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 Papercut’s

Chromebook
USER MANUAL

Everything you need to master your

Chromebook and Google’s chromeOS...

The Chromebook is a marvellous mixture of

Google’s iconic apps, an operating system built
on the backbone of Linux, and superb hardware.
With it you can access the world’s most popular
apps, from Gmail to Trends, and you can install
a wealth of content from the Google Play Store.
Google is more than a search engine, and this
guide is here to help you get the most from your
Chromebook, and from Google’s online services.
Learn how to use the Chromebook’s amazing
features, and master its operating system,
Chrome OS. Discover some of the best Google
app tips and tricks, and make Google work for
you. There’s so much to explore within these
pages, so let’s open the lid of your Chromebook
and dive into a new digital world.

M a s te r yo u r te c h @ w w w. p c l p u b l i c a ti o n s .c o m
6 Introducing the Chromebook
8 What is a Chromebook?
12 What Chrome OS?
16 Getting Started
20 The Chromebook Keyboard
22 The Chrome OS Desktop
24 Touchpad Gestures & Keyboard Shortcuts
28 Chromebook OS New Features

30 Make Chrome OS Your Own

32 Personalising Chrome OS 70 How to Use Chrome Plug-ins
33 Settings 72 Setting Up Chrome Autofill
34 Change Device Account Image 74 Chrome Tips and Tricks
35 Wallpaper 76 Installing Apps
36 Screensaver 78 Removing Apps
37 Search and Assistant 80 Using Desks
38 Security and Privacy 82 Working with a Chromebook
39 Apps 83 Versatility vs Power
40 Advanced Settings
41 Date, Time, Languages and Inputs
42 Files, Print and Scan
43 Developers
44 Accessibility
45 Powerwash
46 Improving Your Google Security
50 Protecting Your Privacy on Google
52 Improving Your Google Searches
56 Using Specialised Google Search
58 How to Create Google Alerts
60 How to Personalise Google Trends
62 Getting Started with Chrome
64 Customising the Chrome Browser
66 How to Save and Sync Chrome
68 Using the Chrome Web Store

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 Contents

85 Anything you can do, I can do better... 89 VLC Player

85 Gaming 89 YouTube
85 The Google Play Store 89 Netflix and the Like
86 Web Apps 89 Music
86 Game Streaming 90 Coding
87 Productivity 90 Pydroid 3
87 Office 365 90 Online Coding
88 Video 91 Chromebooks are ace!

92 Using Google Apps

94 Get Started with Gmail
96 How to Customise Gmail
98 Dealing with Gmail Spam
100 Gmail User Tips and Tricks
102 Improving the Google Calendar 126 Using the YouTube App
106 Get Started with Google Maps 128 Uploading Videos to YouTube
108 Planning a Route with Maps 130 How to Use Google Drive
110 Using Google Street View 132 Restore Deleted Drive Files
112 Google Maps Tips and Tricks 134 Set Up and Use Google Docs
114 Explore with Google Earth 136 How to Use Google Sheets
116 Getting Started with Photos 138 How to Use Google Pay
118 Using Photo Collages and Animations 140 Get Inside the Google Play Store
120 Editing Images Using Photos 142 Create a Blog with Blogger
122 Using Your Photo Albums
124 Getting Started with YouTube

146 Google Hardware Guides

148 The Google Home Collection
150 Google Home First Time Setup
152 Play Music on Google Home
154 Using Google Home Routines
156 Google Home Tips and Tricks

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 Introducing the Chromebook

The Chromebook is the perfect mix

of hardware and software, utilising
great technology with Google Chrome
operating system. Thanks to Chrome OS,
you can install content from the Google
Play Store, work via the Chrome browser
and Google Docs, play by streaming
via Google Stadia, and do so much
more than you ever realised. Open the
Chromebook, and let’s get started.

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www.pclpublications.com 7
Introducing the Chromebook

What is a
Chromebook?
When is a laptop not a laptop? When it’s a Chromebook! Confused?
Don’t worry, technology has a habit of introducing confusing terms and
elements, but once you’ve finished reading the following, you’ll know
the difference.

The Chromebook
Without beating around the bush too much, and in very basic similar vein as an Apple iMac. And finally, there’s a dongle-based
terms, a Chromebook is a laptop that runs Google’s Chrome OS variant, which plugs directly into a TV or monitor’s HDMI port –
(Operating System). There can be subtle hardware differences with power supplied via a USB port – providing you with access
between a laptop that is installed with Windows 10 or 11, and to Chrome OS. This variant, as you can imagine, is similar to the
even a MacBook with the latest macOS, but essentially that’s all ROKU TV stick, or Now TV Smartsticks. By the way, the Chromecast
there is to it. doesn’t run Chrome OS, so on paper it’s not really classed as a
Chromebook variant, in case you were wondering.
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 is more of a traditional
mini-PC type device that runs Chrome OS. This you’ll hook up
to a monitor, keyboard and so on in the same way you would a Hardware
normal desktop computer. There’s an all-in-one model, called a ❱ One of the main differences between a Windows laptop, or
Chromebase, which integrates the Chrome OS into a monitor even a MacBook, and a Chromebook is the hardware involved.
complete with webcam, memory, storage and such – much in the Traditionally, Chromebooks tend to be less powerful than a

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 What is a Chromebook?

