Chromebook Tips And Tricks

“HELPING MEMBER GROUPS HELP THEIR MEMBERS“

Judy Taylour, Speakers Bureau Member

4/26/22

NO, CHROME OS ISN’T REMOVING SMART LOCK, JUST TWEAKING IT – Recent reports have suggested that Chrome OS would be removing Smart Lock in the near future, but instead, Google is only tweaking the way it works, potentially to keep your account more secure. No, Chrome OS isn’t removing Smart Lock, just tweaking it – 9to5Google

WHY A CHROMEBOOK IS PROBABLY ALL YOU NEED – Commentary: Looking to buy a new Windows or Mac laptop? You’ll first want to consider Chromebooks, too. Due to the uptick in remote learning and working during the pandemic, a lot of people are now aware of the world of Chromebooks. It’s likely because of this that I spent more time fielding questions about them from family and friends than I have since they first launched in 2011. Chromebooks are now 10 years old and a lot has changed. Most of my Chromebook conversations are with people buying them for kids, but these Q&A sessions regularly end with them asking “Should I buy one for myself?” And the stock answer is usually, “It depends on your needs.” But after a little digging, many people realize they don’t need to do any more than what can be done on a Chromebook. Why a Chromebook Is Probably All You Need – CNET

4 BURIED TREASURES THAT’LL TRANSFORM YOUR CHROME OS EXPERIENCE – All right, my fellow Chrome OS adventurer — see if this progression feels familiar:

First: “Ooh, look! My Chromebook’s getting a huge update this week! Cool new features! SO EXCITING!!”
Then: “Oh. The update’s here, but everything looks the same. Where’s all the new stuff? So disappointing.”
It’s an all-too-common pairing here in the land o’ Googley matters, and that exact progression is in the midst of playing out for many an eager Chromebook owner this very moment.

Have you felt it yet? This latest up-and-down got going when Google made a splashy announcement about its 100th Chrome OS release the other day — including, most notably, the long-in-progress launch of a snazzy new revamped Chromebook launcher (ooh, ahh, etc). 4 buried treasures that’ll transform your Chrome OS experience | Computerworld

CHROMEBOOK ZOOM COMPATIBILITY JUNE 2022 CHANGES – Chromebook ChromeOS apps are being phased out across all operating systems by June 2022. Because of this, Zoom created the Chrome Progressive Web App (PWA), which is intended to replace the Zoom ChromeOS app, and allows you to use some of the same features available on the desktop client or mobile app within the Chrome web browser. Chromebook Zoom Compatibility June 2022 Changes – CCCTechConnect (zendesk.com)

CHROMEBOOK REVIEW — THE KEY PROS AND CONS IN 2022 – “Should I buy a Chromebook?” is a question that is asked with increasing frequency by individuals, businesses, parents and students looking to reduce their computing costs or work more collaboratively in the cloud. This Chromebook review explores the pros and cons of using Chromebooks and other Chrome OS-based computers, helps you answer that question and highlights a few Chromebooks that you might want to consider using. Chromebook Review (2022) — Should I Buy a Chromebook? (stylefactoryproductions.com)

THE 20-MINUTE CHROMEBOOK TUNE-UP – As far as computers go, Chromebooks are almost shockingly low-maintenance. Google’s Chrome OS operating system updates itself silently and automatically — as do most of the core apps associated with the platform — and it doesn’t get gunked up and slowed down over time, as traditional operating systems tend to do. There’s no antivirus software to fret over, either, and little in the way of complicated settings or compatibility concerns. By and large, things “just work” — like, for real. But hey, you’re a proactive person. You like knowing your tech is always in tip-top shape. Plus, you have impeccable tastes in tech-related reading material (clearly). So let me share a little secret with you: Despite Chrome OS’s minimal-upkeep nature, there are some things you can do to clean up your Chromebook, clear out its clutter, and keep it primed for optimal productivity (and/or procrastination — equally important, as far as I’m concerned). And they don’t take long at all to power through. The 20-minute Chromebook tune-up | Computerworld

Ricks Tech Tips – Rick’s Daily Tips – Your daily dose of practical, easy to follow tech tips! (ricksdailytips.com)

HOW TO CHECK THE HEALTH OF YOUR CHROMEBOOK WITH THE DIAGNOSTICS APP – Just like every other computer on the planet, Chromebooks can develop hardware issues over time, especially if they receive a lot of use.

Chromebooks running Chrome OS 90 or later have a handy “Diagnostics” app that will check the machine’s battery, CPU and memory to see if there are any issues with those components that need to be resolved (hopefully while the device is still under warranty).

If you’ve had your Chromebook for a while and you’ve never ran the tests included in the Diagnostics app, I recommend that you take a few minutes to do it on a regular basis (every 3 months is my recommended schedule).

Just follow the steps below to open the Diagnostics app and run the various tests:

1 -Open the “Quick Settings” panel by clicking on the Clock display in the lower-right corner of the screen.

2 – Click the Settings icon (it looks like a “gear“).

3 – Click About Chrome OS.

4 – Click Diagnostics.

That’s all there is to launching the Diagnostics app. Now just click on each test in turn to run them.

3/22/22

GOOGLE PREPARING ‘ChromeOS’ RENAME TO UNIFY BRANDING – As reported by 9to5Google, Google has decided to unify the branding and drop the space between “Chrome” and “OS,” making it just one word. Similarly, Chromium OS — the open-source version of Chrome OS used primarily by developers — will be rebranded to “ChromiumOS.” Google preparing ‘ChromeOS’ rename to unify branding (chromeunboxed.com)

YOU CAN NOW PLAY STEAM GAMES ON CHROMEBOOKS — THESE ARE THE MODELS – Steam on Chrome OS is now live. You can now play Steam games on Chromebooks — these are the models | Tom’s Guide (tomsguide.com)

BEHOLD THE CHROME OS 101 DARK CHROMEBOOK BOOT SCREEN THAT NO LONGER BLINDS YOU! – After nearly a week of being mostly offline for travel and other reasons, I just updated my Acer Chromebook Spin 13. I run the Dev Channel on it and see that it got bumped up to Chrome OS 101 for the first time. Lo and behold, the blazingly bright boot screen is gone! Thanks to Chrome OS 101, I now have the dark Chromebook boot screen that’s nearly a decade overdue. Behold the Chrome OS 101 dark Chromebook boot screen that no longer blinds you! (aboutchromebooks.com)

HOW FINDING OPTIMIZED ANDROID APPS ON CHROMEBOOKS WILL GET EASIER – Struggling to find optimized Android apps on Chromebooks? Android 12L, announced a few months back, will help. But it’s not enough to just add better support for mobile apps on larger screens. You still have to find them. Google announced changes that will make it easier to find those optimized apps. How finding optimized Android apps on Chromebooks will get easier (aboutchromebooks.com)

CHROME OS 101 ADDS SUPPORT FOR VARIABLE REFRESH RATES ON CHROMEBOOK DISPLAYS – What is a variable refresh rate?
Here’s a quick explainer for what variable refresh rates are and what they bring to the table. Let’s start with the “refresh rate” of a display is. If your Chromebook has a 30 Hz display, that basically means it can render or show 30 different frames every second. Likewise, a 60 Hz display can show 60 frames per second. The higher the number, the smoother the overall display looks, particularly when watching videos or playing games. Read more at Chrome OS 101 adds support for variable refresh rates on Chromebook displays (aboutchromebooks.com)

Rick’s Tech Tips – delete unwanted networks from your Chromebook

Question from Mitchell: Love your site, Rick. I have a question for you if you don’t mind.

I recently retired from a job that required me to travel frequently to multiple states.

As you can imagine, I stayed in a lot of different hotels and now my Chromebook has a long list of WiFi networks that pop up when I go to connect to a network.

Since I’m not traveling anymore I’ll never need to connect to most of those networks again. How can I remove them?

Rick’s answer: This is a common issue for frequent travelers, Mitchell.

Chromebooks do a great job at storing WiFi networks that you’ll need to connect to again in the future, but it does get tedious when you have to scroll through a bunch of them that you no longer have a need for.

Luckily, it’s very easy to delete those unwanted networks from your Chromebook. Just follow the steps below:

1 – Sign in to your Chromebook.

2 – Click on the Time display in the lower-right corner of the screen.

3 – Click the Settings icon (it looks like a “gear” or “cog“).

4 – In the left-hand pane, click Network.

5 – In the right-hand pane, click Wi-Fi, then select Known networks.

6 – Find the network you want to forget and click the three vertical dots.

7 – Click Forget.

8 – Repeat steps 6 and 7 for each of the other networks you want your Chromebook to forget.

That’s all there is to it. From now on the networks you removed will no longer show up in your list of saved WiFi networks.

Note: If you ever visit one of those hotels again you’ll still be able to connect to their WiFi network because it’ll show up in the list of available networks (if you are in range, of course).

I hope this helps, Mitchell. Good luck! Q&A: How can I remove saved WiFi networks from my Chromebook? (ricksdailytips.com)

2/26/22

HOW TO FIND YOUR LOST ANDROID PHONE USING NOTHING BUT YOUR CHROMEBOOK – Have you lost your Android phone in the couch again? Well, actually, you probably don’t know where the heck it is – that’s what makes it lost. Truth be told, you would probably prefer to call it “intentionally misplaced” if you get as many spam calls as I do or just prefer not to be constantly inundated with notifications. You know, there are methods for managing your digital life that are more effective, like Google’s Digital Wellbeing dashboard or Do Not Disturb settings, but we’ll save that for another day. Read more at How to find your Android phone using your Chromebook (chromeunboxed.com)

HOW TO SYNC CHROME ON ANDROID AND ACROSS ALL YOUR DEVICES – There are many reasons why I prefer to use Chrome as my main browser. One of the main reasons is the fact that it is multi-platform, which comes in really handy when you are someone that moves between operating systems. As long as you have a Google account, you can switch seamlessly from one device to another and have information like your bookmarks and passwords readily available. This is all possible due to one simple feature the Chrome browser has – Chrome Sync. Read more at How to sync Chrome on Android and across all your devices (chromeunboxed.com)

HERE’S OUR FIRST LOOK AT THE NEW CHROME OS ANIMATED SCREENSAVER FEATURE – Thanks to Kevin Tofel over at About Chromebooks, we now have our very first look at the animated screensavers Google recently promised us that would eventually make their way to the new Personalization Hub. Read more at Here’s the new Chrome OS animated screensaver feature (chromeunboxed.com)

WHAT TO DO IF GMAIL IS NOT WORKING? 11 QUICK FIXES – This article covers troubleshooting fixes for several Gmail issues on mobile devices (Android and iOS) and desktop computers. What to Do If Gmail Is Not Working? 11 Quick Fixes (online-tech-tips.com)

HOW TO REMOTELY CONTROL A CHROMEBOOK FROM ANOTHER COMPUTER – Chromebooks have long supported remote desktop access to other computers. You just install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension, follow the directions and you’re off. But a common question I get, mainly for troubleshooting reasons is: How can I remotely control a Chromebook from another computer? Find out how here How to remotely control a Chromebook from another computer (aboutchromebooks.com)

1/22/22

HERE ARE THE CHROMEBOOKS AND BIG CHROME OS NEWS FROM CES 2022 – There are a few sweet new Chromebooks coming this year and Google’s adding some new features to make using them even sweeter. Read more at
Here are the Chromebooks and big Chrome OS news from CES 2022 (cnet.com)

HOW TO USE ANDROID’S NEARBY SHARE ON YOUR CHROMEBOOK – For nearly a decade, Chromebooks lacked any cross-device synergy with Android smartphones. Google attempted to bridge the gap between its devices with its suite of Better Together features, but it felt like an afterthought compared to Apple’s Mac-to-iPhone integration. That all changed when Google introduced Phone Hub in its big Chrome OS 89 update, and with OS 91, Google finally made it easy to share family memories, documents, and files between Chromebooks and Android devices with Nearby Share. Here’s how to use it to transfer files seamlessly between your Google devices. Read more at
Here’s how to use Android’s Nearby Share on your Chromebook (androidpolice.com)

50 CHROMEBOOK TIPS FOR MAXIMUM PRODUCTIVITY – Chromebooks may be all about simplicity, but don’t be fooled: Beneath their intuitive outer layer lies a web of advanced options. And you don’t have to be a power user to embrace it. Make your way through this massive collection of next-level tips, and you’ll be zipping around Chrome OS like a pro in no time. Read more at
50 Chromebook tips for maximum productivity | Computerworld

NEARBY SHARE FOR CHROME OS WILL SOON LET YOU SEND THINGS TO YOURSELF ACROSS DEVICES – The new ‘Nearby Share’ feature for Chromebooks is apparently getting an update already. Discovered by Dinsan of Chrome Story, something called “Self Share” is being added to allow you to send stuff to yourself (aptly named, wouldn’t you agree?) Read more at
Nearby Share for Chrome OS will soon let you send things to yourself (chromeunboxed.com)

HOW TO FIND YOUR CHROMEBOOK’S IP AND MAC ADDRESS – With the explosion of the work from home and remote learning movements, many have been forced to learn much more about computing and network setups than we ever would have liked. As millions of users adopt Chrome OS as their new operating system – whether by choice or not – the question may arise from time to time “What is my Chromebook’s IP address?” Perhaps you have a device for work and your network administrator has asked you for your MAC address in order to give your device access to a private network. Read more at How to find your Chromebook’s IP and MAC address (chromeunboxed.com)

HERE’S A QUICK KEYBOARD SHORTCUT FOR CHROME OS VIRTUAL DESKS – Chalk this one up as a hidden gem. Among all the Chrome OS keyboard shortcuts that exist, there is a new one that was made active as a part of Chrome OS 96 that hasn’t even been added to the keyboard shortcut help screen that you can see that by pressing CTRL + SHIFT + ALT + ?. As a matter of fact, we were tracking this as a thing that might be in the Canary Channel of Chrome OS 99 and right before finding a Chromebook around the office in that experimental channel, I thought I might as well try it out on my Stable Channel Chromebook first. And you know what? It already works! Read more at Chrome OS Virtual Keyboard shortcut to re-order desks (chromeunboxed.com)

12/1/21

CHROMEBOOK OWNERS ARE USING ANDROID APPS 50% MORE YEAR OVER YEAR – Today (12/20) on the ChromeOS.dev blog, Google has revealed that on Chromebooks alone, 50% more users have engaged with Android apps year over year. When you consider the state of them since the Google Play Store was added to Chrome OS years ago, that would be kind of unbelievable, but then you have to take into account all of the things that the company has done to attempt to improve them since. Read more at Chromebook owners use Android apps 50% more year over year (chromeunboxed.com)

THE BEST HOPE FOR CHROMEBOOK VIDEO EDITING IS NOW APPLE’S IPAD APP OF THE YEAR – It’s no secret that LumaFusion is coming to Chromebooks via Android at some point in 2022. How long that development cycle will take is still an unknown, but when we learned this full-featured video editor was being built for Android with Chromebooks as a primary target, it goes without saying that we were pretty pumped about it. After all, there are no full-featured video editors currently available for Android. Kinemaster is nice but not really optimized for the larger screen and Adobe Rush never seemed to actually materialize for Chrome OS. Read more at
LumaFusion is Apple’s App of the Year, coming to Chrome OS (chromeunboxed.com)

GOOGLE DOCS NOW AUTOCORRECTS FOR EM DASH, BUT IT’S USING THE WRONG SHORTCUT – According to Merriam-Webster — yes, I’m purposefully being cliche, the em dash can be used to separate extra information in place of a comma, colon, or parenthesis. Google Docs will now autocorrect for the em dash (—), but it’s using the wrong default shortcut. Read more at Google Docs now autocorrects for em dash, but it’s wrong – 9to5Google

YOUR CHROMEBOOK MAY SOON AUTOMATICALLY DIM AND LOCK WHEN YOU WALK AWAY FROM IT – We’ve discussed Google’s new “Human Presence Sensing” technology before, and we’ve also spoken about how they are beginning to integrate it into Chrome OS via the camera. It’s pretty simple, actually – if your Chromebook senses your presence or sees you, it can do a variety of things solely based on that. If it doesn’t see you, it can take opposing actions. Until recently, we just haven’t had much information on what exactly those actions would be though. Then, “Snooping detection” appeared on Chrome Canary as a developer flag, and with it, the ability to “sense” whether or not someone was looking over your shoulder at your device. If your camera saw another face behind you in a coffee shop or anywhere else, it would place an eyeball icon in your system tray to make you aware that you were being shoulder surfed. Read more at Your Chromebook may soon automatically dim and lock when you walk away from it (chromeunboxed.com)

CHROMEBOOK CALENDAR WIDGET NOW SHOWS YOUR UPCOMING EVENTS, ADDS USEFUL, BUT HIDDEN ICON – Last month, I shared a first look at the new Google Calendar Chromebook Productivity Experiment which adds a glanceable Calendar widget into the quick settings of your device. Upon clicking the date in your system tray, you would be presented with this widget, and could easily see what day of the week a date fell on without having to open up Google Calendar on the web. The lack of this feature up until now has been a point of contention for many users, myself included. Now, that widget is officially integrating your upcoming events from Google Calendar, and clicking on any given date will update the bottom half of the widget with the event name that corresponds with it and the time it spans. Chromebook Calendar widget now shows your upcoming events, adds useful, but hidden icon (chromeunboxed.com)

PSA: KEEP YOUR CHROMEBOOK IN A CASE OR THIS MIGHT HAPPEN TO YOU – In my haste to get out of the car after a little bit of road time, I forgot my Chromebook that was hanging in the balance next to my seat, opened the door, and out it fell onto the driveway. It was a very small fall – 18-inches at most – but it was enough to do some serious damage. The tablet had its back on and the keyboard cover in place, but there was nothing in the way of the corners to protect it from the drop, and that meant some serious damage. Take a look at PSA: Keep your Chromebook in a case or this might happen to you (chromeunboxed.com)

HERE’S A LOOK AT THE UPCOMING “DESK TEMPLATES” FEATURE FOR CHROME OS – “Desk Templates” are an extension of the virtual desks feature for Chromebooks that allow you to save and later recall apps, Chrome tabs, and more in dedicated workspaces with ease. One simple click and everything you were previously working on is restored! This differentiates itself from the Restore feature that you can reinstate these same windows post-crash or post-restart on a device because templates are saved by you, and can be pulled up even after a long hiatus or if you go off and do something entirely different with your workstation. Read more at Here’s a look at the upcoming “Desk Templates” feature for Chrome OS (chromeunboxed.com)

NEW CHROMEBOOK LAUNCHER WILL SORT YOUR APPS AND RESULTS INTO CATEGORIES WHILE YOU SEARCH – This past April, we reported on the new Chromebook Productivity Launcher gaining the ability to organize your apps and search results into categories in order to prevent information overload. Traditionally, searching with the ‘Everything button’ returns a wall of results that, while they appear in order, are not grouped or segregated in any meaningful way. It was simply a show of the immaturity of Google’s OS in this area, but the developers have been hard at work on improvements. New Chromebook launcher will sort your apps and results into categories while you search (chromeunboxed.com)

HOW TO FIND ALL ACCOUNTS LINKED TO YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS – As your email ages, it begins to accumulate a lot of junk. The reason? You’ve signed up with plenty of websites using your email as you go about your day. Many businesses and websites make things easier for users to log in with a single sign-on (SSO), a feature that lets you use your email account login to sign up with other services. It’s a go-to for most, but what follows is a trail of seemingly unstoppable spam emails, often from shady sources. No need to hire a private detective, read this instead: How To Find All Accounts Linked to Your Email Address (helpdeskgeek.com)

11/1/21

HOW TO RESTRICT YOUR CHROMEBOOK TO CERTAIN USERS – “By default, anyone with a Google account can log in to your Chromebook and begin using the computer. If you’d like to lock it down and let only a certain group of people use your device, it’s easy to configure in Settings.” Find out how at
How to Restrict Your Chromebook to Certain Users (howtogeek.com)

