) I highly recommend NOT TO login with your real GMail credentials. Set up a new account instead before you login or login at your own risk.

6. Enjoy

Enjoy your fresh install of Chrome OS and checking Tech iPod for any updates.

In case you encounter any errors feel free to leave a comment (no registration required). I’m give my best to help you out.

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