Windows laptop, in terms of processing (CPU) power, the amount than Windows 10 or 11, or macOS. This of course means that a
of memory (RAM) installed, and the amount of storage (Hard Drive Chromebook can get away with using less processing power and
space available). other system resources, which in turn means that a manufacturer
can get away with producing a device that doesn’t utilise the
Why, you may ask, well simply put, the Chrome OS that runs on latest and most powerful technology – so the cost is, in general,
a Chromebook requires significantly less hardware resources less than a equally matched Windows laptop.

However, there are some instances where this isn’t the case.
More recent Chromebooks, developed by some manufacturers,
are more in line with Windows laptops in terms of power.
There are Chromebooks that use the latest generation Intel
i7 processors, up to 16GB of memory, and many gigabytes
of storage. Naturally, as with most computing hardware, the
more system resources you have to hand, the better overall
experience you’ll have when working with the installed
operating system and any apps or programs you use.
These are the more extreme models, but as hardware
naturally drops in price, expect to see more powerful
models appearing as time moves on.

Working Online
❱ One of the most notable features of a Chromebook,
due to Chrome OS, is that its main functionality is
conducted online. An always online element is
needed to get the most from a Chromebook, as
Chrome OS itself is based on the Chrome browser,
so most everything you do on a Chromebook is
done online.

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Introducing the Chromebook

This explains a Chromebook’s usual lack

of on-board storage. Where a traditional
Windows laptop or MacBook could
have a terabyte or more of available
storage, a Chromebook can get away
with as little as 32GB. The main operating
system is stored on the Chromebook’s
internal storage, along with any installed
apps, and something you may be
working on, but the vast majority of
the Chromebook’s use will be via cloud
storage and online functionality.

For example, you won’t be installing

the full Microsoft Office suite on a
Chromebook. There are free,
open-source Office-like
productivity apps available,
but for those who need
an actual MS Office
experience, you’ll be
using Microsoft’s
online version of its
productivity suite.

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 What is a Chromebook?

Is a Chromebook
right for me?

Advanced photo and video editing duties will require the use of a
Windows laptop or MacBook, too. Yes, there are photo and video
editing and manipulation apps available for the Chromebook,
but they aren’t nearly as powerful as what’s available for the
aforementioned systems. Plus, Chromebooks won’t, in general,
offer the same graphical power needed for higher-end editing.

Gaming is another element that may not be as you expect

on a Chromebook. Again, due to a lack in gaming hardware
performance, and the fact that many games are Windows-
developed, you won’t be able to enjoy the latest releases. But,
with a Chromebook, you are able to enjoy the latest game
streaming services – such as Google Stadia or Xbox Cloud Gaming
– and since Chrome OS is also able to use some Android apps
successfully, you can enjoy a wealth of Android-based gaming
entertainment.

Despite all that, Google has improved Chrome OS’s need to

constantly rely on an always-on internet connection. There are
many aspects of the OS now that mean you can still use most of
the Chromebook’s functionality offline. So those times when the
internet goes down, or you’re on a busy commute and unable to
connect, you won’t be completely scuppered. ❱ Many people will naturally require the more power,
and functionality of a Windows laptop or MacBook. Tasks
What is a Chromebook good for? such as video and image editing, even gaming, and the
❱ While some of the above many cast a Chromebook in a less than like are going to be better overall on a more traditional
positive light, it’s worth mentioning that there’s so much you can laptop device. If though your needs aren’t as specific,
do with a Chromebook. then a Chromebook could be the ideal device.

As we mentioned earlier, Chromebooks outsold MacBooks in An effective approach to seeing if a Chromebook is the
2020, during the pandemic. This is due mainly to the fact that right choice of device for you is to make a quick summary
Chromebooks are cheaper, they’re used frequently in schools and of what you use a computer for, and what you may
colleges (so students at home are used to how they work), and need in the foreseeable future. Take a moment to slowly
most everything we tend to do, we do online. go through the steps of your everyday tasks: logging
into work, looking at videos and images, even going
For example, working remotely: we access our work’s server, get through social media. If a high proportion of these tasks,
the files we need, create new ones or edit old ones, connect or even all of them, can be done via a browser, then a
to and conduct meetings, send emails, update calendars, use Chromebook is the ideal device companion.
spreadsheets… and so on. All of which are done online, and most
of which are done using Google’s own inherent applications. Even If a high percentage of what you do can be done via
if the company you work for doesn’t use any specific Google apps, the browser, do some research into the remaining tasks
they often provide remote access to Microsoft Office apps, which that exist outside of the browser. See if there are apps
also include Teams, SharePoint, and One Drive. All this can be done available via the Google Play Store that will do the same
via a Chromebook. thing, or if you use a specific app, check with its product
webpage to see if the company has developed a Chrome
This makes a Chromebook both an effective work and educational OS version of the app you use. If all the boxes are ticked,
tool. And thanks to its low price and low power use, also quite a then get yourself a Chromebook.
cost-effective device for every member of the family.

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Introducing the Chromebook

What is
Chrome OS?
Chrome OS is a Google developed operating system that’s installed and
run on Chromebooks. It’s different to Windows and macOS, and is based
on Linux; which means is a closed-source OS with a number of open
source components.