3 TOP CHROME VPN EXTENSIONS FOR 2021 – “A quick search on the Chrome Web Store can give us hundreds of results for VPNs. Some of those services can be as malicious as the sites we’re trying to protect ourselves from when online. It is hard to know which VPN extensions are safe, secure, and easy to use. To help you choose, here are 3 of the top Google Chrome-compatible providers that you can trust. The list is based on the security, reliability, and performance of each service. Let’s start with a little bit more information about Google Chrome.”
3 top Chrome VPN extensions for 2021 (chromeunboxed.com)

CHROME 95 LETS YOU SAVE TAB GROUPS, IMPROVES SECURITY PAYMENTS, AND MORE – “Chrome 94 introduced the official Sharing Hub, HTTPS-First Mode, a “What’s New” page so you can see new features and details the moment they’re available, a Settings page redesign, and more. Now, we’re seeing Chrome 95 begin its rollout, and with it, the ability to save tab groups for later, improvements to security payments, some other developer feature changes. Let’s take a look at what you’ll see that’s different after you update!” Chrome 95 lets you save tab groups, improves security payments, and more (chromeunboxed.com)

WHAT ARE READ/WRITE SPEEDS, AND WHY DO THEY MATTER? – “If you’ve gone shopping for storage drives lately, you might know that manufacturers always boast a pair of numbers in their marketing materials. These are often “read and write speeds,” comparative measures of how fast a drive can read and write data. These numbers became especially prominent when solid-state drives or SSDs became the most common form of computer storage, replacing hard-drive disks. A standard HDD could get read and write speeds of 80 to 160 mb/s. Meanwhile, SSDs typically start at 320 mb/s and get up to thousands of megabytes per second. What exactly do these numbers mean, and will they make a difference in your computer?” Find out at What Are Read/Write Speeds, and Why Do They Matter? (howtogeek.com)

HOW TO CUSTOMIZE THE SHELF ON A CHROMEBOOK – Like the taskbar on Windows, the shelf in Google’s Chrome OS helps you manage your open apps and launch new ones on your Chromebook. Learn how to customize the shelf by moving it or hiding it completely at
How to Customize the Shelf on a Chromebook (howtogeek.com)

10/17/21

10 FIXES TO MAKE CHROME USE LESS DISK SPACE – If you’re finding that Chrome is taking up an excessive amount of your disk space, try these ten fixes to solve the problem. 10 Fixes to Make Chrome Use Less Disk Space (makeuseof.com)

HOW TO TURN CAPS LOCK ON OR OFF ON CHROMEBOOK – Chromebooks are quite different from other laptops and switching to one can be frustrating initially. One feature that requires getting used to is the Search or Launcher button, also referred to as the Everything Button. This button replaces the standard Caps Lock key, which confuses many first-timers. This article will show you two simple methods to turn on or off the Caps Lock key on Chromebooks. How to Turn Caps Lock On or Off on Chromebook (online-tech-tips.com)

CHROMEBOOK VS. MACBOOK: WHICH IS BETTER FOR YOU? – When looking for a new laptop, both MacBooks and Chromebooks will likely be some of your first considerations. Each offers a broad range of features, but neither will perfectly fit everybody’s needs.
Before investing, it’s worth looking at both devices side-by-side to get a clearer picture. And if that’s what you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place.
Read this article to compare the Chromebook and MacBook’s price, features, and more to help you make the best possible buying decision. Chromebook vs. MacBook: Which Is Better for You? (makeuseof.com)

CHROME OS 94 STABLE CHANNEL UPDATE FOR CHROMEBOOKS: HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW – On October 14, Google released the Chrome OS 94 Stable Channel update for Chromebooks with a focus on accessibility. This is the last Chrome OS update to follow the traditional 6-week software cycle. Google is moving to a 4-week cycle starting with the next release, which is actually Chrome OS 96. Version 95 will be skipped in order to get Chrome OS and the Chrome browser versions in sync. Read more at Chrome OS 94 Stable Channel update for Chromebooks: Here’s what you need to know (aboutchromebooks.com)

SUPPORT FOR CHROME APPS ON CHROME OS HAS BEEN EXTENDED THROUGH 2025 – Originally, general support for Chrome Apps for Google’s laptop operating system was supposed to end in June of 2022. However, as Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) aren’t yet where the company or its customers want them to be as far as feature parity is concerned, the original packaged apps found in the Chrome Web Store will remain the go-to solution for many users for the next three years or longer. Read more Support for Chrome Apps on Chrome OS has been extended through 2025 (chromeunboxed.com)

COMING SOON: CHOOSE YOUR CHROMEBOOK WALLPAPER DIRECTLY FROM GOOGLE PHOTOS – First discovered by 9to5Google, the ability to change your Chrome OS wallpaper directly using Google Photos may soon be inbound as a feature. Kyle Bradshaw discovered a new Chromium Repository feature flag that’s being developed that will integrate the popular photo storage and sharing service directly into the Wallpaper picker. Read more at Coming soon: Choose your Chromebook Wallpaper directly from Google Photos (chromeunboxed.com)

9/27/21

WHAT’S NEW WITH CHROMEBOOKS – https://www.google.com/chromebook/whatsnew/

HOW TO GET STARTED WITH A NEW CHROMEBOOK – Got a new Chromebook? This guide will help you navigate the ever-expanding world of Chromebook apps and figure out how to make the most of Chrome OS.
Chromebook cheat sheet: How to get started | Computerworld

UPCOMING CHROMEBOOKS WILL GET A DEDICATED MIC MUTE KEYBOARD BUTTON – There was a time when the humble Chrome OS keyboard was the same on every device that came off the production line. To be honest, I loved that. I loved there being yet another unifying factor to the Chromebook experience that didn’t change from device to device. I loved that, like MacOS, users always knew where the buttons would be when they went hunting for them. In sharp contrast to what we get on Windows laptops, the clean, simple and effective Chrome OS keyboard was always a known entity that remained unchanged regardless of the device you picked up.
Read more Upcoming Chromebooks will get a dedicated mic mute keyboard button (chromeunboxed.com)

THE NEXT TIME YOU CALL A CONTACT CENTER FOR SUPPORT, THEY COULD BE USING CHROME OS TOO – With an overwhelming amount of contact or call and support centers being forced to go digital this past year thanks to the global pandemic, Google swoops in yet again to save the day with its excellent Workspace solutions. Today, it’s gone a step further and deployed Chrome OS as an integrated solution for these types of users!

Now, organizations that partner with Google can get access to a secure platform with remote management, new contact center solutions optimized for Chrome OS via a new solution track for Chrome Enterprise Recommended, access to Citrix Workspace (Chrome OS is now Citrix Ready), and even new certified Works with Chromebook headsets.
Read more The next time you call a contact center for support, they could be using Chrome OS too (chromeunboxed.com)

THE CHROMEBOOK CALCULATOR APP WILL SOON BE REPLACED WITH A PROGRESSIVE WEB APP – For those familiar with Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), you’ll be happy to hear that a new Chrome developer flag in the Canary channel is set to test replace the aging Chrome Calculator app with a web-based alternative. For those who aren’t sure what a PWA is, you’re in for a treat! Progressive Web Apps are basically a website version of an application – it’s considered progressive because it works offline, has many app-like features like touch, swipe, and more, and is easier to update than a traditionally packaged app!
Read more The Chromebook Calculator app will soon be replaced with a progressive web app (chromeunboxed.com)

THE BEST NEW CHROME OS FEATURE YOU AREN’T YET USING – We’ve all got our own personal pet peeves with technology — y’know, the relatively minor annoyances that for some reason get your goat and drive you batty. Maybe it’s the way your Chromebook makes it weirdly tricky to get to emojis. (Google just fixed that one this month! 🥳) Maybe it’s the way your Chromebook haunts your dreams and tickles you whilst you slumber. (No offense, but that sounds like a problem best addressed in therapy.) Or maybe it’s the way your Chromebook fails to remember what stuff you had open and instead pops up a blasted blank browser window every forkin’ time you restart the computer.
Read more The best new Chrome OS feature you aren’t yet using | Computerworld

IRONICALLY, THE ONE THING THE CHROMEBOOK FILES APP IS MISSING ON A WORKSPACE ACCOUNT IS WELL, WORKSPACES – You’ve heard the term ‘Workspace’ thrown around an overwhelming amount over the past year, and now that we’re all done mispronouncing it as ‘Workplace’, we’ve become pretty familiar with Google’s rebranded offerings. From Meet to Chat, to Gmail, Drive, and everything in between, the company has done a great deal during the pandemic to offer premium tools and resources for the evolving hybrid workforce.

With that being said, it does have a slight problem with its nomenclature often tripping over its own feet – Google Tasks is now a standalone app and a new module inside of Chat, Google Chat is now Google Chat – not even kidding. Hangouts was relaunched several times before it was killed off recently, and now there are ‘Collections’ and ‘Spaces’ – two things we’ve seen before back when the search giant tried its hand at social media (no, not that time…or that time…or even that time).

8/15/21

WHAT’S NEW WITH CHROMEBOOK? – Chromebooks update automatically to provide you with the latest features and keep the software fresh and speedy. Here are some highlights from recent updates. Get New Features with Automatic Updates – Google Chromebooks

LIKE IT OR NOT, ALL CHROMEBOOKS NOW COME WITH GOOGLE MEET – Google is making some changes to its Chromebook PCs, many of which focus on getting together with others in the virtual space. Love it or hate it, Google is now preinstalling its video meetings app, Google Meet, on Chromebooks. Read more at
Like It or Not, All Chromebooks Now Come With Google Meet (howtogeek.com)

HOW TO USE DIAGNOSTICS TO TROUBLESHOOT ISSUES ON CHROMEBOOK – Chromebooks are great because they’re cheap and dead-simple to use. But that doesn’t mean you won’t ever run into hardware problems. Fortunately, Google now includes diagnostics in Chrome OS to help root out hardware problems. You can open this diagnostics tool by going into the App Launcher and selecting “Diagnostics.”
How to Use Diagnostics to Troubleshoot Issues on Chromebook – NewsBreak

HOW TO ADD FULL RESTORE ON A CHROMEBOOK TO REOPEN ALL APPS IN CHROME OS 92 – Kevin C. Tofel, About Chromebooks, has been digging through the full changelog of Chrome OS 92 for nearly a week, adding “hidden features” to my overall list. But some of them are worth having the spotlight of their very own post. For example, if you want to add a full restore on a Chromebook to the previous Chrome OS session to reopen all apps you can do so. Read more at
How to add full restore on a Chromebook to reopen all apps in Chrome OS 92 (aboutchromebooks.com)

7/18/21

DO YOUR HAVE ZOOM’S MORE FUNCTIONAL APP FOR CHROMEBOOKS; PWA WILL BE IN PLAY STORE – Video conferencing exploded in popularity during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the early days as many businesses and schools went remote for the safety of employees and students. Zoom was the biggest name in the game for quite a while and still is extremely popular, but if you’ve ever used it on a Chromebook, you’re probably aware that it’s not quite up to snuff. Next week, though, that’s apparently set to change. On June 29, Zoom released a brand new Progressive Web App that will offer up a better overall experience from Chromebook owners using the service. The new app will be available for installation through the Google Play Store, a practice that started last year, as well as being available to install from the web directly as is offered by many other PWAs. Read more at
Zoom to release new, better app for Chromebooks in June – 9to5Google

CHROME OS MAY RECEIVE A NEW TWO-TONE WINDOW DESIGN WITH ROUNDED CORNERS – Hot off of the heels of Windows 11 with its shiny, new, rounded window corners, Chrome OS now seems to be testing a similar user experience. Over the past few weeks, I’ve encountered two separate instances where a new look appeared for my Chromebook’s windows which had not only rounded corners, but also an odd two-tone design. You can see in the image below – gone are the ugly, sharp corners. No, I don’t believe this was done in response to Windows 11, before you ask – Google has long since toyed with the idea of a softer visual design. All you have to do is look at the shelf to see what I mean. Read more at
Chrome OS may receive a new two-tone window design with rounded corners (chromeunboxed.com)

THE MOST COMMON CHROMEBOOK PROBLEMS AND HOW TO FIX THEM – Chromebooks are great alternatives to MacBooks and Windows 10 laptops, but they aren’t perfect. Any laptop computer is bound to have issues, and some of the most common problems faced by Chromebook users can feel difficult or even impossible to solve on their own. From issues with updates to internet connectivity, troubleshooting common Chromebook problem doesn’t have to ruin your day. Discover easy fixes to the most frequent issues Chromebook users face by reading this article.
The Most Common Chromebook Problems and How to Fix Them | Digital Trends

HOW TO RESET A CHROMEBOOK – Everything used to work perfectly on your Chromebook. The speeds were quick. Your media played flawlessly. Now, you’re experiencing lag, and you can’t figure out what went wrong. If you need to fix specific issues without completely wiping your Chromebook, Digital Trends provides a separate guide on how to fix the most common problems. However, if resetting appears to be your only solution, this article will show you how to get your Chromebook running like new. How to Reset a Chromebook | Digital Trends

CHROME OS PHONE HUB MAY SOON SHOW YOUR RECENTLY USED PHONE APPS FOR QUICK ACCESS – Google has been putting in lots of work on the new Chromebook Phone Hub as of late. Photos you’ve snapped on your phone are beginning to appear there for users instantaneously, it will soon drain your phone battery less quickly by making less frequent pings, and more. Despite the fact that three very important things ought to have been fixed prior to its release, I’m still happy to see Phone Hub available to users. To further its usefulness, Google is now working to show your recently used phone apps in the Hub for quick access. First discovered by Chrome Story, a new Chrome development flag directly indicates that relaunching ‘streamed’ apps will be a thing in the near future. Read or listen to this article at
Chrome OS Phone Hub may soon show your recently used phone apps for quick access (chromeunboxed.com)

HOW TO PIN MEDIA PLAYER CONTROLS TO A CHROMEBOOK’S BOTTOM SHELF – Chromebooks don’t run traditional desktop music apps. But as an alternative, you can pin a mini media player to your Chromebook’s taskbar (or “Shelf”) to instantly control any audio or video playback in the Chrome browser. Here’s how.
Note: For this feature, your Chromebook must be running Chrome OS 89 or higher. You can check for new updates by heading into Settings > About Chrome. To permanently add music controls for web playback to your Chromebook’s bottom row of apps and quick settings, you’ll need to play any media in the Chrome browser first. This can be anything from a YouTube video to a song on Spotify’s web application.
While the music or video is playing, click the status area in the bottom-right corner of your Chromebook’s screen. Read more, with screenshots, at How to Pin Media Player Controls to a Chromebook’s Bottom Shelf (howtogeek.com)

GOOGLE IS WORKING WITH ITS PARTNERS ON OFFICIAL DOCKING STATIONS FOR CHROMEBOOKS – As more people purchase top Chromebooks, there’s an increasing need for dongles, docks, and other accessories to pair with new devices. With that in mind, Google is working with its partners on introducing a new docking station category for the Works with Chromebook program that was unveiled in 2020.
This means you’ll see new Google-certified USB-C docks and hubs catered just for Chromebooks on store shelves soon. Targus, Hyper, Acer, Belkin, and StarTech.com are just a few companies that will be creating the docking stations. Learn more at
Google Launches New, Official Chromebook Docking Stations | Digital Trends

HOW TO TURN OFF A CHROMEBOOK SCREEN WHEN CONNECTED TO AN EXTERNAL DISPLAY – Hooking your Chromebook up to an external display is a great way to be more productive. With a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard, you’ve got a desktop experience. The Chromebook display may seem redundant in this case, so you can turn it off. There are two ways to use a Chromebook with an external display. The extra display can be a secondary screen independent of the Chromebook display, or you can mirror your Chromebook’s display. Find out about the two ways at
How to Turn off a Chromebook Screen When Connected to an External Display (howtogeek.com)

12 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU COULD DO ON YOUR CHROMEBOOK – Chromebooks continue to find success as affordable, simple, cloud-based laptops. Chrome OS isn’t as complex as Windows or macOS, but sometimes less is more (especially when you’re saving money). If you have a Chromebook of your own, these are some of the most useful features you need to make yourself aware of.
Learn about these 12 things by reading this article
12 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do on Your Chromebook (gizmodo.com)

OPERA IS THE FIRST THIRD-PARTY BROWSER FULLY OPTIMIZED FOR CHROMEBOOKS – As far as third-party browsers go, there are none that are fully optimized for Chromebooks and Chrome OS, that is until now with the popular Opera Browser. Designed to offer a feature-rich alternative to Google Chrome, the latest Opera Browser for Chromebook is effectively an enhanced and optimized version of the Android app. Certain changes and tweaks have been made to the Android app to ensure that those using Chrome OS can enjoy a very familiar experience to the desktop version.
Learn more about the Opera Browser for Chromebooks at
Opera is first third-party browser optimized for Chromebooks – 9to5Google

7 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOUR CHROMEBOOK COULD DO – More things you might not know about your Chromebook. Check out these 7 at Seven Things You Didn’t Know Your Chromebook Could Do | Digital Trends

XBOX GAME PASS IS NOW PLAYABLE ON CHROMEBOOKS, THOUGH UNOFFICIALLY – With the new capability for playing in web browsers, Xbox Game Pass streaming can now be played on Chrome OS, though only unofficially. One could argue that Chromebooks have always been supported by Xbox Game Pass, as the streaming portion is available through an Android app and most Chromebooks can use Android apps. However, as many have reported, the app is not particularly optimized for Chrome OS and can even have issues that cause Xbox Game Pass streaming to be unavailable on Chromebooks for weeks at a time.
Learn more at Chromebooks can unofficially play w/ Xbox Game Pass web – 9to5Google

6/18/21

THIS UPCOMING CHROME OS FEATURE PUTS VIRTUAL DESKS FRONT AND CENTER – Google has put quite a bit of work into Virtual Desks for Chromebooks and it seems they are keen in making sure you know all about it. An upcoming addition internally being referred to as the ‘Bento Bar’ – first spotted by Android Police – looks to be bringing the Virtual Desk interface more inline with the way users are accustomed to leveraging something like the shelf on their Chromebooks. For most of us, the shelf is always visible and ready to click at a moment’s notice. This new ‘Bento Bar’ wants to put a similar UI in place at the top of the screen when you have Virtual Desks open. This upcoming Chrome OS feature puts Virtual Desks front and center (chromeunboxed.com)

RICKS DAILY TIPS – Question from Eugene: I just bought a new Chromebook and to my amazement there is no ‘Delete’ key on the keyboard. – What’s up with that?

Rick’s answer: Eugene, there are several things to love about a Chromebook (#ad), but there are a few things that make me want to scratch my head as well.

And you have just discovered one of them.

Google made the decision to streamline and slim down the Chromebook experience as much as possible, and part of that effort was reducing the number of keys on the keyboard to the bare minimum necessary to function as a modern laptop.

Unfortunately, one of the commonly-used keys they decided to jettison was the ‘Delete’ key.

Personally, there are other keys I would rather do without than the ‘Delete’ key, but things are what they are.

Luckily, Google does provide a way to delete the character after the cursor, but you have to press two keys instead of one…

The ‘Backspace’ key works the same as it does on Windows PCs and Macs. Pressing it will delete the character that’s located immediately before the cursor.

To delete the character that’s located immediately after the cursor you’ll need to press Alt+Backspace.

Yep, it’s a little clunky, but it works.

Bottom line: Overall, I think you’ll be happy with your new Chromebook once you get used to its unique quirks.

