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ChromeOS Auto-Update Testing Command

The autest command is a powerful but potentially risky tool in ChromeOS that allows users to trigger system updates against a test update server. This chapter explains its usage and important considerations.

Command Overview

The basic syntax for the command is:

autest [--scheduled]

Understanding the Command

Basic Usage

The autest command without any flags will: - Initiate an immediate auto-update check - Connect to a test update server instead of the production server - Look for any available test updates

Optional Parameters

The --scheduled flag: - Simulates a scheduled update check - Behaves more like regular automatic updates - Useful for testing update scheduling behavior

⚠️ Important Warnings

Risk Factors

The autest command comes with several significant risks:

  1. Untested Versions
  2. May install ChromeOS versions not meant for general use
  3. Could contain experimental features

  4. Might include incomplete or broken functionality

  5. System Stability

  6. Test versions may affect system stability
  7. Could impact device performance

  8. Might cause unexpected behavior

  9. Recovery Requirements

  10. May need system recovery if issues occur
  11. Could require powerwash in some cases
  12. Might need manual intervention to return to stable channel

Best Practices

Before Testing

  1. Backup Important Data
  2. Save all critical files
  3. Export any important settings

  4. Ensure you have recovery media available

  5. System Preparation

  6. Close all important applications
  7. Save any ongoing work
  8. Ensure stable power connection

During Testing

  1. Monitor Progress
  2. Watch for update notifications
  3. Monitor system behavior

  4. Note any error messages

  5. Document Changes

  6. Record the version numbers
  7. Note any system changes
  8. Document any issues encountered

Common Use Cases

Developer Testing

# Basic update test
autest

# Simulated scheduled update
autest --scheduled

QA Testing

  • Testing update mechanisms
  • Verifying update paths
  • Checking system behavior during updates

Recovery Options

If issues occur after using autest:

  1. Return to Stable Channel
  2. Change back to stable channel in Settings
  3. Wait for stable update to download

  4. Install stable version update

  5. System Recovery

  6. Use recovery media if needed
  7. Follow standard recovery procedures
  8. Reinstall stable ChromeOS version

Conclusion

The autest command is a specialized tool primarily intended for development and testing purposes. While it can be useful for specific testing scenarios, it should be used with extreme caution and preferably only in controlled testing environments. Regular users should stick to the standard update channels (Stable, Beta, or Dev) for a more reliable experience.

Additional Resources

  • ChromeOS Recovery Guide
  • ChromeOS Update Channels Documentation
  • ChromeOS Developer Documentation

Remember: This command should primarily be used by developers and testers who understand the risks and have appropriate backup and recovery procedures in place.