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 What is Chrome OS?

What is Linux?
❱ As Chrome OS uses Linux as its foundations, it’s worth taking a
moment to look at what exactly Linux is.
Chrome OS
❱ Google announced the development of
Linux is a surprisingly powerful, fast, secure, and capable operating Chrome OS in 2009, based on it’s popular
system. It’s used as the OS of choice for the Raspberry Pi, in the Chrome web browser, utilising the best
form of Raspbian OS, as well as in some of the most powerful advantages of the cloud and an always-on
supercomputers in the world. Thanks to its inherent malleability, internet connectivity. It’s pre-installed on all
the core of the OS – the Kernel – can be utilised as the core of Chromebook models, and takes advantage
other operating systems, such as Chrome OS. of the lack of hardware power thanks to the
core of the system being built on top of Linux.
Despite only enjoying 1.96% (according to netmarketshare.com) of
the total desktop operating system market, Linux has a dedicated Initially, nearly every aspect of Chrome OS was handled
following of enthusiasts, users, and contributors. It was created in online – except for the small portion of the OS that was
1991 by then University of Helsinki student Linus Torvalds, who required to be installed locally. This at the time caused
had become frustrated with the limitations and licensing of the a few problems for those whose internet connection
popular educational system in use called Minix; a miniature version weren’t as available as they are today – and we’re only
of the UNIX operating system. talking within the last decade here. Over time, Google
updated the OS to allow more of its functionality to
UNIX itself was released in the early ‘70s, as a multi-tasking, be handled offline, catering for those times when we
modular-designed operating system originally developed for inevitably come across area of zero-internet access.
programmers who needed a stable platform to code on. However,
its performance, power and portability meant that it soon became Initial builds of the OS were based on the Ubuntu
the system of choice for companies and universities where high- backbone, as Canonical (the developer behind Ubuntu)
end computing tasks were needed. were engineering partners of Google. Within a year or
two, though, Google started to develop Chrome OS on
Torvalds needed a system that could mirror UNIX’s performance top of Gentoo Linux in order to simplify the build process
and features, without the licensing cost. Thus was born Linux, a and increase support for a number of different platforms.
UNIX-like operating system using freely available code from the In recent years, the company has further developed its
GNU project. This enabled users around the world to utilise the own spin of the Linux kernel, and now builds Chrome OS
power of a UNIX-like system, completely free of charge – an ethos on top of this in-house model.
that still holds today. Linux is free to download, install and use.

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Introducing the Chromebook

The Operating System Kernel

Essentially, Linux is much like any other operating system, The kernel is the core of the system, and the single element that
such as Windows or macOS. It manages the computer is actually called Linux. The Linux kernel manages the computer
hardware, provides an interface for the user to access processor, memory, storage, and any peripherals you have
that hardware, and provides programs for productivity, attached to your computer. It provides the basic services for all
communications, gaming, science, education and more. other parts of the OS.
As an operating system, Linux can be broken up into a
number of significant elements: Daemons
Daemons are background services that will start as the operating
Bootloader system is booting. These can enable printing, sound, networking
The bootloader is the software that initialises and boots and so on. They run unobtrusively rather than under the direct
up your computer. It loads up the various modules the control of the user; often waiting to be activated by an event or
OS uses to begin to access the hardware in the system. condition.
You can modify a bootloader to load more than one OS
installed on the system. Shell
The Linux shell is a command-line interface environment that a
Linux user can use to enter commands to the OS that directly
affect it. Within the shell you can add new users, reboot the
system, create and delete files and folders, and much more.
BASH (Bourne-Again Shell) is the most popular shell used in
Linux, although more are available. The shell is also known
as the Terminal, and it’s where we’re going to work from
through this section of the book.

Graphical Server
This is a module within Linux that provides a graphical
output to your monitor. It’s referred to as the X server, or
simply just X. X is an application that manages one or
more graphical displays, and one or more input devices
(keyboard, mouse, etc.) connected to the computer.

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 What is Chrome OS?

Desktop Environment
The Desktop Environment, or DE, is the main Graphical User Thanks to the operating system’s use of hardware resources,
Interface (GUI) that users interact with. It’s the desktop, that Chrome OS doesn’t use up as much battery life on a Chromebook
includes Internet browsers, productivity, games and whatever as Windows 10 or 11 would on a traditional laptop. You can get
program or app you’re using. up to twelve hours on a single charge in most cases (obviously
depending on what you’re doing).

Security is a big plus for Chrome OS, as the system uses

Sandboxing to separate installed software from the main elements
of the operating system. This means that should an element of any
installed software become infected with malware, then the rest of
the system will remain isolated and safe from further infection.