But I’ll admit that I never really got used to having to use Alt+Backspace in place of the ‘Delete’ key. It just seems so unnatural after having used other types of machines for so many years. Q&A: Why does my Chromebook not have a ‘Delete’ key? (ricksdailytips.com)

ARE CHROMEBOOKS WORTH IT? HERE’S WHY THEY’RE GREAT FOR MOST LAPTOP BUYERS – A lot more people were introduced to the world of Chromebooks in the past year as they were snatched up for remote learning and at-home work during the pandemic. It’s likely because of this that I spent more time fielding questions about them from family and friends than I have since they first launched in 2011. That’s right: Chromebooks are now 10 years old and a lot has changed.

Most of my Chromebook conversations are with people buying them for kids. But these Q&A sessions regularly end with them asking “Should I buy one for myself?” And the stock answer is usually, “It depends on your needs.” But after just a little digging, many people realize they simply don’t need to do any more than what can be done on a Chromebook.
Read more at Are Chromebooks worth it? Here’s why they’re great for most laptop buyers – CNET

WHY YOU SHOULD LEARN LINUX ON A CHROMEBOOK – Not only is Chrome OS based on Linux, but an increasing number of Chromebooks offer access to a Linux development system. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to use Linux, then Chromebooks are a great way to start. Learn how to use your Chromebook to learn Linux at Why You Should Learn Linux on a Chromebook (makeuseof.com)

FIRST LOOK: CHROMEBOOK DIAGNOSTIC APP INPUT DEVICES AND MENU TABS – If you aren’t familiar with the Diagnostic App, it is the tool rolled out in Chrome OS 90 that gives you insight into the performance of your device’s CPU, memory, and battery health. We have been tracking a bevy of updates to the Diagnostic App including integrated Connectivity Tools and more recently, the Diagnostic App added support for listing connected input devices and a new navigation menu.
Read more at First Look: Chromebook Diagnostic App Input Devices and menu tabs (chromeunboxed.com)

CHROME OS EXPANDS ITS OPERATING SYSTEM REACH – Google’s Chrome OS is far, far more than just a cloud-based operating system and it’s only getting more so as the years go by. It’s been over 10 years now since Chrome OS redefined the desktop operating system. While virtual desktops have been around since the days we used VT-102 terminals to run Unix shells from distant mainframes and minicomputers, Google’s Chrome OS showed us that we could run modern GUI-style desktops from the cloud.

That part is still vital. I’ve been watching the desktop move from PCs to the cloud for a decade now. But, Chrome OS also has the unique feature of incorporating other operating systems into its offerings. That was underlined recently at Google I/O’s Chrome OS keynote.
Read more at Chrome OS expands its operating system reach | Computerworld

6/5/21

CHROME 91 INTRODUCES NEW PROTECTIONS AGAINST DOWNLOADING MALICIOUS EXTENSIONS AND FILES – To continue its war on bad extensions, Google is putting a few new precautions in place as a part of its Enhanced Safe Browsing initiative to ensure that users who visit the Chrome Web Store are only getting extensions that benefit them and respect their privacy. Beginning with Chrome 91, a new prompt will appear before installing an item that will alert the user regarding permissions and data it seeks to use, and whether or not it’s considered trustworthy. Read or listen to this article at

Chrome 91 introduces new protections against downloading malicious extensions and files (chromeunboxed.com)

CHROME OS LINUX SUPPORT DROPS THE BETA LABEL AS GOOGLE PROMISES 50 NEW CHROMEBOOKS THIS YEAR – Since their debut years ago, Chromebooks have long been criticized for lacking native apps. That’s something Google has addressed by delivering support for Android apps and, more importantly, Linux apps on Chromebooks, and now the latter is finally dropping its beta label.

Google first announced the ability to bring Linux apps to Chromebooks at I/O 2018, launching the functionality in beta on some devices that same year. In the time since, the functionality has expanded to virtually all Chromebooks as long as they have the performance chops to handle it. Read more at

Linux support on Chromebooks will soon drop the beta label – 9to5Google

CHROMEBOOKS DOMINATE THE GLOBAL PC MARKET TO 275% GROWTH, WITH HP LEADING THE CHARGE – The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in huge growth for PCs and tablets as a whole, but it was Google’s Chromebook initiative that really proved to be a hit during the pandemic. According to a new report from Canalys, though, things were even better than we thought, with Chromebooks seeing 275% growth entering 2021.

Looking at Q1 2020 versus Q1 2021, the numbers are clear — Chromebook growth is skyrocketing. After numbers from Q4 2020 showed 4x growth, this latest report puts that in the context of the rest of the PC market. Chromebooks have grown by 275% from Q1 2020 to Q1 2021.

This is no coincidence, really. Looking at the timeline, there’s a sharp upward curve around the pandemic with things really taking off in the second half of 2020, right around the time kids were going back to school in the US, many with remote learning that was dependent on personal devices. Read more at

Chromebooks hit new heights in 2021 w/ 275% YoY growth – 9to5Google

GOOGLE MEET AND CHAT WILL SOON BE INSTALLED ON CHROME OS DEVICES BY DEFAULT – Google’s apps for messaging and video calling, Google Meet and Google Chat, will soon be installed by default on Chrome OS devices.

In the era of social distancing, video calling apps like Zoom and Google Meet have become more important than ever. And at the same time, Google has begun the transition from Hangouts to Google Chat, opening the app to those without a paid Google Workspace subscription.

It seems Google wants to make these apps more accessible to Chromebook owners, as a new bug has been filed to “Pre-install Meet and Chat PWAs on Chrome OS.” While both Google Meet and Google Chat offer Android apps, which could easily be installed on most Chromebooks, Google is opting to install the web apps onto Chrome OS, which should help prevent storage bloat. Read more at

Google Meet and Chat to be pre-installed on Chrome OS – 9to5Google

HOW TO RUN A DIAGNOSTIC SCAN ON YOUR CHROMEBOOK – People tend to use their computers longer than other gadgets in their life, which means it’s important to keep an eye on the device’s health. Chromebooks have a handy “Diagnostics” app that makes this super easy to do.

The Diagnostics app was introduced in Chrome OS 90 in April 2020. It’s a big upgrade over the previous method that required viewing an internal system page. There are also some useful tests you can use to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Read more of this How-To Geek article at…

https://www.howtogeek.com/724503/how-to-run-a-diagnostic-scan-on-your-chromebook/

HOW TO USE FUNCTION KEYS ON A CHROMEBOOK KEYBOARD – Computer keyboards are all pretty similar, but Chromebooks break the mold. Instead of the typical function keys, there’s a row of keys for specific Chrome OS functions. However, the function keys are still present if you know where to look—by reading this How-To Geek article…

https://www.howtogeek.com/713365/how-to-use-function-keys-on-a-chromebook-keyboard/

HOW TO SNOOZE ANDROID APP NOTIFICATIONS ON YOUR CHROMEBOOK – Learn how you can how you can snooze notifications that are pushed to you from Google Play apps – or “Android apps” as they are still referred to as – on your Chromebook in order to be notified of them at a later time. Read more at this Chrome Unboxed article…

https://chromeunboxed.com/how-to-snooze-android-app-notifications

HOW TO CHANGE THE DEFAULT APP FOR OPENING DIFFERENT FILE TYPES ON YOUR CHROMEBOOK – The Chromebook Files app has become quite powerful and feature-filled over the past few years. Not only has it gained the ability to display Linux files for those with Crostini enabled, and received new trash can and camera folders, it’s also become capable of saving files for offline use on an individual basis instead of forcing you to visit Drive on the web first. Read or listen to this article at this Chrome Unboxed webpage…

https://chromeunboxed.com/chromebook-how-to-change-default-application

HOW TO HIDE TOTE PREVIEWS ON YOUR CHROMEBOOK TO RECLAIM SHELF SPACE – After tracking the new holding space feature for so long, it was finally released as ‘Tote’ on Chrome OS 89. The tool allows you to quickly access screenshots, downloads, and pinned files or folders directly from your shelf. Tote adds a preview bubble for up to three of your latest additions, and while the slick animation of a new item being added provides great visual feedback for those who download something or take a screenshot but have their notifications set to ‘Do not disturb’, it both quickly feels cluttered and is not fun to continue looking at previously utilized items if they are no longer relevant. Read or listen to this Chrome Unboxed article at…

https://chromeunboxed.com/how-to-hide-chromebook-tote-previews

4/24/21

NEW CHROME OS UPDATE INCLUDES DIAGNOSTICS TOOL AND IMPROVED LAUNCHER – Chrome OS 90 is now rolling out, according to an announcement by Google. The software update includes a ton of new features, including improved Launcher search results, a Diagnostics app, Live Captioning, and finally, native support for document scanners.

Launcher provides a convenient place for you to search through local files, Drive storage, and the web. Now, with the Chrome OS 90 update, your Launcher can also check the weather, solve simple math problems, look up word definitions, and check stock prices. Just make sure you press the “everything” button first. Read more of Andrew Heinzman’s ReviewGeek review at…

New Chrome OS Update Includes Diagnostics Tool and Improved Launcher – Review Geek

YOU CAN NOW ADD THE CURRENT DATE TO YOUR CHROMEBOOK’S SHELF – An experimental flag now allows Chromebook users to pin the current date to their shelf. One of the basic things that Chromebooks has lacked so far is the ability to display the current date on the shelf. Fortunately, this is changing as Google has added an option in Chrome OS to hide and unhide the date on the shelf.

Read more of this MakeUseOf (Mahesh Makvana) article at…

You Can Now Add the Current Date to Your Chromebook’s Shelf (makeuseof.com)

GOOGLE WANTS TO MAKE CHROMEBOOKS OF THE FUTURE MORE INTELLIGENT AND CONNECTED – The first Chromebooks launched a decade ago, and Google is celebrating that milestone with a big Chrome OS 89 (this was written on 3/9 & 90 was released 4-14) update that introduces a ton of user-facing features. The company is also using this occasion to look at where Chromebooks will go in the future.

Where Chromebooks are going is best demonstrated by the two sets of features Google introduced with Chrome OS 89. “Better together” is the first tentpole and meant to capture how people today constantly multi-task across multiple devices. The term dates back to 2018 when Chrome OS added Instant Tethering, Smart Unlock (if your phone and laptop are side-by-side), and texting with Messages for web.

Read about where Chromebooks are going by 9to5Google’s Abner Li…

Google wants to make future Chromebooks more intelligent – 9to5Google

CHROME OS CONNECTIVITY TESTS MOVING TO THE DIAGNOSTIC APP – In early November of 2020, Android Police’s Kent Duke discovered a new tool being added to Chrome OS that would bring a suite of network connectivity tests to a native system web app. These tests reflect the same tools that can be found when you head to chrome://network in your browser. Read more of Gabriel Brangers’ Chrome Unboxed article at…

https://chromeunboxed.com/chrome-os-connectivity-tests-moving-to-the-diagnostic-app/

WHY CHROMEBOOKS ARE NOW MY GO-TO RECOMMENDATION FOR MOST LAPTOP BUYERS – They do almost everything you want, but cost less. The past year introduced a lot more people to the world of Chromebooks as everyone snatched them up for remote learning and at-home work during the pandemic. It’s likely because of this that I spent more time fielding questions about them from family and friends than I have since they first launched in 2011. Read more of Joshua Goldman’s c|net article at…

Why Chromebooks are now my go-to recommendation for most laptop buyers – CNET

LAPTOP VS. CHROMEBOOK: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE AND WHICH WORKS BETTER FOR YOU – Not sure how a Windows or Mac laptop is different than a Chromebook? Read Joshua Goldman’s answer at this c|net webpage…

Laptop vs. Chromebook: What’s the difference and which works better for you – CNET

THESE 7 NEW CHROMEBOOK FEATURES WILL CHANGE HOW YOU USE CHROME OS – Google’s Chrome OS turns 10 years old this year and to celebrate it has rolled out a number of new features and updates with its latest version, M89 (now 90). The Chrome OS updates are primarily aimed at increasing your productivity with new tools and options. Android users get extra benefits with this update that make it easier to jump between your Chromebook and Android phone. Read more of Joshua Goldman’s c|net article at…

These 7 new Chromebook features will change how you use Chrome OS – CNET

CAN CHROMEBOOKS GET VIRUSES? – Chromebook malware is a real security risk. Chromebooks are inherently more secure than other computers due to their design. You might have heard claims that viruses don’t exist on Chrome OS. Although it’s a bold claim, it’s accurate in a very narrow sense. Read more of this Lifewire article by Jeremy Laukkonen at…

Can Chromebooks Get Viruses? (lifewire.com)

2/25/21

3 COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT CHROMEBOOKS – This first misconception is somewhat understandable if you look at Chrome OS from a historical view. In the early days of Chromebooks, most devices had either 16GB or 32GB of storage. This is especially true when you look at smaller, budget-minded EDU devices. These Chromebooks were intended to be a portal for students to utilize tools like Google Classroom. Android apps on Chrome OS weren’t a thing and storage space really wasn’t a big deal. Now, that doesn’t mean that you won’t find Chromebooks with minimal storage but more and more, the options have expanded exponentially. Read about the other misconceptions at this Chrome Unboxed webpage

http://bit.ly/3qQGQOl

CHROMEBOOKS MAY SOON GET A LONG-OVERDUE CALENDAR WIDGET FOR THEIR SHELF – Have you ever tried to click on the clock area of your Chromebook shelf to see what the date is only to be disappointed that it’s not presented to you as a calendar, but instead as plain text? On Windows 10, there’s a mini-calendar widget (see below) that can help you visualize and contextualize your month at a glance. Since Chrome OS became my daily driver, this is something I’ve sorely missed. Now, it looks as though the development team may be bringing something similar to Chromebooks! Read more at Chome Unboxed http://bit.ly/3k9AGGy

FIRST LOOK: REDESIGNED OUT OF THE BOX SETUP FOR CHROME OS COULD HINT AT PHONES AND FOLDABLES – Every so often, the Chrome OS team takes the time to give the new device setup experience a fresh coat of paint. Giving new graphics and a more user-friendly “out of the box experience”, or OOBE as we call it, allows them to increase the adoption rate for Chromebooks a bit by making them approachable and reduce friction for those getting started. Read more of this Chrome Unboxed article at http://bit.ly/3qALfon

YOUR CHROMEBOOK WALLPAPERS FIND A NEW HOME IN THE SETTINGS APP – After spending years as a separate icon, your Chromebook’s wallpapers will soon be housed in the Settings app instead, or perhaps in addition to. In Chrome Canary, you can now enable the new wallpaper experience flag and then reboot. Once you’re back up and running, just head over to the Settings app, go to ‘Appearance’ and then ‘Wallpaper’. Read more at this Chromebook Unboxed article http://bit.ly/2ZAfnUV

HOW TO SAFELY REMOVE USB FLASH DRIVES FROM A CHROMEBOOK – You’ve probably heard about how you should always safely “eject” a USB drive before unplugging it. On Windows, it’s a very simple process, but what about on a Chromebook? Should you still do it? How does it work? Find the answer to the questions at this How-To Geek webpage http://bit.ly/3ua6Bew

6 REASONS YOU SHOULD CHOOSE A CHROMEBOOK OVER A WINDOWS LAPTOP – Chromebooks have become a true force to be reckoned with. Now the Chromebooks vs. Windows argument has taken a new spin. In today’s world, choosing a Chromebook over a Windows laptop is the smarter decision. Find out why at MakeUseOf http://bit.ly/3jOhZbh

CHROMEBOOK GROWTH CONTINUES, OVERTAKES MACOS IN Q4 2020 NOTEBOOK SALES – Back in November, Chrome Unboxed reported on how in Q3 of 2020 Chrome OS growth was exploding across the globe. Now, the newest report by Strategy Analytics has shown that this impressive growth has continued throughout Q4, to the point that Chrome OS has overtaken MacOS’ #2 slot with 16.4% of the global Notebook PC market share. Read more at http://bit.ly/3aiVYhN

THE CHROME CAST 99: ‘WORKS WITH CHROMEBOOK’ & USI PENS THAT COPY COLORS FROM THE WORLD – This week on The Chrome Cast, we begin our discussion around the growing ‘Works With Chromebook’ initiative from Google. Though it seems nearly everything you plug into a Chromebook works these days, Google is going the extra step to ease consumers’ minds about peripherals that they may come across in a store like Best Buy or Walmart. If it is marked ‘Works With Chromebook’, then it just works. Read more at Chrome Unboxed http://bit.ly/3aisMr2

1/10/21

TOP TIPS FOR USING YOUR GALAXY CHROMEBOOK’S PEN – Here’s how to take full advantage of your Galaxy Chromebook’s built-in pen:

Securely store the pen in the silo
Your Galaxy Chromebook pen stores neatly in a silo on the right side of the device, between the USB-C connector and the hinge. While you’re not using it, the pen stays secure and readily available.

To remove the pen, simply press it in with your finger and it will pop out. To store the pen, give it a click when you put it in the silo. The silo stores the pen snugly, so it will stay securely with your Chromebook until you need to use it.

Accomplish common tasks more efficiently
When you remove the pen from its silo, a small pop-up will appear on screen offering you access to useful tools such as taking a screenshot, using a digital laser pointer or magnifying on-screen content.

Screen Capture
To take a screen capture, remove the pen, select Capture Region in the pop-up menu, then drag with your pen to choose the part of the screen you want to save as an image.

Laser Pointer
When you’re presenting a slideshow on an external display or via a web conferencing app, the pen’s Laser Pointer tool lets you highlight portions of your presentation just by touching the pen to the screen.

Magnifying Glass
If you’re having trouble seeing something on the screen, the Magnifying Glass tool can help. Just choose the Magnifying Glass from the pen’s pop-up window and whenever you touch the pen to the screen, a circle will zoom in on the section you’ve highlighted.

Mark up documents and add sketches intuitively
Using the Galaxy Chromebook pen and your favorite apps, you can work on digital documents as intuitively as if you were working on paper. You can also use the pen to sign documents via apps like DocuSign, or mark them up in your favorite productivity apps, such as Microsoft Office or Google Workspace. With the Chromebook in tablet mode, the pen makes it easier to navigate within apps or edit and highlight text in documents.

Sketching and drawing
To visualize an idea on your Chromebook, use an app such as Adobe Sketch or use the Drawing function within Google Docs. The Galaxy Chromebook’s pen boasts 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition, enhancing your precision and creativity. To add a sketch to a Google doc, navigate to the Insert menu and select Drawing, then choose New and start sketching with your pen.

Your ideal productivity duo
The Galaxy Chromebook’s pen simplifies the process of interacting with digital documents and modifying them.
Top tips for using your Galaxy Chromebook’s pen (samsung.com)

15 BEST CHROMEBOOK TIPS AND TRICKS 2020 – If you love Chromebooks like we do, you’ll want to see these tips and tricks to make the most of them.

