Chromebook The Complete Manual

The Chromebook Without beating around the bush too much, and in very basic terms, a Chromebook is a laptop that runs Google’s Chrome OS (Operating System). There can be subtle hardware differences between a laptop that is installed with Windows 10 or 11, and even a MacBook with the latest macOS, but essentially that’s all there is to it. The first Chromebooks were commercially sold in June 2011, with several different models from laptop manufacturers Samsung and Acer, in partnership with Google. From then, the humble Chromebook has evolved and is now as widespread as any other OS-independent computing device; in fact, Chromebooks outsold Apple MacBooks during the first lockdown in the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020. There are also different Chromebook variants. There’s a desktop variant, called the Chromebox, which…

What is Linux? ❱ As Chrome OS uses Linux as its foundations, it’s worth taking a moment to look at what exactly Linux is. Linux is a surprisingly powerful, fast, secure, and capable operating system. It’s used as the OS of choice for the Raspberry Pi, in the form of Raspbian OS, as well as in some of the most powerful supercomputers in the world. Thanks to its inherent malleability, the core of the OS – the Kernel – can be utilised as the core of other operating systems, such as Chrome OS. Despite only enjoying 1.96% (according to netmarketshare.com) of the total desktop operating system market, Linux has a dedicated following of enthusiasts, users, and contributors. It was created in 1991 by then University of Helsinki student Linus Torvalds,…

Step 1 ❱ The first step is to simply lift your Chromebook lid. Chromebooks are designed to kick things off as soon as you open the lid, so you’ll be greeted with a first-time setup. However, you may need to attach the power supply and plug the Chromebook in first. Many come with a brief charge, which may have drained away depending on how long the thing has been in the box. Hook up the battery, open the lid, and away you go. Step 2 ❱ The first question you’ll be asked is if you want to activate ChromeVox. ChromeVox is a screen reader technology that is designed to help those who can’t read the information displayed on-screen. You can opt for ‘No, continue without ChromeVox’, or, ‘Yes, activate ChromeVox’;…

1 Forward/Backward Keys ❱ The Forward and Backward keys will move you through any webpages; obviously forwards and backwards through the pages you’ve already viewed. While it may not seem to revolutionary, once you start using them you’ll come to realise how useful they really are. 2 Reload/Refresh ❱ The Reload, or if you prefer, Refresh, key will complete reload a webpage you’re currently on. Think of it as hitting the F5 key on a Windows computer or laptop, when you need to quickly refresh and reload the page. 3 Full Screen Mode ❱ Pressing the Full Screen Mode key will open the currently active window on the Chromebook in full screen. Tap it again to shrink it back to its previous size. 4 Display Open Windows ❱ Tapping this…

1 Background/Wallpaper ❱ As with any other operating system, Chrome OS features a customisable background, or wallpaper, for you to change and personalise. There are plenty available from within Chrome OS itself, including works of art, fantasy, and even solid colours; you’re also able to include your own images. 2 Welcome Page ❱ When you first log into Chrome OS you’re presented with a welcome page. This includes details and quick tutorials on how to accomplish the most frequently used tasks within the operating system. It’s worth spending a few minutes going through what the Welcome Page has to offer, to help familiarise yourself with the new OS. 3 Searching & Apps ❱ Still within the Launcher, you can enter anything into the text box provided to search the files…

Touchpad Gestures Move the pointer Move your finger across the touchpad. Click Press or tap the lower half of the touchpad. Right-Click Press or tap the touchpad with two fingers. You can also press Alt, then click with one finger. Scroll Place two fingers on the touchpad and move them up and down to scroll vertically, or left and right to scroll horizontally. Move between pages To go back to a previous page, swipe left with two fingers. To go forwards to a page that you were just on, swipe right with two fingers. See all open windows To see all open windows, swipe up with three fingers. To close it, swipe down with three fingers. Close a tab Point to the tab, then tap or click the touchpad with…