Every Chromebook comes with a Verified Boot, which also helps

prevent malware from infecting Chrome OS thanks to a number of
rigorous background
security checks. And
there’s an added
bonus of a Security
Chip installed with
every Chromebook,
Programs/Applications to encrypt your
With Linux begin an open source, and free operating system, sensitive data.
it also makes use of the tens of thousands of freely available
applications too. The likes of LibreOffice, GIMP, and Python are just There’s built-in
the tip of the iceberg. virus and malware
protection,
Linux is used throughout the world, in several basic and quite which is updated
unique uses. While it may look radically different from one automatically and regularly. A Guest User mode enables others to use
environment to the next the actual Linux kernel can be found Chrome OS without being able to access your account or any files
in modern smart TVs, in-car entertainment systems and GPS, you’ve worked on – plus, anything they’ve worked on won’t be saved
IoT devices, and the Raspberry Pi. It’s used by NASA, both in the by the OS, wiping their history when they log out of the Chromebook.
command centre and on-board the ISS. Linux servers power the
backbone of the internet, along with most of the websites you visit In the rare event of something going drastically wrong with
daily. Android utilises components of the Linux kernel, as do set Chrome OS, there’s a Powerwash feature, which when activated
top boxes, games consoles, and even the likes of fridges, freezers, will reset the Chromebook back to its default settings and wiping
ovens and washing machines. out any trace of malware.

Linux isn’t just a free to use operating system. It’s stable, Chrome OS now supports sideloading of Android apps – although
powerful, fast, can easily be customised, and requires very little they’re executed in an emulator of sorts, and not all Android apps
maintenance. However, it’s more than just on-paper performance will function the way they’re supposed to (since they’re developed
stats. Linux means freedom from the walled-garden approach of for a phone or tablet) – as well as some Linux apps. This means
other operating systems. It’s a lively community of like-minded you can install more software than ever before, making the
individuals who want more from their computers without the Chromebook a more useful device in the modern world.
shackles of price or conformity. Linux means choice, which is
why you’ll find many different operations throughout the digital Chrome Forever
world using the Kernel as the foundation for their own developed Chrome OS is regularly updated, the latest version, 91.0.4472.147
projects; even if those projects are ultimately closed-source. (at the time of writing), comes with a number of security patches,
bug fixes, and code improvements that make the operating
Chrome OS Features system work even better. What’s more, you don’t need to worry
Back to Chrome OS. As the core of the operating system is slimline, about searching for and applying any updates as the OS handles
it means that many of the functions built on top of it operate all that for you.
at a much faster rate than other operating system’s features. For
example, searches within Chrome OS are incredibly fast, its boot In short, Chrome OS is one of the most impressive independent
up and shutdown operations are faster than most Windows or operating systems in the world. It’s built on top of security and
Mac machines, and automatic updates are installed and activated performance, and it’s backed by one of the biggest companies
without interfering with what you’re doing. ever. Chrome OS is the future.

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Introducing the Chromebook

Getting
Started
You’ve unwrapped your amazing new Chromebook, took great pleasure
in viewing its wonderful contours, brushed aluminium appearance, and
shiny buttons. Now it’s time to get you set up and logged in with your
Google account.

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 Getting Started

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 3
❱ Next, you’ll be asked who is using the Chromebook. There are
two main options: You, or A Child. Clicking You (followed by the
Next button) will take you to the account setup step. Clicking A
Child will enable you to setup a more guarded environment for
younger people to use the internet. There are also options for
Enterprise Enrolment and Use as a Guest, but we won’t touch
the Enterprise option in this instance. After clicking Next, you will
be asked to enter your Google account information. There are
Step 2 two ways of doing this. The first is to setup a Google account by
❱ The first question you’ll be asked is if you want to activate opening https://accounts.google.com/signup/v2/webcreateacc
ChromeVox. ChromeVox is a screen reader technology that is ount?hl=en&flowName=GlifWebSignIn&flowEntry=SignUp from
designed to help those who can’t read the information displayed another computer, and entering the relevant information; follow
on-screen. You can opt for ‘No, continue without ChromeVox’, or, the on-screen instructions to complete the setup. Alternatively,
‘Yes, activate ChromeVox’; the choice, of course, is yours. Click on you can click the More Option button and create a Google
the Get Started button, and you’ll be asked to setup your Wifi. account via the Chromebook. If you already have a Google
Locate your home Wifi and enter the login details to connect to account, enter your email and password in the boxes provided.
the network. Agree to the Google Terms of Service, and click the
Accept and Continue button.

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Introducing the Chromebook

Getting Started cont.

Step 4 Step 6
❱ Once you’ve signed in the Chromebook may take a moment to ❱ More Google Play apps and services agreements. This one will
search for any important updates, or preparing the device. This ask you to accept the Back up to Google Drive, as well as allowing
process won’t take long – a few seconds – and once it’s done apps and services to gain access to your location – or rather your
you’ll be presented with the You’re Signed In! welcome message. device’s location. It also deals with allowing the installation of
On this page you’ll have a couple of Google-based notices updates and apps. As with Step 4, you can click the tick box to
to agree to: Chrome Sync (which synchronises your settings), review the Google Play options following the setup routine. If
and Personalise Google Services (which will use your browsing you’re ready to continue, click the Accept button.
history to personalise ads and so on). These can be reviewed after
the setup by clicking on and ticking the ‘Review sync options
following setup’ checkbox. When you’re ready, click on the Accept
and Continue button.