Millions of people are using Chromebooks, but despite their simple and “for everyone” nature, not every power feature is easy to access. All the best Chromebooks are powerful tools that are just waiting to be used to its full potential, and once you know a few tricks, you’ll feel like you’re getting even more value out of your inexpensive computer. We’ve rounded up the top ten tips and tricks for you to try on your Chromebook so you can start making the most of your machine.
15 best Chromebook tips and tricks 2020 | Android Central

68 CHROMEBOOK TIPS AND TRICKS – This is our evergrowing list of Chromebook tips and tricks. This collection of 68 Chromebook hacks will help you make the most out of your Chromebook. This guide will be handy for students and regular Chromebook users alike.
68 Best Chromebook Tips and Tricks for 2020 – Chrome Story

HOW TO CONNECT A WIRELESS MOUSE TO A CHROMEBOOK – It’s easy, depending on which mouse you have.
How to Connect a Wireless Mouse to a Chromebook (lifewire.com)

HOW TO CONNECT CHROMEBOOK TO A MONITOR – You aren’t limited to just one screen with Chromebook.
How to Connect Chromebook to a Monitor (lifewire.com)

CAN YOU INSTALL FIREFOX ON CHROMEBOOK? – Yes, but It’s Complicated. 3 ways to get a version of Firefox on your Chromebook.
Can You Install Firefox on Chromebook? Yes, But It’s Complicated (lifewire.com)

HOW TO TAKE A VIDEO ON A CHROMEBOOK – Make and save recordings with Chromebook’s Camera app.
How to Take a Video on a Chromebook (lifewire.com)

CAN YOU PLAY MINECRAFT ON A CHROMEBOOK? – Yes, here’s how!
How to Play Minecraft on a Chromebook (lifewire.com)

HOW TO FIX IT WHEN A CHROMEBOOK TOUCHSCREEN IS NOT WORKING – Chromebook screen lacking that magic touch? Let’s get it working again.
How to Fix It When a Chromebook Touchscreen is Not Working (lifewire.com)

HOW TO CHANGE THE OWNER ON A CHROMEBOOK – Learn how to update the ownership of your Chrome OS laptop.
How to Change the Owner on a Chromebook (lifewire.com)

CHROMEBOOK END OF LIFE: WHERE TO FIND IT AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT – When updates end, you need a plan.
Chromebook End of Life: Where to Find It and What to Do About It (lifewire.com)

HOW TO GO INCOGNITO ON CHROMEBOOK – Learn how to turn this private browsing option on… and off.
How to Go Incognito on Chromebook (lifewire.com)

HOW TO CONNECT CHROMEBOOK TO YOUR TV – Choose between wired and wireless options.
How to Connect Chromebook to Your TV (lifewire.com)

8/3/20

BENCHMARK SIGNALS ANDROID 11 MAY ARRIVE ON CHROMEBOOKS AS SOON AS IT LAUNCHES FOR PHONES – While it feels like an eternity ago that we talked about Android 11 coming to Chrome OS via the new method of ARCVM versus the current ARC++ container we currently have, in reality it has only been about 5 months since that all surfaced. You can read more about that in the original post that detailed why we believe Android 11 is headed to Chrome OS and why we believe it will come via a new, updated container called ARCVM that could go a long way towards making Android apps on Chromebooks far more seamless than it currently is.

Read more of this ChromeUnboxed article https://bit.ly/3gxTgpm

HOW TO VIEW AND MANAGE PRINT JOBS ON CHROMEBOOK – Google has added a new print management app to Chrome OS. I do not have a printer connected to my Chromebook. However, in this Chrome Story article, you will learn how to access the print management app.

Read more of this FTC Blog post at

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/03/socially-distancing-covid-19-robocall-scams?utm_source=govdelivery

8 CHROME EXTENSIONS THAT HELP YOU STAY PRODUCTIVE ON YOUR CHROMEBOOK – A lot of people are starting to get accustomed to remote working, considering that many countries have mandated shutdowns and quarantines to battle the novel coronavirus. While working from home may be comfortable and fun at first, you need to have the right tools at your disposal to be efficient and stay productive. If you have a Chromebook, the best way to tailor your working experience to your needs is via browser extensions, and we’ve got a collection of eight great tools for you.

Check out the apps at this AndroidPolice site

https://www.androidpolice.com/2020/03/26/7-productivity-chrome-extensions-roundup/

GOOGLE INTRODUCES NEW ‘WORKS WITH CHROMEBOOK’ BADGE FOR SUPPORTED ACCESSORIES – The badge is coming soon to product boxes

Chromebooks generally work with a wide array of keyboards, mice, touchpads, gamepads, flash drives, and other accessories, thanks to the Linux kernel at the core of Chrome OS. However, there are still cases where it’s not clear if a certain adapter or other accessory will work with Chromebooks, and that’s what Google aims to address.

On March 17, Google introduced a new ‘Works with Chromebook’ badge, which you’ll start to see soon on some accessories sold in the United States, Canada, and Japan. Products with the badge have been verified to “comply with Chromebook’s compatibility standards.” It takes the guess work out of checking if something works with Chrome OS.

Products from several major companies are in the process of being certified, with Logitech, Anker, Belkin, Brydge, Kensington, and others already onboard. Logitech today announced that several of its M-series mice have been certified, with more products in the process. I’m fairly sure every single USB/Bluetooth mouse in existence already works on Chromebooks, but at least now buyers will know for sure.

Android Police

https://www.androidpolice.com/2020/03/17/google-introduces-new-works-with-chromebook-badge-for-supported-accessories/

GOOGLE SEARCH AND MAPS NOW SHOW ‘TEMPORARILY CLOSED’ BUSINESSES – Governments around the world are asking people to stay at home and for all but essential businesses to close their doors. Now Google has made it easier to find out which businesses are closed temporarily using Search and Maps. n an blog post last week, Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said that a new “temporarily closed” option would become available for business owners. Pichai explained, “With so many disruptions to daily life, people are looking for more information about school or business closures. Based on data from governments and other authoritative sources, Google Search and Maps will now display if a place, like a school or local business, is temporarily closed.”

Read more of this PCMag article https://bit.ly/33QyviU

GOOGLE SMART LOCK: THE COMPLETE GUIDE – Google Smart Lock can simplify your smartphone’s security and save you time. Are you taking advantage of all it has to offer for Android? Think fast: How many times a day do you pick up your phone to look at something? Unless you live in the tundra or have far more self-control than most, the answer probably falls somewhere between “quite a few” and “more than any sane person could count.” Assuming you keep your device properly secured, that means you’re doing an awful lot of unlocking — be it with your face, your fingerprint, or the code you tap or swipe onto your screen. Security’s important, but goodness gracious, it can be a hassle.

Learn how to set up Google Lock at this ComputerWorld webpage https://bit.ly/3dxep1C

A VIRTUAL VACATION WITH GOOGLE EARTH AND STREET VIEW MAY BE JUST WHAT YOU NEED RIGHT NOW – Explore the world from your couch

We could all use a vacation these days. The constant bombarding of Coronavirus news, inability to go outside or make contact with other human beings, persistent stress over cleaning and disinfecting everything, and uncertainty over the future are becoming too daunting for everyone. With traveling out of the question, I started thumbing through old photos I’ve taken during my trips, reminiscing about better times and nicer places, then it occurred to me that I could do something similar but also discover new countries and cities I’ve never visited, all through the magic of Google Earth and Street View. Let me to explain how you can also do that.

Go to this Android Police web page and find out how. https://bit.ly/2UDT2mE

January 24, 2020

LASTPASS ADMITS SELF-INFLICTED WOUND AFTER ACCIDENTAL DELETION OF THEIR CHROME EXTENSION – If you’ve been frantically hunting around the Chrome Web Store for the LastPass Password Manager extension, you probably realized quickly that it was nowhere to be found. In what can only be described as a Monty Python, Holy Grail pre-credits bungle, LastPass has somehow managed to “accidentally” deleting their own extension from the Chrome Web Store. In a string of tweets that followed from LastPass’s Twitter account for status updates, they clarified that it was not an outage but a mistake on their part.

The LastPass team went on to state that they were working with Google to get the extension back into the Web Store and that users were still able to access their Vault on the web, via mobile and using extensions from other browsers. Six hours ago, LastPass stated that they were just awaiting Google’s official review before the extension would be reinstated.

Roughly 24 hours later, it appears that the LastPass extension has returned to the Chrome Web Store. While I’m sure this left some egg on the faces of the involved parties, it’s good to see that LastPass and Google were able to get this zipped up as quickly as they did. If you’re still looking for the extension, you can grab it from the Chrome Web Store here. From Chromebook Unboxed

GOOGLE ANNOUNCES TIMELINE FOR THE END OF CHROME APPS ON CHROMEBOOKS – In late 2016, Google began the two-year process of sunsetting Chrome Apps on all platforms with the exception of Chrome OS. By early 2018, navigating to the Chrome Web Store on Windows, Mac or Linux would present users with only extensions to pick from as the “App” section had been completely removed. While we knew the day would arrive at some point, we now have a definitive roadmap for the final demise of Chrome Apps that are still a part of the Chrome OS ecosystem.

Now, if you’re an avid Chrome App user, this is not the time to panic. Google’s timeline for Chrome Apps “end of life” spans more than two years. The first phase will begin in March of this year when the Web Store will stop accepting new Chrome Apps from developers. From there, support for existing Apps on Windows, Mac and Linux will come to an end. Then, in June of 2022, Chrome Apps on Chrome OS will be no more.

Read more of this Chromeunboxed article at http://bit.ly/36otxcT

HOW TO ENABLE VIRTUAL DESK GESTURES ON CHROME OS – Now that the Virtual Desks feature has come to the Stable Chrome OS channel, we finally received the ability to switch between desks using trackpad gestures. However, to use gestures, you have to enable a hidden flag. Here’s how.

Before you enable any flags, remember that most of these features are not finished and are still a work in progress. As a result, flags can cause your browser or computer to misbehave or become unstable—and the more flags you enable, the higher the chances of this happening.

Also, keep in mind that Google can remove or change any of these features at any time, so it’s best not to get too attached. This flag, in particular, has already gone from a three-finger swipe to a four-finger swipe as to not interfere with tab-swipe gestures.

Read more of this How-To Geek article with screenshots http://bit.ly/2RLt536

WINDOWS 7 IS DEAD—MAYBE IT’S TIME TO UPGRADE TO A CHROMEBOOK – Windows 7 is dead. If you’ve been using it for the last decade but are looking to upgrade, maybe you should consider a Chromebook. Chrome OS has come a long way over the last several years, and the odds are it can do 99 percent of what you’ve been using that old Windows machine for.

It’s time to be real with yourself: do you really need Windows? If you just had a knee jerk reaction, shouting “What?! Of course I do!” at your computer screen, I urge you to take a few steps back and really think about your usage. When’s the last time you opened a program that wasn’t Chrome?

If you’re having a hard time remembering, then it may be time to look at a Chromebook.

Read more of this Review Geek article at http://bit.ly/3aELO9a

GOOGLE PROMISES TO KEEP UPDATING CHROMEBOOKS FOR 8 YEARS – In today’s constantly evolving threat landscape, keeping the software on your devices up to date is absolutely essential. Google recently made a major announcement on that front. The company has pledged to deliver software updates to all Chrome OS devices made from now on for a full eight years. That’s a long time to support an operating system, especially one that tends to come pre-installed on modestly priced notebooks.

For the better part of a decade, Chromebook users can expect patches and updates every 6 weeks that will deliver new features, improve security, and keep their devices running smoothly.

Read more of this Forbes article at http://bit.ly/38BMAC4

HOW TO GO FULL-TIME CHROMEBOOK, SAVE MONEY, AND DITCH THE MACBOOK AND WINDOWS 10 – The Chromebook can now be your only laptop. That wasn’t always the case. Chrome OS is where all laptop operating systems should be headed. But the newest version of Chrome also accommodates the PC laptop past.

What is a Chromebook and Chrome OS? Short answer: a laptop running a smartphone (-like) OS. Read more of this Forbes article http://bit.ly/2TVnmdV

MICROPHONE SUPPORT FINALLY COMES TO LINUX ON CHROMEBOOKS – Linux apps on Chromebooks have become a bit more commonplace than they were just a year ago. Many devices now support this new feature and the overall abilities of the Linux container in Chrome OS continue to grow. As the big pieces have been in place for some time, it is easy at this point to miss the less glaring omissions that are still yet to be fixed, and that is exactly what has happened with microphone support with the latest build of Chrome OS 79.

A few of those larger missing pieces to the overall Linux experience on Chrome OS have long been GPU support and proper microphone support. GPU support has been around for a bit, though it is still considered experimental and behind a flag at this point. Being placed behind a flag isn’t a huge deal, however, since those willing to tinker and mess with Linux apps are generally savvy enough to turn on a flag or two if needed. Mic support has been completely absent up to this point, however, and that has left a decent void in the abilities of Linux apps.

Read more of this ChromeUnboxed article http://bit.ly/2TVBX8U

January 1, 2020

IF YOU JUST GOT A NEW CHROMEBOOK, HERE ARE 10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW TO GET STARTED [VIDEO] – We spend a great deal of time here at Chrome Unboxed looking to the future, uncovering new devices and unearthing upcoming features for Chromebooks. We spend an equally large amount of our time helping new users understand and make the most of their devices. Whether you have a Chromebook or Chromebox, a tablet, convertible or a clamshell, there are tips and tricks that can make using your Chrome OS device a more seamless and enjoyable experience.

Part of this effort is our newer series titled “Chromebook Tip Tuesdays” where we are planning a slew of videos over the next year or so that highlight helpful tips and tricks you can leverage on your Chromebook. While this will eventually become a treasure trove of great tips, we also realized this time last year that there are some unchanging, timeless things you need to know about Chrome OS to really take advantage of all your Chromebook is great at. bit.ly/2Q5JvUl

CHROMEBOOK TIP TUESDAY: POWERWASH YOUR CHROMEBOOK FROM THE LOCK SCREEN [VIDEO] – This feature is awesome on a Chromebook because it serves to highlight the cloud-based nature of the OS and the ultimate flexibility it provides for users. http://bit.ly/2SC8r7D

HOW TO GO FULL-TIME CHROMEBOOK, SAVE MONEY, AND DITCH THE MACBOOK AND WINDOWS 10 – The Chromebook can now be your only laptop. That wasn’t always the case. Chrome OS is where all laptop operating systems should be headed. But the newest version of Chrome also accommodates the PC laptop past.

What is a Chromebook and Chrome OS? Short answer: a laptop running a smartphone (-like) OS. Read more of this Forbes article to see if a Chromebook is for you. http://bit.ly/39ytPk2

CHROME OS 79 RELEASED WITH BETTER OVERVIEW WINDOW MANAGEMENT, LOCKSCREEN MEDIA CONTROLS, AND STOLEN PASSWORD PROTECTION – Chrome OS 79 has been pushed to the Stable channel — that sounds technical, but it means the latest version of Chrome OS is now rolling out. This new release includes a tweak to the last version’s Virtual Desks feature, better window management for touch controls in Overview mode on some devices, a renamed “Apps” section in Settings with per-app permissions and other options, lockscreen media controls, expanded port support in Linux/Crostini, and Chrome 79’s stolen password protection.

Read more about OS 79 at this Android Police website http://bit.ly/2QBO33P

November 19, 2019

5 COOL CHROMEBOOK TIPS AND TRICKS YOU DIDN’T KNOW – Chromebooks aren’t a new phenomenon. However, the platform has grown massively since it was first launched. It is important to note that the Chromebooks are marketed as a viable replacement to MacBooks and PCs, and in many cases, they do the job just fine. This is because of the fact that Chromebooks run on the cloud and every operation is buttery smooth. Google is making some changes to the platform, however, with the introduction of Android applications to the system. This will go a long way in ensuring that the user experience is furthered on the Chromebook.

Check out this Droid Guy article: http://bit.ly/343XZZy

HOW TO FIX THE DISNEY+ ANDROID APP LAYOUT ON A CHROMEBOOK – On November 12, Disney+ was unveiled to the world and around our office, at least, it was absolutely the center of interest. For many, just logging into Disney+ and realizing the sheer volume of great content that sits before you is reason enough to be buzzing just a bit. With new shows like The Mandalorian and existing classics like Toy Story, you can’t look at the vast collection on offer from Disney and not be both nostalgic and excited by it.

As Chrome Unboxed was testing the service using a Chromebook, a few glaring and problematic issues arose. Mainly, the app wouldn’t resize to fit the larger screens on Chromebooks. Though this issue doesn’t affect 100% of all users, it definitely affects those were needing to download content for a time where a reliable internet connection just wouldn’t be feasible.

Read more of this Chrome Unboxed article at: http://bit.ly/2O3ba7C

6 CHROMEBOOK KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS THAT SAVE TIME – Chrome Browser keyboard shortcuts (which also work on Chromebook) can be major timesavers. Keyboard shortcuts, also called “hot keys,” help you speed up a wide variety of tasks, including taking a screenshot, locking your screen, and even (fittingly) viewing all keyboard shortcuts—just click Ctrl + Alt + /.

Learn more about shortcuts at this Google Blog article: http://bit.ly/2s2LtLT

CHROMEBOOKS WILL SOON LIST “END OF LIFE” IN THE SETTINGS MENU – The Auto Update Policy (End of Life date) for Chromebooks and Chrome devices has been undergoing some major overhauls as of late as Google works to extend the expiry date of more than one hundred models. Now that users are getting more life out of their machines, Google is now making the End of Life date easier to find by adding it to the Chrome OS settings page.

Read more of this Chrome Unboxed article at: http://bit.ly/2OtGCdZ

HOW TO USE YOUR CHROMEBOOK – Chromebooks are pretty easy to use, especially if you’re already familiar with the Chrome browser. Almost all of the Chrome OS programs are extensions for the browser and all of the preferences from your Google account will be transferred to your new notebook as soon as you log in.

But as with any operating system, there are still plenty of tips and tricks for using Chrome OS. Here at Laptop Mag, we put together a list of how-to’s to help you learn the intricacies of your new Chromebook. You’ll learn the basics, like how to take a screenshot and use Skype, as well as get Android apps on your machine (if it supports them), add Dropbox to your file manager or install Linux.

Read this Laptop Mag article: http://bit.ly/2O1b8go

September 5, 2019

THIS NEW FEATURE IN CHROME OS 76 MAKES ANDROID FEEL SO MUCH MORE NATIVE ON CHROMEBOOKS – One of the new features that rolled out in Chrome OS 76 that has flown under the radar a bit is the addition of multiple account sign-ins from the People tab in your Chromebook settings. For long-time Chromebook users, it would be easy to overlook this setting as unimportant, but don’t be fooled by the similarities to the old way of doing things. This new feature fundamentally changes the way you add and remove accounts from a Chrome OS device for the better.

Read more at this Chromebook Unboxed article: http://bit.ly/2kwxydg

CHROME OS: TIPS, TOOLS, AND OTHER CHROMEBOOK INTELLIGENCE – Google’s Chrome OS platform sure has come a long way. From the early days, when Chrome OS was little more than an experimental “browser in a box,” to today — with the platform powering first-class hardware and supporting a diverse range of productivity applications — Google’s once-crazy-seeming project has turned into one of the world’s most intriguing and rapidly expanding technological forces.

I’ve (JR Raphael, ComputerWorld) been covering Chrome OS closely since the start. I lived with the first Chromebook prototype, the Cr-48, and have used Chromebooks as part of my own personal computing setup in varying capacities ever since. I write about the field not only as someone who’s studied it professionally from day 1 but also as someone who has used it personally that entire time, up through today.

So whether you’re relatively new to the realm of Chrome OS or are a Chromebook veteran yourself, I’m happy to join you on your journey and act as your guide. On this page, you’ll find all my latest Chrome OS coverage — the original analysis, the tips ‘n’ tricks, and everything in between. I’ll be updating it regularly as new subjects come up, so check back often and stay ahead of the curve with your Chromebook knowledge.

http://bit.ly/2lUI9z5

HOW TO COPY AND PASTE ON A CHROMEBOOK – Should you need to copy text from one document into another, don’t worry. Copying and pasting on a Chromebook works identically to how it works on any other operating system, and you can do it in a couple of ways.

Read this How-To Geek article to find out how (with screenshots): http://bit.ly/2MO4CKn

HOW TO TAKE A PHOTO ON A CHROMEBOOK – Your Chromebook comes equipped with a built-in camera you can use to snap pictures to post to your social media accounts or share with friends and family.

Read this article to find out how to take a photo on a Chromebook. http://bit.ly/2UjjwcH

August 21, 2019

HOW TO USE VIRTUAL DESKTOPS ON CHROME OS – Google is finally adding virtual desktops to its repertoire of Chromebook features—something other major operating systems already have—with Chrome OS version 76. The function has been in testing for several months and is now available for those in the Stable channel.

Virtual desktops, which Google calls Virtual Desks, let you separate the desktop into multiple workspaces where you can organize applications and windows. Chrome OS enables you to have up to four Desks at the same time that you can quickly switch between.

