How to Use a Chromebook

This How.com.vn teaches you how to get started with your new Chromebook. Instead of using Windows or macOS, Chromebooks are laptops running ChromeOS, an operating system based on the Google Chrome web browser. Chromebooks are designed mainly for browsing the web, but you can also install a variety of apps, including those designed for Android tablets on participating models.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Setting Up a Chromebook

The power button is usually on the side or back of the unit. The first time you boot up, you'll be prompted to set up some basics.
This determines your default language and keyboard layout.
If you need to turn on accessibility features like the on-screen magnifier, sticky keys, or high-contrast mode, you can do so here.^{[1]XResearch source} You can also turn on these features later in your Settings.
Follow the on-screen instructions to select your Wi-Fi network and enter your password if required.
6
Sign in to your Google account. If you already have a Google/Gmail account, follow the on-screen instructions to log in when prompted. Once you're signed in, your Chrome settings, such as your bookmarks and extensions, will begin to sync to your Chromebook.
- If you don't have a Google account, you can create one by clicking More options and then Create new account.
- You can use a Chromebook without a Google account if you wish, but you'll only be able to use the web browser. Click Browse as Guest if you want to do this.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Learning Your Way Around

1
Get to know the keyboard. Most of the keys are similar to other computer keyboards, but you'll find several differences:
- Browser buttons: The left and right arrow keys at the top-left corner can be used to browse the web, just like the arrow buttons in Chrome. The curved arrow key beside the arrows refreshes the current page.
- Screen layout buttons: In the top row, press the rectangle key with two arrows inside to toggle the current window in and out of full-screen mode. To view all open windows at once, press the rectangle key with two vertical lines.
- Brightness and volume: In the top row, press the smaller gear key to decrease the screen brightness, and the larger gear to increase. To the right you'll find three volume control buttons--mute, volume down, and volume up.
- Press the magnifying glass key on the left side of the keyboard to search your Chromebook and/or the web.
- The lock key at the top-right corner locks the screen. You'll need to enter your Google account password to unlock it.
- Chromebooks don't have Delete keys. Instead, when you want to delete characters after the cursor, press Alt+← Backspace. It takes some time to get used to but eventually becomes second-nature.
- You may also notice that there's no Caps Lock key. To use Caps Lock, press Alt and the Search key at the same time. Use the same key combination to toggle the feature off.^{[2]XResearch source}
2
Find apps in the Launcher. To open the Launcher, press the search key on the keyboard, or click the circle at the bottom-left corner of the screen.^{[3]XResearch source}
- You can search for a specific app by typing its name into the search bar at the top of the Launcher. This Search bar will also search the web and any files saved to your Google account.
- There are several ways to browse the app list, which usually spans more than one screen: Using the arrow keys at the bottom-right corner of the keyboard, swiping (if you have a touch screen), or by clicking the circles on the right side of the app list.
3
Customize the shelf. The shelf is the bar that runs along the bottom of the screen. When you have an app open, its icon will always appear on the shelf. You can also pin apps to the shelf so the icon is quickly accessible even when the app is closed.
- To pin an app to the shelf, click the circle to open the Launcher, then click and drag the app to the desired place.
- To unpin an app, right-click the icon on the shelf (if you don't have a right mouse button, tap two fingers on the trackpad instead) and select Unpin.
- To rearrange icons on the shelf, click and hold an app, then drag it to the desired position.
- To move the shelf to a different location, right-click a blank area of the shelf, select Shelf position, and then choose another location.
4
Click the clock area to open your Quick Settings. It's at the bottom-right corner by default. Here you'll find:
- Notifications.
- Power and sign-out options.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings.
- Night-light (dark-mode).
- Volume and brightness sliders.
- Battery status.
- Your Chromebook's Settings, which you can access by clicking the gear icon.
5
Open the Files app to manage your files. You'll find its blue folder icon in the Launcher. This is where you can browse the files saved to your Chromebook, as well as those synced to Google Drive.
- Files in the My Files section are those saved to your Chromebook.
- Files in Google Drive are those synced to your Google Drive. You can also browse these files using the Drive app in the Launcher.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Installing Chrome Apps

You'll find its round red, blue, green, and yellow icon on the shelf by default.^{[4]XResearch source}
Navigate to https://chrome.google.com/webstore. You can do this by typing the URL into the address bar at the top of the screen and pressing ↵ Enter.
3
Click Apps or Extensions. Apps and extensions are similar, as both are designed to run exclusively within Chrome--Google even uses the terms interchangeably.^{[5]XResearch source} The difference is that extensions are geared toward web browsing, while apps can have all different focuses.
- Apps will be added to the app list in your Launcher, while extensions will appear at the top-right corner of Chrome.
Type the desired app name or function into the "Search" bar at the top-left to search, or use the "Categories" drop-down in the left column to browse.
This is where you'll find an app or extension's reviews, screenshots (if applicable), size, and other info.
If you're installing an extension, you'll be shown a list of permissions required. If If you agree to give the extension access to the listed information, click Add Extension.
7
Uninstall apps and extensions. If you decide you don't want one of the apps or extensions you've installed, here's how to remove it:
- Uninstall an app: Press the Search key or click the circle to open the Launcher, right-click the app, then click Uninstall on the menu.
- Uninstall an extension: Click the three-dot menu at the top-right corner of Chrome, select More tools, and then click Extensions. Click Remove on the extension you want to remove.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Installing Android Apps

1
Update to the latest version of ChromeOS. Most modern Chromebooks allow you to install Android apps from the Google Play Store as long as you're using the latest version of ChromeOS. ChromeOS updates are usually installed automatically, but here's how to check to make sure you have the latest version:^{[6]XResearch source}
- Click the clock at the bottom-right corner to open Quick Settings.
- Click the gear to open Settings.
- Click About Chrome OS.
- Click Check for updates. If an update is available, it will install. If not, you'll see that you have the latest version.
2
Enable the Play Store. You should be able to do this on most modern Chromebooks, however, some older models may not list Google Play Store as an option. Follow these steps to enable the Play Store:^{[7]XResearch source}
- Click the Quick Settings area (the clock).
- Click the gear on the menu.
- Scroll down and click Turn on next to "Google Play Store." If you don't see this, Android apps are not available on this Chromebook.
- Click More.
- Review the terms and click I agree.
You'll find its multicolored triangle icon in the Launcher.
To search, type the name or function of the app into the search bar and press ↵ Enter to search. To browse, click Apps and then select a category.
This is where you'll find an app or extension's reviews, screenshots (if applicable), size, and other info.
If the app costs money, you'll see the price on the button instead of "Install."
7
Follow the on-screen instructions to install. Depending on the app and your account settings, you may have to provide a passcode, enter billing info, or choose to allow certain permissions. Once the app is installed, you can launch it by clicking its icon in the Launcher.
- To uninstall an app, right-click its icon in the Launcher and select Uninstall.
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