Step 5 Step 7
❱ As you will soon see, there’s rather a lot of agreements to get ❱ From here you can begin to setup the Google Assistant. You’ll
through. This page will deal with the Terms of Service regarding first be asked if you want to work with the Google Assistant, which
Google Play apps and services, alongside the Google Privacy you’ll need to click on the I Agree button. If you don’t want to use
Policy, and an option to Back-Up to your Google Drive area; to the Google Assistant, you won’t be able to take advantage of the
restore any data to any Google device whenever you want. Click ‘Hey Google’ voice commands, complete with voice searching that
the More button when you’re ready to continue. Chrome OS and Google supplies.

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 Getting Started

Step 8 Step 10
❱ You will need to allow the Chromebook to voice match you with ❱ That’s it! You’ve made it to the end of the initial setup of the
the Google Assistant. Once you agree, you will be asked to say ‘OK Chromebook. It’s now ready to use, personalise and interact
Google’ several times, before a final ‘Hey Google’ to complete the with. Simply click on the final Get Started button, and the
voice pattern matching. As mentioned on the page, ‘Hey Google’ is Chromebook will finalise any settings and present you with the
only active when connected to a power source by default (which Chrome OS desktop.
can be changed in the Settings page), and there is a warning that
a similar voice could fool the Google Assistant into thinking it’s
you. When you’re ready, click the I Agree button to start the Google
Assistant setup.

Step 9
❱ If you’ve used a Google Assistant before, then you’ll skip the
voice activation part of the setup process – since it already has
your voice pattern logged. If not, then when you’ve finished the
voice setup, you’ll see a notification page telling you the ‘Hey
Google’ setup is complete and ready to go.

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Introducing the Chromebook

The Chromebook
Keyboard
Chromebook keyboard layouts are slightly different to
that of a traditional Windows laptop, or even MacBook. 1
To further confuse the issue, some Chromebook
manufacturers keyboards differ from one to the
other. However, most will have something resembling
the image you see below. Let’s look at what the
Chromebook keys do.
1 Forward/Backward Keys 8
❱ 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 key will display all the currently open windows
you have. They’re displayed in a portrait mode, and you can use
the touchpad mouse, or the arrow keys to cycle between each
individual window; pressing Enter will bring the highlighted
window to forefront.

5 Display Brightness Keys 6 Volume Keys

❱ These two keys will decrease and increase the brightness levels ❱ As expected, these two keys will mute the Chromebook’s sound,
of the display. There’s a GUI indicator on-screen that will show you decrease the volume and increase the volume. Again, a graphical
the levels of brightness as you tap these keys. level will display the current volume setting.

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 The Chromebook Keyboard

7 Lock Screen 8 Search Key

❱ Pressing and holding this key will enable the Chromebook and ❱ Pressing the Search Key (the magnifying glass), will open the
Chrome OS screen lock. You’ll need to enter your login password Chrome OS Search Function. From here, you’re able to search for
into the box provided to unlock the Chromebook. Ensure you do files and folders stored on your Chromebook, emails, apps from
this if you’re going to be away from your computer. the Google Play Store, YouTube videos, and even settings from
within Chrome OS. This is also known as the Everything Button,
and links directly to the Launcher.

2
3 4
5
6 7

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Introducing the Chromebook

The Chrome OS
Desktop
Ready to dive into Chrome OS and
see what it can do? Let’s take a
moment to navigate the desktop
and see what each aspect of it does.
1

1 Background/Wallpaper
❱ As with any other operating system, Chrome OS features a
customisable background, or wallpaper, for you to change and 2
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 stored on the Chromebook, your
emails, YouTube videos, and even the Google Play Store. This is
also where any ‘Hey Google’ requests are processed. If you were
say, ‘Hey Google, what’s the weather like tomorrow?’, the results
will be displayed in the Launcher – or opened as a separate
window depending on the request, but the actual command is
handled by the Launcher. If you click the up-pointing arrow at the
top-middle of the Launcher, the window will fill the screen and
you can view all the currently installed apps on the Chromebook.

4 The Launcher (Everything button)

❱ This is called the Launcher, or the Everything Button, it’s not 4
always taking up so much room on the desktop, we simply
activated it to show you what it looks like. To open the Launcher,
you tap the Search key on your Chromebook keyboard (the
magnifying glass), or you use the Touchpad to click the circle in
the bottom-left of the main desktop area.

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 The Chromebook OS Desktop

5 The Shelf 6 Notifications, Settings, and More

❱ The bar below the Launcher is called the Shelf. This is a quick- ❱ The Wifi, battery level and time icons in the bottom-right of the
launch app, file and folder shortcut launcher similar to that found Shelf can be clicked to reveal a lot more. In here you’ll find any
on macOS, and some Linux distros. The default apps: Chrome, recent notifications you’ve not dismissed, your current profile
Files, Gmail, Google Docs, YouTube and the Google Play Store, image, the option to Sign Out of the Chrome OS as well as
can all be changed and removed, and it’s easy to Pin new apps, Shutdown or Restart the Chromebook. There are also options to
files and folders, to the Shelf. The Rocket Ship icon, by the way, lock the screen, enter the Chrome OS Settings pages, change Wifi
is the Welcome Page that’s currently open on the desktop. Any network, enable or disable Bluetooth, capture the screen, turn
open apps are displayed in the Shelf for easy access when you’re the Night Light on or off, increase volume and display brightness.
switching windows.