Read more of this How-To Geek article, with screenshots, at: http://bit.ly/2Mmy2iu

CHROME OS 76 FINALLY MAKES THE CAMERA WORTH USING ON YOUR CHROMEBOOK – Cameras on Chromebooks have been a hit-or-miss proposition for years on end. Let’s be honest; it’s mostly been miss. With pretty lame hardware all around, Chromebooks have rarely been in the conversation when it is time to snag a selfie or a pic of something you see out and about. While most would argue that a device as large as a Chromebook isn’t exactly the best option for photos on the go, there are smaller Chrome OS devices that could be used in a pinch without looking ridiculous.

Read more of this Chromebook Unboxed article at: http://bit.ly/31HFubC

HOW TO TAKE A PHOTO OR VIDEO WITH THE CAMERA APP ON A CHROMEBOOK – There might be times when you want to record a video or take a photo using the camera on your Chromebook. But until recently, the ability to take a video wasn’t part of the stock camera app on Chrome OS. For a video, you needed to use a third-party Android app from the Play Store (if your Chromebook supports them). But Google added the ability to take video to its built-in Camera app.

Read this groovyPost article to find out how it works: http://bit.ly/2MvambY

HOW TO DOWNLOAD ANDROID APPS ON CHROMEBOOK – One of the best things to come to Chromebooks was the introduction of the Google Play Store to access the millions of Android apps on supported Chrome OS devices.

Read this How-To Geek article to find out how to install Android apps on your Chromebook. http://bit.ly/2yXrmPf

HOW TO: RECOVER YOUR CHROMEBOOK [VIDEO] – Making a recovery disk for your Chrome OS device is quick and simple. In this video, you are walked through the steps of preparing, downloading and installing a fresh recovery image on the Acer Chromebook 512. If you’d you prefer documentation, you can find the steps from start to finish below the video.

View and/or Read how at this Chromebook Unboxed website: http://bit.ly/2Z4pte5

4 NOTEWORTHY NEW CHROME OS FEATURES COMING YOUR WAY RIGHT NOW – Android upgrades can often seem like an eternal waiting game, thanks to the role unmotivated device-makers play in the process — but with Chrome OS, it’s a completely different story.

Chrome OS upgrades, y’see, roll out to every current Chromebook within days of their release, directly from Google and without any meddling along the way from manufacturers. So when you hear about a new Chrome OS version coming out, you can rest easy knowing it’ll reach your Chromebook quickly and reliably — no matter who made the thing.

This is one of those times when that’s an important assurance to have, for as we speak, the latest and greatest Chrome OS version is starting to make its way to Chromebooks around the world. It’s called Chrome OS 76, and in addition to the usual set of fixes, under-the-hood improvements, and visual polish, it has a handful of pretty significant features.

Read more of this ComputerWorld article at: http://bit.ly/2MlOwHI

August 5, 2019

HOW TO TURN ON GOOGLE ASSISTANT ON YOUR CHROMEBOOK NOW – Google includes its voice-activated digital assistant, Google Assistant, on products like Android phones and tablets and its line of Google Home smart speakers. But Assistant isn’t yet available on the Chromebook. But Google is set to include it with a future release of Chrome OS. However, the cool thing is you can enable the experimental feature right now on your Chromebook.

Read this groovyPost article and learn how to enable Google Assistant on your Chromebook: http://bit.ly/2GEcrha

HOW TO CLOSE UNRESPONSIVE APPS ON YOUR CHROMEBOOK – When you’re having a good day getting things done on your Chromebook, nothing is more annoying than a frozen app. Here is how to close an unresponsive app so you can relaunch it.

When you’re having a good day and cruising through your workflow, nothing puts a damper on that quite like a frozen app. Sure, you can wait impatiently for it to respond or restart your machine. But you want to get out of the office before the bell rings. On Windows, you can forcefully shut down an app using Task Manager.

But what if a similar situation happens while using your Chromebook? Well, the general idea applies to Chrome OS, too.

Read this groovyPost article to learn how to force close an unresponsive app on your Chromebook. http://bit.ly/2Zm8tkw

HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR CHROMEBOOK’S RAM PERFORMANCE – To make them more affordable, most Chromebooks come with limited amounts of RAM. It’s just a browser, right? You’re not playing Call of Duty. So why would you need 16 GB of RAM? Well, you’d be surprised to see how much memory some sites actually use. Facebook and Gmail, for example, are memory hogs on their own. And if you always keep productivity and other sites open and pinned, the amount of RAM required adds up quick.

Read this groovyPost article on how to find the amount of RAM your Chromebook has, check on its usage, and some ways to free it up for a more responsive experience. http://bit.ly/2GCAr44

HOW TO USE AN EXTERNAL DRIVE WITH A CHROMEBOOK – Chromebooks are cloud-based computers that are low on local storage. This keeps the price down, but you might have a lot of data and need more storage space. Google Drive is an effective method of storing your files in the cloud so they are always available – and you can always buy more space.

But sometimes you might need to transfer files by moving a flash drive or have a bunch of movies on an external drive for times when you don’t have an internet connection. Or, perhaps you have sensitive files that you don’t want to store online. Whatever the case, whether it’s a flash drive or large external hard drive. Read this groovyPost article to find out how to use an external HD with your Chromebook. http://bit.ly/2LTLkD4

July 18, 2019

NEW CHROME OS 75 FEATURE MAKES PASSWORD MANAGEMENT SO MUCH BETTER – Chrome 75 has been with us for a few weeks now, but just like with earlier versions of Chrome, it sometimes takes a few weeks to see all the new and interesting changes that are part of the update. This particular feature makes so much sense and is so handy, it will honestly make you wonder why it wasn’t in place a long time ago.

Password management is central to our online lives. Nearly every service needs a way to identify you as an individual, and many of those services and apps don’t really work together. Sure, the advent of logging in with existing services has helped (i.e. – log in with Google or Facebook), but not everyone is on board with that system. What we’re left with at the end of the day is a slew of passwords that we are tasked with keeping up with and very few good ways to do it.

Read this Chrome Unboxed article and find out how Chrome 75 secures things: http://bit.ly/2Gjew1R

GOT A NEW CHROMEBOOK? 10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW [VIDEO] – It is pretty easy to get lost in all this Chrome OS news on a daily basis and forget the large number of users who may be sitting in front of a Chromebook for the very first time today. After a few years of researching, reviewing and writing about Chromebooks, it becomes very tempting to just assume everyone knows what they are getting into when a new Chromebook arrives.

But, as we all know, that simply isn’t the case. Check out these Chrome Unboxed tips video at http://bit.ly/32yrQcb

THE CLEAN, MINIMAL CHROMEBOOK DESK SETUP – As Chromebooks (and, by extension Chromebases and Chromeboxes) continue to become more and more capable devices, more users are choosing to make them their only desktop computers. With that change, Chrome Unboxed is seeing more questions than ever surrounding desktop setups, what they use on the daily, and how they’d set up a desk with a Chromebook at the center of it.

So, that’s what they did. This desk setup is a combination of things we use daily and things we went out and bought to put together the clean, minimal desk that we all agree we’d love to work from on a daily basis. Enjoy the tour and we’ve linked up all the stuff we talk about in the video! http://bit.ly/2JMREc2

WHERE TO PLACE YOUR ROUTER FOR THE BEST WI-FI SPEEDS – If your home Wi-Fi seems slow in some rooms, your router might not be in the best location. Wi-Fi doesn’t travel far—especially through metal and concrete. So, it’s important to determine the best place for your router.

This How-To-Geek article gives solid advice on Router Placement. http://bit.ly/2Sm3q0K

July 5, 2019

HOW TO RESET CHROME SETTINGS TO DEFAULT – Sometimes, unbeknownst to us, adware, malware, and unwanted extensions change settings—like homepages and default search engines—and make it nearly impossible to change them back. When you reset a browser’s settings, it removes some of the guesswork and does it all for you.

Read this How-To-Geek article to find out how to reset Chrome settings to default: http://bit.ly/2XjFyAK

HOW-TO: SETTING UP DEMO MODE ON A CHROMEBOOK – If you’ve ever tinkered around with a Chromebook at say, Best Buy or Walmart, you’ve probably experienced Demo Mode. It looks a lot like regular old Chrome OS but the system is locked down and has a lot of limitations.

You can browse the web but you can’t log out of the device and there is, of course, a Demo running that shows you some of the features of the Chromebook. It occurred to Gabriel Brangers, Chrome Unboxed, that this could be a great feature for school admins wanting to show off new devices to parents or educators without the worry of users being able log in or out of the device.

The process is fairly straight forward and only requires a few steps to get Demo Mode up and running. Learn how to set up Demo Mode at this Chrome Unboxed article: http://bit.ly/2J6Ajvp

July 2, 2019

HOW TO INSTALL APPS ON A CHROMEBOOK – If you just purchased a brand new Chromebook, it’s time to install some apps. Chrome OS is web-based, and Chrome computers use apps, not programs. Installing them is very simple, so even if this is your first Chromebook, you will figure it out fast. As a plus point, you will notice there are some pre-installed apps, such as Google Drive or Google Docs, so you won’t have to waste your time on getting these. Read this technobezz article to see how to install apps on a Chromebook. http://bit.ly/2J3NSvE

HOW TO CLOSE UNRESPONSIVE CHROMEBOOK APPS – Should an application become unresponsive on your Chromebook, you can either wait to see if it responds or forcefully close it with the Chrome OS Task Manager. Read this How-To-Geek article to find out what to do if you need to kill an unresponsive app. http://bit.ly/2YBJV6m

CHROMEBOOK VIRTUAL DESKS GET THE FEATURE ROBBY PAYNE, CHROME UNBOXED, HAS BEEN WAITING FOR – Sure, Virtual Desktops (or Desks) for Chrome OS aren’t currently a thing just yet, but we all know they are coming in Chrome OS 76 a mere 6 weeks from now. Though I’ve been waiting for this feature for what feels like an eternity, all the news surrounding this hotly-anticipated functionality up to this point has been devoid of what I feel is one of the most important pieces of the puzzle. Read more at http://bit.ly/2J3Wv9G

HOW TO UPDATE A CHROMEBOOK – Chromebooks are pretty popular because they are affordable, easy to use and because Chrome OS is all about simplicity. As every other OS, Chrome OS also get updates. These are important because they bring bug fixes and improvements in security. In addition, you can expect some new features. Read this technobezz article to find out how to update a Chromebook. http://bit.ly/2XHRUSv

TOP BEST CHROMEBOOK APPS – If you have recently bought a Chromebook and wonder how to get the best out of it, then, look no further as technobezz has listed the top best Chromebook apps that you can use to make things easier and more fun. All the apps mentioned will help you accomplish your tasks smoothly. http://bit.ly/326heRq

June 20, 2019

THE CLEAN, MINIMAL CHROMEBOOK DESK SETUP – As Chromebooks (and, by extension Chromebases and Chromeboxes) continue to become more and more capable devices, more users are choosing to make them their only desktop computers. With that change, we are seeing more questions than ever surrounding desktop setups, what we use on the daily, and how we’d set up a desk with a Chromebook at the center of it.

So, we did just that. This desk setup is a combination of things we use daily and things we went out and bought to put together the clean, minimal desk that we all agree we’d love to work from on a daily basis. Enjoy the CHROME UNBOXED tour and we’ve linked up all the stuff we talk about in a video! http://bit.ly/2XqDzty

HOW TO AVOID DESTROYING YOUR DATA CAP WHEN TETHERING TO A CHROMEBOOK – In general, Chromebooks tend to sync in the background to make your most-used files feel much more native when you need them. Any time you sign in to a new Chromebook, for instance, Google Drive will always begin syncing certain files for your use later. As a matter of fact, I’m not even sure how much or how often a Chromebook just does this without anyone noticing. Add to this app updates on the Android side and things like Google Photos and your Chromebook can end up talking to the internet way more than you are aware at any given moment.

Robby Payne had the distinct pleasure of traveling to Germany for the past week and a half and while here, he had to firmly rely on his mobile data connection to stay even a tad bit in touch with the tech world. He made a mistake in the early going that he’d never even thought about before, and he hopes to use his ignorance and bad experience to help you avoid making the same misstep. Read more of this CHROME UNBOXED article at http://bit.ly/2IXKzEV

VIRTUAL DESKTOPS AVAILABLE TO MORE CHROMEBOOK USERS – Virtual Desktops on Chromebooks have been a pretty quick feature development, honestly. They only began showing up in February of this year and we’re already awaiting their arrival in the Stable Channel build of Chrome OS 76 later in July.

Up until the latest version of Chrome OS in the Dev Channel (released June 6th), the only way you could test out this new feature was to move your device to the Canary Channel. For most users, the option of moving to the Canary Channel really isn’t an option at all. Canary is, by most measures, so unstable that you don’t want to go through all the extra hoops just to try out a new little feature. Read more of this CHROME UNBOXED article at http://bit.ly/2WROrBf

CHROMEBOOK TABLET MODE GETTING A FIX TO AN IRRITATING OMISSION – If you’ve used any number of Chromebooks that convert or detach to acheive tablet mode, you have undoubtedly tried at some point in time to adjust the volume on your device while listening to some sort of media. Likely you cued up a YouTube video and were shocked at the volume and quickly reached for the volume rocker to adjust the noise.

Surprise, surprise, the volume rocker on your Chrome OS device stays in the same orientation regardless of how you are holding it, so good luck guessing which way is up and which way is down. For me, especially with convertibles, this issue is insanely frustrating. Which way is the right way to hold your converted tablet, after all? For me it is hinge-side down. For developers, apparently, that is not right at all. Read more of this CHROME UNBOXED article at http://bit.ly/2MYtlgc

June 5, 2019
HOW TO CHANGE THE DESKTOP WALLPAPER ON A GOOGLE CHROMEBOOK – Most people are not satisfied with whatever default wallpaper ships with their new computer or phone. Most people want to make it something more personal or visually appealing. In fact, it might be the first thing you want to change when you set up a new device. If you’re new to Chrome OS and have a Chromebook, you can change its default background, too. Learn how to do it at this Groovy Post article (with screen shots): http://bit.ly/2ETHd4T

May 21, 2019
HOW TO CLOSE UNRESPONSIVE CHROMEBOOK APPS – Should an application become unresponsive on your Chromebook, you can either wait to see if it responds or forcefully close it with the Chrome OS Task Manager.

While unresponsive apps aren’t all that common on Chrome OS in the first place, the OS isn’t immune to the issue. And with more types of apps available on Chrome OS than any other operating system out there—web apps, Android apps, and Linux apps—that creates more of an opportunity for something to go wrong. If you find yourself in that situation, here’s how to handle it.

Find out what you do if you need to kill an unresponsive app at this How-To-Geek article: http://bit.ly/2YBJV6m

ARE CHROMEBOOKS REALLY VIRUS FREE? – As we all know, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is — except when it comes to the Chromebook. The laptop is touted for being immune to viruses. Is that true or just hype?

It is indeed true. The reason is simple; you can’t install software on Chromebooks. Since viruses enter computers as executable programs, they can’t latch onto a Chromebook. That said, there are some gremlins that can get into the works, but Chromebook easily gets rid of them. Learn more at this Komando.com article: http://bit.ly/2VBUKn7

May 19, 2019
HOW TO UPDATE YOUR CHROMEBOOK – Chrome OS gets major updates every six weeks, with security patches coming more frequently. Updates are usually downloaded and installed automatically in the background; read this How-To-Geek article to find out how to make sure your Chromebook is always running the latest build available. http://bit.ly/2VO1xzb

GOOGLE KILLS THE PROJECT TO BRING WINDOWS TO CHROMEBOOKS – Late last year, details surfaced about a new project Google was working on to bring Windows to some Chromebooks. As of now, however, it looks like that’s never going to happen—the project is deprecated.

Known as Project Campfire (or “AltOS” in the source code), the goal was to bring a dual-boot setup with Windows to select Chromebooks. As far as we know, it was in testing on the Pixelbook but would have likely shown up on other high-powered Chromebooks as well. Read more at this How-To-Geek article: http://bit.ly/2JpambQ

HOW TO VIEW APPS AND TABS SIDE-BY-SIDE ON YOUR CHROMEBOOK – A Chromebook is a great tool for getting your online and cloud-based work done. And one of the helpful features of Chrome OS is the ability to split your screens from different apps. Displaying multiple apps or tabs side-by-side on the same screen can help you increase your productivity and get things done.

Maybe you need to edit a spreadsheet on one side of the screen and view the source data on the other. Or, it can be more leisurely. You can have an email or document open while having YouTube or other video app playing on the other side. Here is a look at how to use the feature and manage your split screens.

Learn how to use Split Screens on Chromebooks at this groovyPost article: http://bit.ly/2VUpaVD

HOW MUCH RAM DOES A CHROMEBOOK REALLY NEED? – Chrome is known for being a RAM hog, but most Chromebooks come with only 4 GB of RAM. Chrome OS manages RAM differently than Windows or Mac computers, so it can do more with less.

Chromebooks Don’t Need That Much RAM
First of all, just because Chrome is a RAM glutton on your Windows machine or Mac, that doesn’t mean it’s a Chrome issue across the board. Chrome OS is very different than a traditional computer, and so is the way it handles RAM.

Without getting overly complicated (which is easy to do with a topic like this), let’s take a closer look at how Chrome OS manages RAM. Since it’s based on Linux and uses the Linux kernel, it handles RAM in a very similar manner. Google has tweaked the process a little bit to better suit Chrome OS’ needs, but the general idea is the same. Read more of this How-To-Geek article: http://bit.ly/309vdF5

ALL CHROMEBOOKS LAUNCHED IN 2019 WILL BE LINUX-READY OUT OF THE BOX – While support for Linux on some Chromebooks has been around since last year’s Project Crostini launch, Google has said that all of the Chromebooks launched this year will have the ability to run Linux “right out of the box.”

According to ZDNet, the technology company mentioned the not-so-small detail about the future of its flagship laptops during this year’s Google I/O in Mountain View. In addition, the Linux support announcement is expected to cover all types of Chromebooks launched this year, including Intel and ARM-based Chromebooks. Read more of this Digital Trends article: http://bit.ly/2Yg0cxC

THE CURIOUSLY MISSING PIECE IN GOOGLE’S CHROMEBOOK PUZZLE – 2019 has already shown itself to be the year of funky phones with Android — foldable phones, sliding phones, and even phones with hidden screens on their backs (for some reason). For all the wild experimentation in the phone arena, though, there’s one area where we aren’t seeing enough willingness to do something different.

I’m talking about the Chromebook — and specifically, the Chromebook designed to function as a tablet. We’ve been talking for well over a year now about how Google is positioning Chromebooks to effectively take over the role of the Android tablet, and with each passing month, that reality only becomes more apparent. Just this week, in fact, a report came out suggesting Asus — a long-time Android tablet maker and regular Chromebook creator as well — is pulling out of the traditional Android tablet market entirely. Read more of this Computer World article: http://bit.ly/305fjM1

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHROMIUM AND CHROME? – Chromium is an open-source browser project that forms the basis for the Chrome web browser. This article takes a little deeper look at what that means.

When Google first introduced Chrome back in 2008, they also released the Chromium source code on which Chrome was based as an open-source project. That open-source code is maintained by the Chromium Project, while Chrome itself is maintained by Google.

