Chromebook Tips And Tricks -

Judy Taylour with input from Hewie Poplock, Chromebook Evangelist

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

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. 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

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

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