3
6
5

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Introducing the Chromebook

Touchpad Gestures &

Keyboard Shortcuts
If you want to get the most from your Chromebook, and the best from
Chrome OS, then getting to grips with the built-in touchpad gestures
and keyboard shortcuts is the way to go. Using touchpad gestures
and shortcuts makes for a more efficient use of the OS, save you small
snippets of time and makes good use of the available technology. Here’s
how they work.

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 Touchpad Gestures and Keyboard Shorcuts

Touchpad Gestures

Close a tab
Move the pointer Point to the tab, then tap or click the
Move your finger across the touchpad. touchpad with three fingers.

Open a link in a new tab

Click Point to the link, then tap or click the
Press or tap the lower half of the touchpad. touchpad with three fingers.

Right-Click Switch between tabs

Press or tap the touchpad with two fingers. You If you have multiple browser tabs open, swipe
can also press Alt, then click with one finger. left or right with three fingers.

Scroll
Place two fingers on the touchpad and move Open or close overview
them up and down to scroll vertically, or left and To open overview, swipe up with three fingers. To
right to scroll horizontally. close it, swipe down with three fingers.

Move between pages

To go back to a previous page, swipe left with Switch between virtual desks
two fingers. To go forwards to a page that you If you have multiple desks open, swipe left or
were just on, swipe right with two fingers. right with four fingers.

Drag and drop

See all open windows Using one finger, click and hold the item that
To see all open windows, swipe up with three you want to move. Drag the item to its new spot,
fingers. To close it, swipe down with three fingers. then release your finger.

Keyboard Shortcuts
Take a screenshot: Turn Caps Lock on or off:
Press Ctrl + Show windows Press Search + Alt. Or press Launcher + Alt.

+ + OR +

Take a partial screenshot: Lock your screen:

Press Shift + Ctrl + Show windows, then click and drag an area. Press Search + L. Or press Launcher + L.

+ + + + OR +
DRAG

To access more screenshot features: Sign out of your Google Account:

Press Shift + Ctrl + Show windows, then select a screenshot Press Shift + Ctrl + q (twice).
feature from the toolbar.

+ + & + + x2

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Introducing the Chromebook
Search = Launcher = Rotate = Left = Right = Up = Down = Keys bright = Keys dim = Increase volume =

Tabs and Windows

Open a new window _________________________________________ Ctrl + n Go to top of page ________________________________ Ctrl + Alt + Up arrow
Open a new window in Incognito mode ____________________ Shift + Ctrl + n Go to bottom of page __________________________ Ctrl + Alt + Down arrow
Open a new tab ______________________________________________Ctrl + t Print your current page _______________________________________ Ctrl + p
Open a file in the browser _____________________________________ Ctrl + o Save your current page _______________________________________ Ctrl + s
Close the current tab _________________________________________Ctrl + w Reload your current page ______________________________________Ctrl + r
Close the current window _______________________________Shift + Ctrl + w Reload your current page without using cached content ________Shift + Ctrl + r
Reopen the last tab or window that you closed________________Shift + Ctrl + t Zoom in on the page _______________________________________ Ctrl and +
Go to tabs 1–8 in the window ____________________ Ctrl + 1 through Ctrl + 8 Zoom out on the page _______________________________Ctrl and - (minus)
Go to the last tab in the window ________________________________ Ctrl + 9 Reset zoom level ____________________________________________ Ctrl + 0
Go to the next tab in the window _____________________________ Ctrl + Tab Stop the loading of your current page ________________________________Esc
Go to the previous tab in the window ____________________ Shift + Ctrl + Tab Right-click a link _______________________________ Press Alt and click a link
Open the link in a new tab in the background________Press Ctrl and click a link
Switch quickly Press and hold Alt, tap Tab until you get to the window that Save the link as a bookmark ___________________ Drag link to bookmarks bar
between windows you want to open, then release. You can also press and hold Save your current web page as a bookmark _______________________ Ctrl + d
Alt, then tap Tab and select a window with the left or Save all open pages in your current window as
right arrow keys, mouse or touch. bookmarks in a new folder_______________________________ Shift + Ctrl + d
Search the current page________________________________________Ctrl + f
Open the window Press & hold Shift + Alt, tap Tab until you get to the Go to the next match for your search______________________ Ctrl + g or Enter
last used window that you want to open, then release. Go to the previous match for your search ______ Shift + Ctrl + g or Shift + Enter
Go to an inactive information field__________________________ Alt + Shift + a
Go to previous page in your browsing history _______________ Alt + Left arrow Perform a Google search ____________________________ Ctrl + k (or) Ctrl + e
Go to the next page in your browsing history ______________ Alt + Right arrow Add www. and .com to your input in the
Open the link in a new tab in the background________Press Ctrl and click a link address bar, then open the page _____________________________Ctrl + Enter
Open the link in a new tab and switch to View page source____________________________________________ Ctrl + u
the new tab ____________________________Press Shift + Ctrl and click a link Show or hide the Developer Tools panel _____________________Shift + Ctrl + i
Open the link in a new window __________________Press Shift and click a link Navigate to selected section in the Developer Tools panel ______ Ctrl + Shift + c
Open the link in the tab ______________ Drag the link to the tab’s address bar Open the Console tab in the
Open the link in a new tab ___________________ Drag the link to the tab strip Developer Tools panel ___________________________________Shift + Ctrl + j
Show or hide the bookmarks bar __________________________ Shift + Ctrl + b
Open the web page Type a web address (URL) in the address bar, then Show the toolbar _______________________________________ Alt + Shift + t
in a new tab press Alt + Enter Navigate to selected selection in theDeveloper Tools panel _____ Ctrl + Shift + c
Open the History page _______________________________________ Ctrl + h
Return the tab to its original position _______ While dragging the tab, press Esc Open the Downloads page _____________________________________Ctrl + j
Dock a window on the left_____________________Alt + [ (left square bracket) Delete selected Auto-fill suggestion when
Maximise window ____________________________________________Alt + = filling in a form _________________________________ Shift + Alt + Backspace
Minimise window _____________________________________ Alt + - (minus)
Dock a window on the right _________________ Alt + ] (right square bracket) System & display settings
Switch windows between screens (when your Search + Alt + m (or) Open the Files app _____________________________________ Shift + Alt + m
Chromebook is connected to a monitor)________________Launcher + Alt + m Preview a file in the Files app _______________Select the file, then press Space
Display hidden files in the Files app ______________________ Ctrl + . (full stop)
Page and web browser Open the status area
Page up _____________________________________________ Alt + Up arrow (where the time appears) _________________________________ Shift + Alt + s
Page down________________________________________ Alt + Down arrow Click icons 1–8 on your shelf ____________________________Alt + 1 to Alt + 8
Scroll down the web page ___________________________________ Space bar Click the last icon on your shelf __________________________________ Alt + 9