The biggest difference between the two browsers is that, while Chrome is based on Chromium, Google also adds a number of proprietary features to Chrome like automatic updates and support for additional video formats. Google also took a similar approach with the Chromium OS, which is an open-source project that forms the basis for their own Chro12me OS—the operating system that runs on Chromebooks. Read more of this How-To-Geek article: http://bit.ly/2JacQe9

HOW-TO CHROMEBOOK VIDEOS – http://bit.ly/2VdaPiE

HOW TO BROWSE AS A GUEST IN CHROME AND ON A CHROMEBOOK – Guest mode for Google Chrome and on Chromebooks is perfect if you need to lend your computer to a friend without giving them complete access to all your personal information stored inside your browser. Learn how to browse as a guest at this How-To-Geek article: http://bit.ly/2vMmH0Y

5 SECRET CHROME APP LAUNCHER TIPS AND TRICKS THAT SPEED UP EVERYDAY TASKS – The Chrome app launcher is more than a glorified version of the Windows start menu. It packs a surprising amount of Google-y power that can speed up a wide variety of tasks on a Chromebook—and Windows, if you install the Chrome launcher.

Use the power of the built-in search button
Remember, Google killed the caps lock key when it designed the Chromebook keyboard. In its place is a dedicated Search button, which actually does a ton of things besides merely searching Google. Though it does that well, you can also use the Search button whenever you want to go to a new site. Instead of manually opening a new tab or typing Control-T, just hit the Search button and start typing. Read more of this PCWorld article: http://bit.ly/2JvnvPQ

HOW TO ZIP OR UNZIP FILES ON A CHROMEBOOK – Want to send off a bunch of files in an email, or maybe you received a compressed ZIP file as an attachment on your Chromebook? Whether you want to zip or unzip files, Chrome OS makes it a breeze to do without any additional applications.

Find out how to zip and unzip at this How-To-Geek article (with screenshots) at: http://bit.ly/2YWRTbg

CAN YOU USE A CHROMEBOOK AS YOUR MAIN COMPUTER? – Chromebooks are in their prime, with just about every major laptop manufacturer making their own version of these inexpensive, ultraportable laptops running Google Chrome OS. Chromebooks are great for travelers, students, and anyone else who gets work done mainly in the browser — just ask any of the 25 million Chrome OS users. However, they have their downsides as well. Find out what you need to know if you want to use one as your primary work computer at this Livewire article: http://bit.ly/2xZygpC

HOW TO REPORT A PROBLEM OR SEND FEEDBACK ABOUT CHROME OS – Need to report an issue that you encountered while using your Chromebook, or maybe you want to give some feedback to help improve Chrome OS? Reporting a problem or sending in feedback is an easy process and here’s how to do it.

There are two ways to report a problem on your Chromebook: asking for help in the Google Central forum and reporting an issue directly to Google. Asking for help on the forum is useful when you’re looking for guidance with an issue from an actual person. Submitting your issue directly to Google, on the other hand, is for when the problem isn’t severe, and you aren’t looking for a direct answer with a potential fix that could help you immediately. Read how to report a problem at this How-To-Geek article: http://bit.ly/2P25ucx

HOW TO CHANGE THE WALLPAPER AND THEME ON YOUR GOOGLE CHROMEBOOK – Personalizing your computer with a new wallpaper or fresh theme is one of the first things people do when they initially set it up, and Chrome OS is no different. Here’s how to customize the background and theme on your Chromebook.

Learn how to change your wallpaper at this How-To-Geek article (with screenshots): http://bit.ly/2TYWaqI

MASTER CHROME OS WITH THESE CHROMEBOOK KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS – Keyboard shortcuts are essential on any device with a hardware keyboard, whether you’re using a Windows PC, Linux system, Mac, or even a Chromebook. Chrome OS and other operating systems share quite a few shortcuts, but many are unique to Chrome OS.

Be sure to use the function keys at the top of your keyboard, too. These keys replace the F1-F12 keys with useful browser action and hardware control buttons. You can even press a key to see all open windows at once.

Find the Chromebook shortcuts at this How-To-Geek article (with screenshots): http://bit.ly/2VpMwPF

THE 11 BEST ANDROID APPS TO INSTALL ON A CHROMEBOOK – Android app support for Chrome OS has been available for a while. But while you can install the majority of them on any Chromebook, only a handful are properly compatible with the operating system.

If an app is updated for Chromebooks, it will be much more reliable and support Chrome OS’ built-in multitasking tools. Therefore, here are the best third party apps you should install on your Chromebook.

Read more at this MakeUseOf article: http://bit.ly/2TYWaqI

THINKING OF GETTING A CHROMEBOOK? THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOU…WHAT IS A GOOGLE CHROMEBOOK? – You’ve probably seen the term Chromebook mentioned on the internet, and you might be wondering what they are, and how they differ from regular laptops.

In this guide we’ll explain what a Chromebook is, list the pros and cons of the devices, and help you decide whether or not a Chromebook is right for you. If you’re after in-depth buying advice on specific models, check out our Should I Buy a Chromebook? and Best Chromebook guides.

Read more of this TechRadar article at: http://bit.ly/2UkWwgG

FAST FORWARD: WHAT’S COMING IN FUTURE VERSIONS OF CHROME? – Every time Google updates its browser, it publishes release notes aimed at enterprises to highlight upcoming additions, substitutions, enhancements and modifications.

Fact: Chrome rules.

With a massive two-thirds of the world’s browser user share – a measurement of browser activity calculated monthly by analytics vendor Net Applications – Google’s Chrome has no peer in popularity.

So when Chrome speaks, people listen. That holds true for whatever moves Google makes with each browser upgrade – something Computerworld details in the What’s in the latest Chrome update? series – and in what it plans to do in the future. Read about some of what’s coming in this COMPUTERWORLD article: http://bit.ly/2UPPz3t

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR CHROMEBOOK REACHES THE END OF ITS LIFE – Chromebooks are great for anyone who uses them: they turn on in an instant, have great battery life, and updating them is a breeze. But, the day will come when your Chromebook stops getting updates from Google. What do you do then?

Google is upfront with its update policy: you can see the exact month and year a Chromebook or Chromebox will stop receiving updates. Most Chromebooks still have a long life ahead of them, but Google has started cutting off some of the oldest models already. Read more at this How-To-Geek article: http://bit.ly/2S83pvL

TWO MORE CHROMEBOOKS TO GAIN FINGERPRINT SENSORS AS TREND MOVES BEYOND PIXEL SLATE – Google was proud to debut fingerprint support for Chrome OS on their new hardware, but it was never confirmed whether the feature would be a Google Pixel Slate exclusive. We had suspected that it could be, based on the visuals used with the new fingerprint support very clearly depicting what we now know is the Pixel Slate.

It seems however, that fingerprint unlocking will become a common new feature for premium Chromebooks. Read more of this 9to5Google article at http://bit.ly/2JzfRWa

SAY HELLO TO GOOGLE’S NEW CHROMEBOOK SIMULATOR – Since its birth, Google’s Chrome operating system has been met with a lot of resistance from the “traditional” PC world. Yet, Chromebooks have continued to evolve over the past 8+ years and now offer a true alternative OS for the majority of mass consumers.

Despite rumors of vaporware like Andromeda that sought to bring an end to Chrome OS and Android alike or mobile/desktop solutions found in the form of Samsung’s DeX, Chromebooks march forward and expectations are high that the market will continue to expand. Read more of this Chrome Unboxed article: http://bit.ly/2CtKzu5

GOOGLE STADIA TURNS EVERY CHROMEBOOK INTO A PC GAMING RIG – Google recently announced Stadia at the 2019 Game Developers Conference and will have more to say this summer about it. Stadia gaming is expected this year in the US, Canada and most of Europe, so don’t get rid of that PC gaming rig just yet.

When it does arrive, however, here’s what it will bring. Using custom hardware and Google’s private Cloud infrastructure connectivity, games will start up in as few as five seconds. And with that hardware, Google is promising better performance than the 1080p, 60fps I saw in the beta test: At launch, games will be streamed at up to 4K resolution at 60fps in HDR and with surround sound. Read more of this About Chromebooks article: http://bit.ly/2ujnbLs

HOW TO CAPTURE SCREENSHOTS ON YOUR PHONE AND COMPUTER – Sometimes you want to keep a copy of something you’re looking at on your computer or phone screen but it’s not a file that can be saved or website that can be bookmarked and replicated in exactly the same way. Read more of this Techlicious article at: http://bit.ly/2TYt1jI

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR DIGITAL LIFE FOR YOUR DEATH – Death is inevitable. Don’t make it harder on those you leave behind. Here’s how to let loved ones manage passwords, sensitive data, and social media profiles after you die.

Our own death is as somber as it is inevitable. But as we live more of our lives online, it’s more important than ever to make sure loved ones can access digital accounts when we’re gone. Don’t be the guy who locked cryptocurrency exchange customers out of $250 million after his death because only he knew the password.

There are a number of ways loved ones can request access to your accounts once you’re gone, but they don’t need that stress. Several online services allow you to designate legacy contacts or grant access after a period of inactivity. Here’s how to make sure that those you leave behind are able to manage your affairs when you can’t anymore.

Go to this PC Magazine web page and get started. http://bit.ly/2F80WwK

WHAT’S NEW IN CHROME 73, ARRIVING MARCH 12 – Chrome 73 is set to hit the stable channel on March 12, 2019. Google’s new browser update features the beginnings of a built-in dark mode, tab grouping, media key support, and more picture-in-picture powers.

Before we get into the details, it’s worth noting that none of this is guaranteed. While these features are expected (and even planned) to be part of Chrome 73, there’s always a chance something gets pulled before it hits the stable channel and may not make its way out of the beta (or even dev) channel until Chrome 74 or beyond. Read more of this How-To-Geek article, with screenshots: http://bit.ly/2IGakwJ

CHROMEBOOK CHEAT SHEET: HOW TO GET STARTED – Got a new Chromebook? This guide will help you navigate the ever-expanding world of Chromebook apps and figure out how to make the most of Chrome OS.

The beauty of Chrome OS today is its versatility: The operating system supports a huge range of applications in a variety of different formats — web apps, progressive web apps, native Chrome apps, Android apps, and even Linux apps (gracious!).

That’s enough to make anyone’s head spin. As a result of that platform-defying setup, though, Chromebooks can now handle all sorts of advanced productivity tasks and are viable far beyond their original web-centric focus, when the concept was quite literally just a “browser in a box” — a full-screen Chrome window with no desktop, nothing resembling a traditional app, and next to no options to consider.

Read more of this COMPUTERWORLD article with screenshots: http://bit.ly/2VI04pf

ANDROID APPS FOR CHROMEBOOKS: THE ESSENTIALS – Turn your Chromebook into a uniquely versatile modern computing machine with these Chrome-OS-enhancing apps.

We’ve heard plenty about how Android apps on Chrome OS are a big deal, but when you first find yourself staring at the Google Play Store on a dual-purpose device, it can be tough to know where to begin.

Chromebooks were already quite capable without Android apps in the equation, after all, and many of the Play Store’s most popular titles are also available in web-app equivalents. Sure, you could install the Google Docs Android app or the Twitter Android app onto a Chromebook, but you’d get better and more complete experiences by using either service’s web-based counterpart. So why bother?

The trick is to figure out which Android apps actually enhance Chrome OS in a meaningful way — either by filling in a gap in the platform or by adding something new and practical into the experience. But in a sea of overlapping titles and mobile-specific utilities, singling out such a selection isn’t always easy.

That’s why I’m here to help. I’ve spent countless hours living with Chromebooks and using them as both productivity and entertainment tools. I’ve explored the available Android app options and pinpointed the programs that expand a Chromebook’s capabilities in measures that matter.

Read more of this COMPUTERWORLD article at: http://bit.ly/2Sjh9UI

HOW TO KEEP PEOPLE FROM ACCESSING YOUR CHROMEBOOK – Like your phone, tablet, or laptop computer, you don’t want just anyone able to pick it up and start using it. Even if it’s a shared device you can limit it to those specific users. Here is a look at some easy tweaks you can make to your Chromebook to keep unwanted users from accessing it — including turning off Guest browsing.

When you close your Chromebook’s lid it goes to sleep and when you open it, it comes to life. That makes using the device easy, but it also can invite unwelcome users accessing it. To prevent unwanted intrusions, you can set it to lock when it’s asleep and require login creds when it wakes up. Learn To use the sleep lock feature at this groovyPost article (with screenshots). http://bit.ly/2TI08F3

Google is upfront with its update policy: you can see the exact month and year a Chromebook or Chromebox will stop receiving updates. Most Chromebooks still have a long life ahead of them, but Google has started cutting off some of the oldest models already. If you have one of the older Chromebooks, you’ll need to start thinking about what to do when the updates stop coming. Read more of this How-To-Geek article: http://bit.ly/2S83pvL

WHAT IS GOOGLE VOICE AND HOW DO I USE IT? – If you’re using Google services like Gmail and Google Docs, you may have heard about Google Voice, but are unsure what it is. Google Voice is a free service offered by Google that provides you with a cloud-based phone number you can use from anywhere. The service includes free phone calls, free voicemail, and integration with mobile devices.

Go to this groovyPost web site to learn more. http://bit.ly/2BxTM40

HOW TO FIND YOUR CHROMEBOOK HARDWARE AND SYSTEM SPECS – Chromebooks are affordable devices that are perfect for users who just need something to get online to get some light work done with a “real” keyboard and display. They are good to watch a few videos, surf the web, check some emails, etc.

However, they have come a long way over the years and can do much more. Newer models can run (some) Android apps and even Linux (if you wanna get geeky). But unlike other operating systems, in Chrome OS, there isn’t an easy way to see your system’s hardware such as RAM, CPU, and Storage.

There are a few different ways you can find out about what’s going on under-the-hood. This groovyPost article takes a look at what info Chrome OS does offer, and how you can get the hardware and system specs of your Chromebook. http://bit.ly/2GiFyY2

3 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR CHROMEBOOK MORE SECURE – With their multiple layers of protection, Chromebooks do an admirable job out of the box of keeping your files and personal information safe. And they’ll soon be even more secure when Chrome OS adds USBGuard to block access to the USB port access while the device’s screen is locked. A USB thumb drive can be used in what is called a Rubber Ducky attack to steal data or infect it with malware when you turn your back or otherwise leave your device unattended for a minute or two. In addition to its built-in security features, read this CNET post to learn three ways to protect your Chromebook. Thanks to UCHUG in SoCal for having this info in their February newsletter. https://cnet.co/2ShXFnp

GOOGLE IS MAKING CHROMEBOOKS MORE SECURE WITH USBGUARD – The new USBGuard feature just hit Google’s bleeding edge Chrome Canary builds and blocks access to USB ports when a Chromebook is locked. It is possible to whitelist devices, though, and should reach Chromebooks early this year hopefully. Thanks to UCHUG in SoCal for having this info in their February newsletter. Read more at this PCMag post: http://bit.ly/2D5PcK6

15-MINUTE CHROMEBOOK TUNE-UP – As far as computers go, Chromebooks are almost shockingly low-maintenance. Google’s Chrome OS operating system updates itself silently and automatically — as do most of the core apps associated with the platform — and it doesn’t get gunked up and slowed down over time, as traditional operating systems tend to do. There’s no antivirus software to fret over, either, and little in the way of complicated settings or compatibility concerns. By and large, things “just work” — like, for real.

But hey, you’re a proactive person. You like knowing your tech is always in tip-top shape. Plus, you have impeccable tastes in tech-related reading material (clearly). JR Raphael, COMPUTERWORLD Contributing Editor, shares a little secret with you: Despite Chrome OS’s minimal-upkeep nature, there are some things you can do to clean up your Chromebook, clear out its clutter, and keep it primed for optimal productivity (and/or procrastination — equally important, as far as JR is concerned). And they don’t take long at all to power through.

Take a few minutes now to go through these steps, then rest easy all year knowing your Chromebook is running at its best and ready to handle whatever tasks (and maybe even soft objects) you throw its way. http://bit.ly/2TS1Wen

HOW TO MULTITASK LIKE A PRO ON CHROMEBOOKS: 8 TIPS AND TRICKS – Google wants to replace your computer with an operating system that, on the surface, might seem like just a web browser. But when you want to get work done, you need those desktop-grade multitasking tools, and easily switch between multiple apps and windows. And in spite of what you may believe, Chrome OS has good multitasking support.

Read more at this MakeUseOf.Com article, with screenshots: http://bit.ly/2EaAFzS

HOW TO INSTANTLY IMPROVE YOUR CHROMEBOOK’S BLUETOOTH PERFORMANCE – the Bluetooth stack on Chrome OS is still terrible. But it can be fixed. The fact that this is fixable isn’t to excuse the sorry state of Bluetooth support that Chromebook users have to deal with though. Wired accessories are going to be more stable on any operating system, but on Chrome OS they’re almost a necessity. Trying to pair Bluetooth headphones, mice and other accessories leaves most users just staring at the Bluetooth page in frustration.

And when you do get your accessories paired, the experience isn’t much better. Headphone audio typically cuts in and out, while using a Bluetooth mouse will often leave you with a pointer that lags and bounces around.

Google is testing out a new Bluetooth stack for Chromebooks, and you should be able to use it now. Jump into your browser, open a new tab, and enter chrome://flags. Read more at this How-To Geek article: http://bit.ly/2Spol1S

CHROMEBOOKS OFFICIALLY GETTING VIRTUAL DESKTOP WORKSPACES IN A FUTURE UPDATE – Robby Payne, Chrome Unboxed, has long lamented the lack of virtual desktops (or virtual workspaces) on Chrome OS. After all, this concept is a reality on Mac OS, Linux and Windows. Sure, Microsoft just added the feature a couple years ago, but users had been clamoring for it for years up to that point.

If you aren’t familiar, virtual desktops give you a software-driven version of multi-monitor setups. On most operating systems, you can simply add additional “desktops” and set up windows in them. Once set up, users can move between the desktops with something like a 4-finger swipe left or right, depending on which desktop they are on. For me, it feels a lot like having multiple monitors in a virtual space.

David Ruddock over at Android Police recently spoke with Kan Liu, Senior Product Manager for Chrome OS, and Kan revealed that this much-requested feature is coming to Chrome OS and is officially on the road map. Read more at: http://bit.ly/2DVqfmZ

COMMON CHROME OS PROBLEMS, AND HOW TO FIX THEM – Having problems on your Chromebook or other Chrome OS device? We’ve got all the major problems that Chrome users have come across, and the solutions that make them go away.

It should be noted that because Chrome OS is based on web apps, so the line between the Chrome web browser and the Chrome OS can be blurry. However, they aren’t the same, and the following problems deal with the operating system specifically.

Read about some of the problems and fixes at this Digital Trends article: http://bit.ly/2zeUT7q

HOW TO RESET A CHROMEBOOK – Chromebooks are tricky things. They’re built from the ground up to be portable, fast, and dead-simple to use — more so than Windows laptops. For the most part, they succeed, but like any computer, sometimes things go wrong.

When your PC goes haywire and you need to start over, it’s a huge pain. You need to reformat hard disks, reinstall operating systems, and perform all sorts of laborious setup tasks. Luckily, it’s a bit easier to clean house with a Chromebook (especially our favorites). There are a number of options available, which allow you to quickly reset your settings or perform a thorough “powerwash” that will scour your Chromebook for any problematic or malicious software, while leaving little behind in its wake.

If you’ve run into problems on your browser-based system, this Digital Trends article can help: http://bit.ly/2QD1bbe

10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CHROMEBOOK ACCESSIBILITY – A number of new accessibility features were added to the Chromebook with the November release of Chrome OS

At this month’s Equal Access to Software and Information (EASI) Chrome Accessibility webinar, Laura Allen, Chrome & Chrome OS Accessibility Program Manager, highlighted the new features as she discussed Chrome OS accessibility. Read more of this Lireo Designs article: http://bit.ly/2riJzD5

Thanks to Hewie Poplock, cb4s.net for the link.

MALWAREBYTES LABS LAUNCHES MALWARE PROTECTION FOR CHROMEBOOKS – The Chromebook march continues. As better hardware is delivered for Google’s lean operating system and Microsoft’s continuing Windows 10 issues continue to irk users, ChromeOS has become a very viable alternative – particularly with the cost of ChromeOS hardware sometimes weighing in a third of the cost.