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 Touchpad Gestures and Keyboard Shorcuts

Use function keys Search + preferred function key (or) Paste content when clipboard menu is open ________________________Enter
___________________________________Launcher + preferred function key Paste content from the clipboard as plain text ________________ Shift + Ctrl + v
See your notifications ___________________________________Shift + Alt + n Cut _______________________________________________________ Ctrl + x
Change screen resolution ___________________ Shift + Ctrl and + or - (minus) Delete the previous word _____________________________ Ctrl + Backspace
Reset screen resolution to default _________________________ Shift + Ctrl + 0 Delete the next letter (forward delete) _____________________ Alt + Backspace
Rotate screen 90 degrees____________________________Shift + Ctrl + Rotate Undo your last action_________________________________________ Ctrl + z
Switch to the next user ___________________________ Ctrl + Alt + . (full stop) Redo your last action ___________________________________ Shift + Ctrl + z
Switch to the previous user ________________________ Ctrl + Alt + , (comma) Switch between keyboard languages __________________ Shift + Ctrl + Space
Switch to the previous keyboard language
Text editing that you were using.______________________________________ Ctrl + Space
Turn Caps Lock on or off Search + Alt (or) Dim keyboard (for backlit keyboards only) _________________________Alt +
___________________________________________________ Launcher + Alt Make keyboard brighter
Select everything on the page __________________________________ Ctrl + a (for backlit keyboards only) __________________________________ Alt +
Select the content in the address bar_____________________ Ctrl + L or Alt + d
Select the next word or letter____________________ Shift + Ctrl + Right arrow Accessibility
Select text to the end of the line Search + Shift + Right arrow (or) Turn ChromeVox (spoken feedback) on or off __________________ Ctrl + Alt + z
______________________________________ Launcher + Shift + Right arrow Turn on high contrast mode Search + Ctrl + h (or)
Select text to the beginning of the line Search + Shift + Left arrow (or) ________________________________________________Launcher + Ctrl + h
_______________________________________ Launcher + Shift + Left arrow Magnify your whole screen Ctrl + Search + m (or)
Select previous word or letter _____________________Shift + Ctrl + Left arrow _______________________________________________ Ctrl + Launcher + m
Move to the end of the next word ______________________ Ctrl + Right arrow Magnify part of your screen Ctrl + Search + d (or)
Move to the start of the previous word ____________________Ctrl + Left arrow ________________________________________________Ctrl + Launcher + d
Move to beginning of the line Search + Left arrow (or) Move around in full-screen
_____________________________________________ Launcher + Left arrow magnifier mode _____________________ Ctrl + Alt + Up , Down , Left or Right
Move to end of the line Search + Right arrow (or) Highlight the Launcher button on your shelf__________________ Shift + Alt + L
____________________________________________Launcher + Right Arrow Highlight the next item on your shelf Shift + Alt + L, then Tab (or)
Go to end of document Search + Ctrl + Right arrow (or) ______________________________________Shift + Alt + L, then Right arrow
_______________________________________Launcher + Ctrl + Right arrow Highlight the previous item Shift + Alt + L, then Shift +Tab (or)
Go to beginning of document Search + Ctrl + Left arrow (or) on your shelf ____________________________ Shift + Alt + L, then Left arrow
________________________________________ Launcher + Ctrl + Left arrow Open the highlighted button on your shelf Shift + Alt + L, then Space (or)
Open clipboard menu ______________________ Launcher + v (or) Search + v ___________________________________________ Shift + Alt + L, then Enter
Remove the highlight from a button
on your shelf __________________________________ Shift + Alt + L, then Esc
Tip: You can navigate the clipboard menu with Switch focus between:
the tab or arrow keys. • Status area (where the time appears) • Launcher • Address bar
• Bookmarks bar (if visible) • The web page that’s open
• Downloads bar (if visible) ___________________ Ctrl + Back or Ctrl + Forward
Copy selected content to the clipboard___________________________ Ctrl + c Highlight the bookmarks bar (if shown)______________________Shift + Alt + b
Highlight the row with the address bar ______________________ Shift + Alt + t
Open right-click menu for Search + Shift + Increase volume (or)
Tip: You can select up to five items to copy highlighted item ____________________ Launcher + Shift + Increase volume
to your clipboard. Move an app icon up, down or to the
side in the launcher _______________________Ctrl + Up , Down , Left or Right
Move an app in or out of a folder in
Paste content from the clipboard________________________________ Ctrl + v the launcher______________________Ctrl + Shift + Up , Down , Left , or Right