As ChromeOS becomes more popular, vendors have begun porting long-standing Windows and Mac applications to the rising star. One of those, Malwarebytes, is now available. Read more at my IT forum: http://bit.ly/2S1mSyK

FAMILY LINK FOR CHROMEBOOKS HITS THE BETA CHANNEL AND IT’S AWESOME – Family Link for Chromebooks is now officially a thing and is currently working in the Beta channel of Chrome OS. A post from the Community Manager of the Chromebook Support Forum lays out the ins and outs of what Family Link for Chrome OS can do.

Manage the websites and Android Apps your child (grandchild) can see.

Family Link allows parents to customize a list of websites that kids can visit, and review and approve the apps they can download from Google Play. Parents can also use Family Link to hide individual apps when necessary and manage in-app purchases for apps already installed on the Chromebook. Read more at this Chrome Unboxed article: http://bit.ly/2zXqgTI

COMMON CHROME OS PROBLEMS, AND HOW TO FIX THEM – Having problems on your Chromebook or other Chrome OS device? Digital Trends has all the major problems that Chrome users have come across, and the solutions that make them go away. For example:

Chrome OS is running very slowly

If Chrome OS is running slowly, your best bet is to just restart, or check for a system update. In most instances, a Chrome OS device should automatically check for updates and download when on WiFi.

HAVE A NEW CHROMEBOOK? – Take a tour via Chromebook Help:

CHROMEBOOK TIPS FROM A TEACHER – Thanks to Hewie Poplock, Chromebooks 4 Seniors http://cb4s.net/ for the link to http://bit.ly/2DKefoS

8 NOTEWORTHY NEW FEATURES COMING TO CHROMEBOOKS THIS MONTH – Sometimes, the most significant story is also the easiest to miss. While everyone is focused on shiny new hardware and months-old ecosystem improvements, Google is quietly delivering what may be its most transformative Chrome OS update yet — and it’s an update that’ll reach most Chromebooks released over the past five years.

Chrome OS 70, in the midst of rolling out right now, dramatically changes the look and feel of the operating system and makes it more touch-friendly and Android-like than ever. Some of the interface enhancements will be apparent the second your Chromebook gets the software. Thanks Hewie – read more at: http://bit.ly/2OPU8qD

HOW TO MOVE YOUR iTUNES MUSIC TO A CHROMEBOOK – If you switch between platforms a lot, you know it’s a hassle to move your stuff around. Fortunately, music files don’t have any sort of DRM tying them to a specific platform the way that movies do, so you can copy and paste your library around with ease. Or if your music is already in a cloud library, getting your music on a new device may be as easy as downloading a single app. Find out how at this How-To Geek article: http://bit.ly/2z5AD7y

HOW TO GET BATTERY FULL ALERTS IN CHROME – Battery charge alerts are pretty useful for monitoring the health of your battery. In cases where you’re dealing with an iffy battery, or you need to check if your battery is charging too quickly, it helps to know when the battery has reached a full charge. You can use various apps and scripts to get battery full alerts but if you use Chrome, an extension called Battreminder can send those alerts as well. Read more of this AddictiveTips post at: http://bit.ly/2Q4n67r

Thanks to Hewie Poplock for this info: http://cb4s.net/2018/10/

HOW TO DELETE APPS FROM YOUR CHROMEBOOK – Chromebooks are great because they don’t require huge hard drives, but there are some instances where that can also be a limitation. With modern Chromebooks being able to install a slew of apps from multiple sources, they can fill up quickly.

Currently, you can install Android apps from the Google Play Store, Chrome apps, and Linux applications. So storage space can become a concern pretty quickly. And with streaming services like Netflix letting you download your favorite movies and shows for offline playback, you could be faced with a device that doesn’t have enough space for everything you need.

Fortunately, it’s straightforward to uninstall apps you don’t use anymore from your Chromebook, no matter where they came from. Read more of this How-To Geek article at: http://bit.ly/2RnCr38

Thanks again to Hewie Poplock for this info: http://cb4s.net/2018/10/

HOW GOOGLE IS TURNING CHROME OS INTO A POWERFUL TABLET OS – Chrome OS, while once thought of as a nigh-useless operating system, is shaping up to be a bold and different OS—one that can handle almost anything you throw at it, especially for tablets. It’s quite possibly the perfect tablet operating system that we’ve been waiting for.

Starting with Chrome OS 70, an improvement was made on the productivity front as well. As soon as you connect a mouse or keyboard (over Bluetooth or USB) to a Chrome OS Tablet, the interface changes to offer the full Chrome OS interface. Instead of the tablet-specific UI, you get a full desktop. Read more of this How-To Geek article at: http://bit.ly/2C5nrmg

HOW TO ENABLE CHROMEBOOK DEVELOPER MODE – Chromebooks fill a very specific niche since they’re so specialized and limited. They’re great for surfing the web, basic tasks like word processing, and the simple interface is perfect for anyone who doesn’t know a lot about computers. Since Google controls exactly what you can install on a Chromebook, they’re also very secure.

What is Developer Mode on Chromebooks?
Developer mode is similar to jailbreaking an iPhone or rooting an Android phone. All of these devices are normally locked down pretty tight, meaning you can only install approved apps, and you have limited to no ability to make changes to the system.

When you enable developer mode, you gain a much higher degree of control over your device. However, your Chromebook will also be inherently less secure, since you lose all the security features that ChromeOS is known for. Learn how to enable developer mode at this Lifewire web page: http://bit.ly/2INSOTF

GOOGLE’S CHROME TURNS 10 AND GETS A FRESH LOOK, NEW TRICKS AND AN EASTER EGG – We’re anticipating some major upgrades when Chrome OS 70 hits sometime in early October but in the meantime, the Chrome team over at Google is giving desktop and mobile users a reason to join in on the browser’s 10th birthday.

Chrome’s initial Beta launch was on September 2nd, 2008 and boy has it come a long way. Originally released for Windows XP, the fledgling browser was subsequently released in Beta versions for Linux and OS X in December of 2009 with Stable releases to follow in spring of 2010.

Since that time, Google Chrome has birthed not only mobile versions of the browser but even a full-fledged operating system that is single-handedly responsible for our existence. Read more of this Chrome Unboxed article at: http://bit.ly/2NKO1Ht

THE BEST ACCESSORIES TO TURN YOUR CHROMEBOOK INTO A POWERHOUSE WORKSTATION – So you have a shiny new Chromebook and want to give it a little oomph. There are definitely some neat accessories out there to supercharge your Chromebook experience—here are some of the must haves.

The number of things that are compatible with a Chromebook may surprise you, especially given their simplistic nature. That said, as you approach the “what accessories to buy” aspect of Chromebook ownership, though, you should at least keep your expectations in check—there are still plenty of one-off products here and there that lack Chrome OS compatibility. Read more of this Review Geek article at: http://bit.ly/2OIhJdN
Thanks to Hewie Poplock for this post – http://cb4s.net/

CHROMEBOOK SECURITY – Chromebooks use the principle of “defense in depth” to provide multiple layers of protection, so if any one layer is bypassed, others are still in effect. So, while it’s still important to take precautions to protect your data, Chromebooks let you breathe just a little bit easier. Your Chromebook has the following security features built-in: Automatic updates, Sandboxing, Verified Boot, Data Encryption, and Recovery Mode. Read more at this Chromebook Help web page: http://bit.ly/2OrINh8
Thanks again to Hewie

10 APPS THAT MAKE CHROMEBOOKS FEEL LIKE A REAL DESKTOP – While the move to a Chromebook might make technical sense, it can be a jarring transition. The Chromebook is meant to feel different than your standard desktop PC, but you can still get work done.

Google Chromebooks are growing in popularity, but the experience can feel foreign to some. Here are some apps to make it feel like home for desktop users. Nowadays, most of the work we do is online; and as people become less wary of the cloud, our values change regarding what we need in a personal computer. While critics initially wrote off the Google Chromebook as a curiosity, Chromebooks are gaining traction with consumers, in education, and in the enterprise. Read more of this TechRepublic article at: https://tek.io/2xfVp45

Thanks to Stew Bottorf’s FOSS SIG, http://bit.ly/2xf0wS4

CHROME OS 70 BRINGS MASSIVE UI OVERHAUL FOR TABLETS: ANDROID PIE AND MATERIAL DESIGN EVERYWHERE – This Chrome Unboxed title should tell you a ton about the contents of this article and video. It is crammed full of descriptive words and much longer than we generally make titles. For this article and video, however, it is absolutely fitting as the newest update to our favorite operating system is a massive one. Read more at: http://bit.ly/2MEqlVB

HOW TO ENABLE ANDROID MESSAGES DARK MODE FOR CHROMEBOOKS – If you didn’t already know, Android Messages is available on just about any device running Chrome, not just Chromebooks. The overall usability has been great for Robby Payne. Chrome Unboxed, and I’d assume many of you out there are taking advantage of Android Messages on the web. Follow the short instructions in this Chrome Unboxed article: http://bit.ly/2MDZCIO

HOW TO CHANGE YOUR PASSWORD ON CHROMEBOOK – To change your Chromebook password, you need to change your Google account password. This can be accomplished using your Chromebook, or you can use any other computer, tablet, or phone that’s logged in to your Google account.

Important: If you have two-factor authentication enabled, make sure you have your backup codes written down before you proceed. Learn how to change your password by reading this Livewire article: http://bit.ly/2BYfX6g

HOW TO ZOOM IN AND OUT ON A CHROMEBOOK – If you’re having trouble seeing something on your Chromebook, you can zoom in a single window, like Chrome, or magnify the entire desktop so it’s easier to see the interface and icons. Chromebooks also come with a built-in accessibility tool, allowing you to magnify small portions of the screen to make them easier to see.

If your Chromebook is stuck zoomed in, or you lent it out to someone and got it back zoomed in, you can also use these techniques to zoom out or return the zoom level to normal. Learn how to zoom in and out at this Livewire article: http://bit.ly/2PMWqsd

6 CHROMEBOOK APPS TO IMPROVE YOUR PRODUCTIVITY – Some might say that you can’t do much besides wade around the internet with a Chromebook, but that’s not the case anymore. One of the best things about Google’s browser-based operating system is that it’s now open to Chrome web apps and Android apps, so its library has expanded nearly ten-fold. Of course, not everything is worth the download, and if you’re headed off on a new venture—starting school, or maybe opening your own business—you might be wondering what apps to use now that your Chromebook is heading with you into the real world. Read more of this Reviewed – Part of USA TODAY Tech article at: http://bit.ly/2LD96yD

Thanks to Hewie Poplock, Chromebooks for Seniors http://cb4s.net/links/current-list-of-articles-posted-on-cb4s/

18 CHROMEBOOK KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS EVERY STUDENT (SENIOR) SHOULD KNOW – From Google Drive to Chrome to Files, there are keyboard shortcuts that can be useful for everyone when doing just about anything on a Chromebook. After years of Chromebook use and abuse, Ara Wagoner, AndroidCentral, has hit on some shortcuts that everyone should know to get what they need done quicker and better. After all, if there’s anything he learned from school, it’s that you’ve got to work smarter, not harder. You’ll find the tips and more at: http://bit.ly/2wpPY24

Thanks again to Hewie….

HOW TO TAKE A PHOTO ON A CHROMEBOOK – Taking a picture on a Chromebook is easy. For this article, Lifewire assumes you have a Chromebook with a camera, your Chromebook is associated with your Google Drive account, and your Chromebook is connected to a printer. You must be logged into your Chromebook to do this. Once you’ve logged in, click on the menu button (bottom left corner of the desktop) and type “camera” in the search bar. Click on the camera app (shaped like a camera) to open the camera window. Read more of this Lifewire tutorial with screenshots at: http://bit.ly/2MgSCk0

HOW TO EASILY INSTALL DEBIAN LINUX PACKAGES DIRECTLY FROM THE CHROME OS FILES APP – We knew that it was going to get easier to install Debian packages on Chromebooks directly in the Files app of Chrome OS, but we didn’t know when. Now we know. Chrome Unboxed tried the feature on Monday using the Canary Channel of Chrome OS but I just tested in on the Dev Channel and it worked perfectly. It’s likely this feature will arrive in version 69 of the Chrome OS Stable Channel, pending any bugs or issues as the code progresses through the Dev and Beta channels. Read more at: http://bit.ly/2MkaISi

CAN YOU HAPPILY USE A CHROMEBOOK AND AN iPHONE? YUP. – When Kevin C. Tofel, About Chromebooks, is out and about with his Pixelbook, he often carries an iPhone X. Sure, he uses Android too: he has about a dozen Android phones from the past few years to choose from and swaps his SIM around regularly. But when he has both the Google laptop and Apple’s handset, people often come up to him and ask: “How can you use an iPhone with a Chromebook?” Read more at: http://bit.ly/2MBCbf6

WHAT MAKES A CHROMEBOOK SO SECURE? – Chromebooks were designed with security in mind — so what does that mean? One of the things you’ll see written whenever there’s talk about Chromebooks is how secure the platform is. If you’re into computers or software design or any type of IT you know a good bit about why, but most of the time the talk just stops after saying that Chromebooks are secure. Jerry Hildenbrand, android central, thinks it’s good for all of us to understand a bit about how the things we use every day work. That includes things like security and why our Chromebook might be a little better at it. It’s worth knowing the basics even if you aren’t interested in knowing about all the nuts and bolts. Read more about why Chromebooks are secure instead of just saying it at: http://bit.ly/2OYX6dF

Thanks to Stew Bottorf, Tampa Bay Tech Center Chromebook SIG for the info

CHROMEBOOKS GETTING LOCK SCREEN NOTIFICATIONS SIMILAR TO ANDROID – Are you missing incoming notifications when your Chromebook is locked? You won’t have to once a new lock screen notification feature arrives in Chrome OS. It’s already available on the Canary Channel thanks to this code change that was committed earlier this morning (August 6). Read more at this About Chromebooks article: http://bit.ly/2M7Piby

GOOGLE VIDEO SHOWS CHROMEBOOKS DON’T SUFFER FROM BAD USER EXPERIENCES FOUND ON WINDOWS, MAC COMPUTERS – Wow. That’s all Kevin C. Tofel, About Chromebooks, can say. Having worked for a Google Chrome Marketing team over an 18-month period, he never saw a project that aggressively goes after Windows and Mac computers like this one. It’s only a minute long, so give a look before he shares some additional thoughts: http://bit.ly/2vlHpUZ

7 BEST CHROMEBOOK TIPS AND TRICKS TO MAKE THE MOST OF IT! – When it comes to buying a sleek laptop there’s no other name that strikes our mind apart from Chromebooks. Chromebooks are so in trend nowadays and are widely popular amongst users because of its sleek-durable design. The concept of Chromebook was originally discovered by Google, but now there are tons of other manufacturers too including ASUS, HP, Lenovo etc. who now make Chromebooks too. So, if you already own one of this amazing tech marvel or thinking to buy one anytime sooner here are the 7 best Chromebook tips and tricks to make the most of it!

Learn to enhance your Chromebook experience by using it to its full potential at this Systweak web page http://bit.ly/2LY6rDJ — Hewie, thanks for the link – Judy

THE BEST ACCESSORIES TO TURN YOUR CHROMEBOOK INTO A POWERHOUSE WORKSTATION – So you have a shiny new Chromebook and want to give it a little oomph. There are some neat accessories out there to supercharge your Chromebook experience—here are some of the must haves. The number of things that are compatible with a Chromebook may surprise you, especially given their simplistic nature. That said, as you approach the “what accessories to buy” aspect of Chromebook ownership, though, you should at least keep your expectations in check—there are still plenty of one-off products here and there that lack Chrome OS compatibility.

That’s also exactly why ReviewGeek decided to put together a list of the best accessories you can get for your Chromebook. Chrome OS is ultimately still very powerful and versatile, especially when you throw the right tools with it. Read more of this ReviewGeek article at: http://bit.ly/2OIhJdN

HOW TO SPEED UP CHROMEBOOK – Has your Chromebook become a little sluggish recently? Try some easy tweaks to speed up Chromebook again. Chromebooks are affordable, reliable and fast web-surfing laptops. But that doesn’t mean they are perfect. Overtime Chromebook gets slower which may be very frustrating and irritating. There can be many factors affecting the speed of your Chromebook such as Extensions, plug-ins, network connections, malware etc. Fortunately, many of these issues can be fixed. Here are some simple things that you can do to boost Chromebook performance. As a Windows user, it was interesting to read that Chromebooks have similar ‘performance maintenance’ choices I’ve been using for a gazillion years. Judy

Read this Systweak article on how to speed up your Chromebook: http://bit.ly/2LVi1jb

MISSING YOUR “ADD TO SHELF” OPTION? HERE’S WHERE IT WENT – At some point in the past few weeks, one of the updates to Chrome OS silently removed a feature that we’ve talked about being one of the best – if not under-utilized – features of using a Chromebook: Add to shelf.

If you’ve never used this before, the idea is pretty simple but highly effective. Any website can be made into a windowed “app” of sorts. Take YouTube TV, for instance. For all intents and purposes, the tv.youtube.com website is fantastic. It is smooth, beautiful, and as good an experience as you could ask for.

Sure, there is an Android app, but the desktop site is simply a joy to use on a Chromebook. Sometimes, though, opening something so native-feeling in yet another tab just feels janky. Sometimes you want a more standalone experience.

Enter “add to shelf”.

With this feature, you could add the site’s favicon to your shelf/app launcher, select whether you want to open it in a separate window (without all the URL bar, bookmarks, etc.), and rename the newly-made “app”. It is a feature that sets Chrome OS apart with its ease as you simply cannot do this on a Mac and it is not nearly as simple on Windows. All this makes the case for Chrome OS as the natural home for the upcoming wave of PWA’s we’re likely to see in the coming months.

It’s clear that I really love this feature. However, within the past few weeks, this it has simply disappeared. Or has it?

Find the THE NEW WAY at this Chrome Unboxed web page: http://bit.ly/2u2lotr

5 COOL CHROMEBOOK TIPS AND TRICKS YOU DIDN’T KNOW – Chromebooks aren’t a new phenomenon. However, the platform has grown massively since it was first launched. It is important to note that the Chromebooks are marketed as a viable replacement to MacBooks and PCs, and in many cases, they do the job just fine. This is because Chromebooks run on the cloud and every operation is buttery smooth. Google is making some changes to the platform, however, with the introduction of Android applications to the system. This will go a long way in ensuring that the user experience is furthered on the Chromebook.

Since most services don’t yet have an app on the Chromebook, users sometimes need to rely on web apps. This DroidGeek article discusses a handful of tips and tricks for Chromebooks you might not have known about previously. This will give you a better understanding of your Chromebook and help you get the most out of it. http://bit.ly/2NW2kFy

WHAT IS A CHROMEBOOK? – A Chromebook is any portable personal computer that comes with the Google Chrome OS software installed in it. This has many implications primarily for the software as this differs from a traditional personal computer that ships with a standard operating system like Windows or Mac OSX. It is important to understand the purpose of the operating system and its limitations before deciding that a Chromebook is a suitable alternative to getting a traditional laptop or even a tablet.

Always Connected Design
The primary concept behind the Chrome OS from Google is that the majority of applications that people use today are based upon using the Internet. This includes things like email, web browsing, social media and streaming video and audio. In fact, many people primarily do these tasks within the browser on their computer. As a result, Chrome OS is built around the web browser, specifically in this case Google Chrome. Read more of this updated Lifewire article at: http://bit.ly/2vmxspY

SWITCHING TO A CHROMEBOOK? HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW – If you’re considering making the switch from a traditional PC (or Mac) to a Chromebook, you may be concerned about the transition. Not to worry—moving to a Chromebook is simple, and the How-To Geek tips will help ease the move. f you’re only considering making the jump over to a Chromebook, you may be curious whether a Chromebook is even feasible for you. Fortunately, we have a guide that can help you decide.

If you’re just looking for the nuts and bolts though, this How-To Geek post has a few questions you can ask yourself: http://bit.ly/2NTDOWn

HOW TO USE CHROME BROWSER’S BUILT-IN MALWARE SCANNER & CLEANUP TOOL – Malware is one of the biggest evils of cybersecurity space. It comes in many forms, and the scale of the attack depends on the complexity of the malware. In a nutshell, a malware is mostly bad news and removing malware from your PC is not that easy. Google Chrome is arguably the most popular web browser and the unknown to many of us it comes with a pretty effective malware scanner.

According to this Windows Club post, Google is striving hard to protect Chrome users from malware, and a large part of this effort has shaped the malware scanner. Google claims this malware scanner will protect users from ransomware, hijackers and other cyber-attacks. The best part is that this malware scanner will scan not only your browsing data but also your entire computer for malware and other malicious programs.

Using Chrome’s Malware Scanner & Cleanup Tool
Now, let us take some time and understand how to make use of the malware scanner on the Chrome browser. All one needs to do is open Chrome and enter the following address into the URL bar.

chrome://settings/cleanup

The scanning will start.

You can also access it via Chrome > Settings > Advanced Settings > Scroll down unti8l you see Clean up computer under Reset and cleanup.

This Chrome malware scanner will help you if:

Pop-up ads and new tabs won’t go away
Your Chrome homepage or search engine keeps changing without your permission
Unwanted Chrome extensions or toolbars keep coming back
Your browsing is hijacked and redirects to unfamiliar pages or ads
You receive alerts about a virus or an infected device

After the completion of the scan Chrome will inform you if it finds anything that was harming your PC. Users can remove the same by using the scanner

If you find malware, then you may want to use the Reset settings option that is there.

This will reset your startup page, new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs. It will also disable all extensions and clear temporary data like cookies. Your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords will not be cleared.

If you are not able to find the Chrome’s malware scanner, make sure you have updated the browser to the latest build. This can be done by Menu > Help > About Google Chrome. See the screen shots at http://bit.ly/2NPCHXQ

WHY I’M STICKING WITH CHROMEBOOKS – In 2015, S.C. Stuart, PCMag, jumped on the Chromebook bandwagon. But after many airports and punishing deadlines, his $250 Samsung needed an upgrade. This article is about why he is sticking with Chrome OS and his search for a new Chromebook; you’ll be surprised where he ended up buying it. http://bit.ly/2NT64bV

HOW TO RECYCLE OR DONATE YOUR OLD PRINTER – Whether your trusty inkjet or laser has spit out its last page, or you’re just looking to upgrade, here’s how not to land your old printer in a landfill.

Donate, Recycle, or Sell Your Old Printer?
Whether your printer is a lightweight budget inkjet or a bulky workhorse laser, a single-function printer or a versatile all-in-one (AIO), the time will come when you’ll need to find a responsible way to dispose of it. Maybe it broke down for good; maybe you’ve simply replaced it with a better model. Whatever the reason why you don’t need your printer any longer, getting rid of it responsibly means making sure it gets refurbished and put back into service, or that its materials get into the right recycling streams. Here’s how to make that happen.

Go to this PCMag web page and get the facts. http://bit.ly/2NYdIlb

CHROME OS KEEPS IMPROVING, BUT IT STILL DOESN’T WORK FOR ME – Chrome OS, one of the newest and most talked-about operating systems around, has been making steady progress over the past several months. Android app support, enhanced tablet functionality, and more improvements are making the secure, easy to use, and easy to maintain OS an increasingly attractive option. That’s true even for someone like myself, who’s been a dedicated Windows users since version 1.0 hit the streets.

But its advantages come at a price: Chrome OS remains significantly limited compared to Windows 10 in some important ways. Do those limitations matter to you? That’s the question, and let’s look at a few of these limitations to see if they apply to you. Read more of this Digital Trends article at: https://bit.ly/2KS9Vnx

8 USEFUL CHROMEBOOK TRICKS YOU AREN’T USING BUT SHOULD – If you’re a Chromebook fan, then you know the lightweight laptops that run Google’s Chrome OS are a bit different than a regular Windows or Mac notebook. They have their own set of secrets and tricks.

One big appeal of a Chromebook is the affordable price. They’re also a good fit for people who are big users of Google’s various app services, including Gmail, Google Drive and Google Calendar.

Whether you’ve been rocking a Chromebook for some time, or you’re new to them, we’ve got some handy tricks that will help take you to the next level with your ultra-portable machine. Read more at this Komando.com article: http://bit.ly/2uf148k

CHANGING THE WALLPAPER AND THEME ON YOUR GOOGLE CHROMEBOOK – Google Chromebooks have become well known for their easy-to-use interface and affordable costs, providing a lightweight experience for those users who do not require resource-intensive applications. While they do not have much of a footprint in terms of hardware, the look and feel of your Chromebook can be customized to your liking using wallpaper and themes.

Read this Lifewire article to learn how to select from several pre-installed wallpapers as well as how to utilize your own custom image. The Chrome web store is another great way to obtaining new themes, which essentially gives Google’s web browser a brand-new look. http://bit.ly/2m6junX

If you’ve never used this before, the idea is simple but highly effective. Any website can be made into a windowed “app” of sorts. Take YouTube TV, for instance. For all intents and purposes, the tv.youtube.com website is fantastic. It is smooth, beautiful, and as good an experience as you could ask for.

HOW TO ADD A PRINTER TO YOUR CHROMEBOOK – Adding a printer to your Chromebook is probably different than what you may have experienced in the past on traditional operating systems such as Mac or Windows, as everything is managed by the Google Cloud Print service as opposed to the OS itself. This allows you to send documents wirelessly to printers that reside at your location or somewhere else far away, as well as take the traditional route with a printer physically connected to your Chromebook in some cases.

If you’ve ever tried to print something from Chrome OS without having a printer configured, you may have noticed that the only option available is to save the page(s) locally or to your Google Drive as a PDF file. While this feature can come in handy, it’s not exactly printing! The Livewire tutorial will show you how to add either a cloud-ready or classic printer for use with your Chromebook. http://bit.ly/2Np8hvt

LINUX APPS ARE GETTING THEIR OWN FOLDER IN THE CHROME OS APP LAUNCHER – Google is adding a dedicated folder for installed Linux software titles in the Chrome OS app launcher to start these apps in one central, easy to find, location. It’s another nice feature coming to Project Crostini: There will be a dedicated folder for Linux apps in the Chrome OS app launcher according to this code change in the works. The title of the code change says it all: “Create crostini app folder and add all Crostini apps to it.” Interestingly, an explanatory comment in the change request indicates that existing Linux apps won’t be moved into this dedicated folder, so there may be a little manual work on the part of folks who installed Linux software prior to this change. Read more in this About Chromebooks article: http://bit.ly/2lQq8yF

BELKIN USB-C KEYBOARD FOR ACER CHROMEBOOK TAB 10 – Belkin has created a new USB-C keyboard for the Acer Chromebook Tab 10 and other compatible USB-C devices, offering a wired connection to the tablet providing users with a Chrome OS keyboard and tablet stand. The rugged keyboard offers a lightweight alternative to using the on-screen digital keyboard and offers a full-sized layout with well-spaced keys for comfortable typing, says Belkin. Read more at: http://bit.ly/2u5sA88

HOW TO CHECK THE BATTERY HEALTH OF A CHROMEBOOK – Checking the battery health of a Chromebook isn’t just useful for a device you’ve had for a while. It’s also handy — a must, even, in About Chromebooks author Kevin C. Tofel’s opinion — before buying a used Chromebook. And it’s quite easy to do if you know where to look for the information. See how to accomplish this task at: http://bit.ly/2y7OSLK

8 THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT CHROMEBOOKS – They have come a long way since the original Cr-48 back in 2010 and are now more powerful (and mainstream) than ever. If you’re curious about Google’s web-centric operating system, read this How-To Geek article to learn some things you may not know. http://bit.ly/2KdxKpC

ANDROID MESSAGES ROLLS OUT FOR THE WEB, CHROMEBOOKS – One of my (Robby Payne, chrome unboxed) favorite things about Chrome OS is the constant feeling that we’re on the edge of great, new technology all the time. Being an OS that is formed mainly around web-based applications and services, Chrome OS takes full advantage of the emerging web-focused tech that is springing up almost daily. Sure, we have Android Apps, Linux apps in the works and heavy rumors of the ability to dual-boot Windows, but the real purpose of a Chromebook is to run web-based tasks better than anything else. Read more at: http://bit.ly/2Ikup6c

CHROMEBOOK KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS – Check out Chromebook shortcuts at this Chromebook Help page: http://bit.ly/2K286YF

GOOGLE IS MERGING THE SYSTEM TRAY AND NOTIFICATION MENU IN CHROME OS – Chrome OS has a very simple UI overall, but things can almost always be improved or simplified. Currently, it’s looking like Google wants to change up how notifications are handled on Chrome OS, with an option popping up that merges them with the system tray. Read more of this 9TO5Google post at: http://bit.ly/2MhHBev

HOW TO RIGHT-CLICK ON A CHROMEBOOK – New to Chromebooks? This Digital Trends article will show you how to right-click with the touchpad or keyboard. http://bit.ly/2KeBgju

CHROME EXTENSIONS SOON ONLY AVAILABLE FROM GOOGLE’S WEBSITE – If you want to install Chrome extensions, Google’s Chrome Web Store soon will be the only place to get them.

Extensions — the software that lets you do things like block ads, manage your tabs better, explore art on your new-tab page or cover your screen with doge dogs — can be useful and fun. Unfortunately, they can also be a conduit for malware that spies on you or cryptocurrency miners that let others profit off your computer’s horsepower.

To try to squelch the problems, Google is removing an ability called “inline installation,” which lets websites offer an installation button so you don’t have to make a detour to the Chrome Web Store to add an extension to Chrome. Google, though, concluded that the Chrome Web Store offers necessary transparency. So, it began a three-phase plan on Tuesday to make the Chrome Web Store the only way to get extensions. Read more of this c|net article at: https://cnet.co/2ybWPPY

HAS THE GOOGLE PIXELBOOK REACHED PARITY WITH THE 13-INCH MACBOOK PRO? – The Google Pixelbook can now take on the venerable MacBook Pro on pretty much any metric. Is it good enough to win over MacBook users and go mainstream? Read on.

Brooke Crothers, Forbes Contributor, includes the pricing and configs he used for comparison purposes. (Note that he owns and uses both laptops.). Read more at:

http://bit.ly/2y2kZwz

CHROME OS DICTATION GOES LIVE IN THE CANARY CHANNEL – In early December of last year, Chrome Story uncovered work being done on a system-wide dictation feature for Chrome OS. Six months later we’ve seen neither hide nor hair of the addition that honestly, had us pretty excited.

Until June 11.

Chrome herald, François Beaufort’s Google+ post tells us that the dictation function is now live in the Canary channel of Chrome OS. Of course, being the adventurers that we are, I quickly flipped the Samsung Chromebook Pro back over to the experimental build where are the wild things are.

Enabling the flags chrome://flags/#enable-experimental-accessibility-features, I was greeted with the new accessibility feature labeled simply “Dictation.” Read more of this Chrome Unboxed article at: http://bit.ly/2ybkSPo

HARNESS YOUR CHROMEBOOK’S SUPER(CHARGING) POWERS – Chromebooks are known and loved for their long battery life, but alas, sometimes you can lose your charger. So, the Chrome OS team had a few sparks of creativity to generate renewable ways to keep your Chromebook running anywhere. Read more of this tongue-in-cheek post at: http://bit.ly/2l6agYH

BEST STYLUS-FRIENDLY APPS FOR CHROMEBOOKS – Chromebooks have had considerable success in business for those who want a lightweight computing option. But Google’s ambitions for the operating system are far bigger, with the best example being the Samsung Chromebook Plus and Pro. These models feature a touchscreen, a stylus, and access to Android apps through the Google Play Store. But which apps are the right fit for such a combination? Here’s a core group of apps collected from the Chrome Web Store and Google Play that will have you touching, swiping and zooming your way to a more productive computing session with your own Chromebook. Read the full Business News Daily article at Hewie Poplock’s CB4S (Chromebooks4Seniors) website: http://cb4s.net/best-stylus-friendly-apps-for-chromebooks/
Credit: Hewie Poplock

CHROME OS IS FIXING ITS APP PROBLEM WITH PROGRESSIVE WEB APPS – Chromebook users should get a big influx of much-needed apps. Chromebook users are generally a happy lot, but few would argue that the biggest problem with Chrome OS is the lack of apps. Google is going a long way to correct that issue with version 67 of Chrome OS with the introduction of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) for desktop. They appear on your home screen like regular apps, launch in the same way, and are quick and reliable because the service workers can cache all the needed assets.

Progressive Web Apps have mostly been for mobile until now (though there are quite a few for Windows 10), but in a Chrome OS blog post, Google notes that “desktop usage is still growing.” PWAs will give you most, if not all, the features you’d see with a regular native app, including service workers, automatic updates, web push and notifications, and home screen pinning. Google recently introduced Android apps to Chrome OS, and at the end of 2017, made it possible to multitask with them. All of that should help make its popular Chromebooks even more useful. Read more of this engadget article at: https://engt.co/2HxU6Qs
Credit: Ron Brown

IS A PIXELBOOK FOR YOU? – Review by techradar. THEIR VERDICT: The Google Pixelbook is the first Chromebook worthy of consideration alongside the most high-end Windows and Mac devices. From its excellent design to its massive software enhancements, this is the best Chromebook to date, bar none.

The Google Pixelbook remains one of the best 2-in-1 laptops because it offers something that other Windows 10-powered devices can’t – it offers a taste of Android while still maintaining the design and features of Chrome OS. The Google Pixelbook packs a lot of modern style into a maturing, convertible form factor. And, if rumors are to be believed, it may get a widely implemented dark mode in the near future. Read more of this review at: http://bit.ly/2Hzqy4U

SAMSUNG’S CHROMEBOOK PLUS NOW SUPPORTS LINUX APPS – Google began bringing Linux app support to Chrome OS almost exactly one month ago, but it only started with a single device, the very expensive Pixelbook. Now, that’s changing: Linux support is becoming available for Samsung’s Chromebook Plus as well, as spotted by users on Reddit.

This still isn’t a widely available feature or something that most Chromebook users will want to check out. You’ll have to opt-in to the developer-only build of Chrome OS, enable things labeled as beta and experimental, and then use the Terminal to install Linux apps. Presumably, this will all be simplified in the future, but right now, Google just seems to be testing whether it works at all.

The addition of Linux apps has the potential to make Chrome OS even more powerful and flexible. On a more immediate note, it begins turning Chromebooks into workable devices for programmers who want to code for Google’s platforms. Many of the tools programmers need won’t be available until later this year, but Google says they’re in the works. http://bit.ly/2JsorSk

THE 10 BEST CHROMEBOOK APPS FOR 2018 – A common misconception about Chromebooks is that they are essentially bare-bones computers, offering a web browser and some other basic functionality for a relatively cheap price tag. Although laptops running Chrome OS do not necessarily offer the wide array of software found on competing platforms such as macOS and Windows, their feature set can be expanded significantly by using apps for Chromebooks–many created by third-party developers and available free of charge. Because of the sheer amount of Chrome apps in existence, it can be time consuming to narrow them down. Lifewire has gone ahead and done the work for you, listing what they consider to the best Chromebook apps along with what they like (and don’t like) about each. Read more at: http://bit.ly/2sKDZuj

CAN YOU USE A CHROMEBOOK AS YOUR MAIN COMPUTER? – Chromebooks are in their prime today, with just about every major laptop manufacturer making their own versions of these cheap, ultraportable laptops running Google Chrome OS. They are great for travelers, students, and anyone else who gets work done mainly in the browser, but they have their downsides as well. Read this Lifewire article to find what you need to know if you want to use one as your primary work computer. http://bit.ly/2xZygpC

THE ULTIMATE HOW-TO GUIDE FOR CHROMEBOOK BEGINNERS – Chromebooks have deservedly earned a reputation for being easy-to-use, even for people who aren’t technologically savvy. Chromebooks aren’t just perfect for students, they’re also solid options for seniors.

But just because the operating system is straightforward, it doesn’t mean there aren’t some parts of it that require further explanation. Without further ado, here’s an ultimate how-to guide for your Chromebook. Read more of this MakeUseOf article at: http://bit.ly/2HxxLTe
Credit: John Kennedy

5 COOL CHROMEBOOK TIPS AND TRICKS YOU DIDN’T KNOW – Chromebooks aren’t a new phenomenon. However, the platform has grown massively since it was first launched. It is important to note that the Chromebooks are marketed as a viable replacement to MacBooks and PCs, and in many cases, they do the job just fine. This is because Chromebooks run on the cloud and every operation is buttery smooth. Google is making some changes to the platform, however, with the introduction of Android applications to the system. This will go a long way in ensuring that the user experience is furthered on the Chromebook. Learn about the 5 cool tips and tricks at this Droid Guy web page: http://bit.ly/2LB02KY

CHROMEBOOKS WILL SOON BE ABLE TO RUN YOUR FAVORITE LINUX APPS – Chromebooks have always generally been cheap and accessible, but now they’re about to get a lot more capable. Google recently announced today that Chromebooks will soon be able to run native Linux apps in addition to the Chrome web apps and Android apps that they already support. Not surprisingly, Google’s own premium Pixelbook will be the first to get Linux app support, though we’re told other models will join in before long.

If you’ve been paying attention to very specific corners of the internet, this news might not be very new: word of the feature has been floating around for weeks, and it officially appeared in Canary channel Chrome OS builds the week before I/O. While this is the first time Google has officially embraced Linux for Chromebooks, enthusiasts have had their own unsanctioned options for a while now — a project called Crouton allowed users to create an isolated file system where they could install Linux distros like Ubuntu. Read more of this engadget post: https://engt.co/2xXb2jN

HOW TO INSTALL AND RUN LINUX ON A CHROMEBOOK – Using Crouton to Switch Between Chrome OS and Ubuntu. Chromebooks have become popular for two simple reasons: ease of use and price. Their growing popularity has led to a rapid increase in the number of apps available, which in turn enhance the functionality of these Chromebooks. We’re not here to talk about Chrome OS or its apps, however. This Lifewire article is about running Linux on a Chromebook, a powerful operating system that is most definitely not a Chrome app.

By following the tutorial, you can also run a full-fledged version of the Linux operating system on your laptop, opening a whole world of possibilities on what is essentially a low-budget machine. Read more at: http://bit.ly/2JuyfeF

WHAT TO DO IF AN APP IS INCOMPATIBLE WITH YOUR CHROMEBOOK – Most Chromebooks have Android app support now, but not all your favorite apps are along for the ride. Read this How-To Geek article to find out what to do if an app you want show up as “not compatible” with your Chromebook. http://bit.ly/2HyKAfU

HOW TO CONNECT TO A VPN ON A CHROMEBOOK – While not necessary for everyone, VPNs can be a crucial tool for online safety—especially if you use public Wi-Fi a lot. There are tons of one-click solutions out there that make it easy to hit a toggle and activate a VPN, but for the most robust options, manual setup is key. This How-To Geek article shows how to do it on Chrome OS. http://bit.ly/2JHcfjK

HOW TO RUN WINDOWS SOFTWARE ON A CHROMEBOOK – Chromebooks don’t normally run Windows software—that’s the best and worst thing about them. You don’t need antivirus or other Windows junk…but you also can’t install Photoshop, the full version of Microsoft Office, or other Windows desktop applications.

Luckily, there are ways to use Windows desktop programs on a Chromebook: either running them remotely on an existing Windows system, through various Android workarounds, or getting your hands dirty in developer mode and running them on your Chromebook itself. Read this How-To Geek article to find out how: http://bit.ly/2JI1r59