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Introducing the Chromebook

Chrome OS
New Features
Chrome OS is a continually evolving system, with regular updates, fixes,
patches and new features. These new features can vary from minor
additions to the overall use of the operating system, through to great new
software that’ll make Chrome OS even better than before. Let’s look at
some of the best new additions to the system.

Nearby Share
Directly Control Your Android Phone You’re now able to quickly and securely share files between other
If you’re on your Chromebook and your phone is out of reach, then Chrome OS or Android devices. You can send and receive without
with the new Phone Hub feature you’re able to control the key giving away your contact details, so that your personal information
capabilities of your Android phone directly from within Chrome stays private.
OS. You can check on the phone’s battery life, mobile signal, send
messages, and much more. App Badges
App icons within Chrome OS now come with
Wifi Sync App Badges. These are additions to the icons,
Wifi Sync is a feature that enables you to quickly connect to more indicating that there’s a new notification
devices, enabling you and your Chromebook to get online faster specific to the app for you to view. For
than ever before. With it enabled, you can instantly connect to example, if you get a new email, the Gmail
trusted wireless networks your Android Phone has used previously. icon will display a small circle to one side of
its main Chrome OS icon.

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 Chrome OS New Features

Screen Capture Diagnostics

It’s now easier than ever before to grab a screenshot, or even There’s a new Diagnostics
a screen recording – without the need to remember multiple app that can be used
keyboard shortcuts. You can crop an area to capture, view more to check the status of
options, change from image to video and much more. your Chromebook’s vital
hardware. Check on the
Chromebook’s battery,
the current CPU load, the
amount of memory being
used, and even run some
tests to check everything
is operating as it should. You can access the Diagnostic app by
pressing the Launcher searching for Diagnostics.

Lock Screen Personalisation

You’re able to personalise your Chromebook’s lock screen by
displaying a favourite
photo album, or from a
gallery of stock images.
You’re also able to check
the latest weather reports,
see what music is being
played, and skip tracks
without the need to log
back into the Chromebook.

Media Controls
Tote There is now better access
The Tote is a new area to the Shelf. It enables you to quickly get to to the Chromebook’s media
the most recently used files, screenshots, downloads and anything controls, built directly into the Quick Settings menu. Found in the
you’ve opted to Pin. You can find next to the time, Wifi and battery bottom-right corner of the desktop, the Media Controls enable you
life icons in the bottom-right of the desktop. to play music from YouTube or Spotify, pause, skip tracks and see
details on the track being played.
Desks
Desks is a virtual workspace setup within Chrome OS, similar to
that found on Windows 10, Linux and macOS. You can press the
Show Windows key on your Chromebook keyboard to get an
overview of the currently open windows, and from there look to
the top of the desktop to see the Desks options. You can create a
new Desk, populated with different windows from another Desk,
and you can right-click a window to send it to one or all Desks.
Desks can also be moved, so you can better organise them, and
they are restored on reboot to keep you working effectively.

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 Make Chrome OS Your Own

In order to get the best experience from

your Chromebook, you’re going to need
to master the ins and outs of Chrome OS.
This is best done by customising, and
personalising, and spending some time
investigating its settings and seeing how
things work. In this section, you’ll learn
how to make Chrome OS your own,
and you’ll delve into its core to further
understand one of the best operating
systems available.

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www.pclpublications.com 31
Make Chrome OS Your Own

Personalising Chrome OS
& Mastering Settings
Personalising your Chrome OS desktop, and the way it behaves, is
something only you can do. However, within the following pages we’ll look
at some of the key changes you can apply to make Chrome OS your own.

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 Personalising Chrome OS and Mastering Settings

Settings
You can accomplish most of the main personalisation of Chrome OS from within the, wait for it… Personalisation
section in the Settings menu. You can get to the Settings page by one of two ways:

Step 1 Step 3
❱ Say ‘Hey Google, open settings’. Providing you’ve got the ❱ Either method will take you to the Settings page. In here are all
Chromebook plugged into a power source, the Google Assistant manner of tweaks, adjustments and alterations you can do the
will open the Settings Page. core of Chrome OS and your experience when using it. Use it with
caution, though. While nothing too bad can come from most of
these settings, some could cause you problems, and others will
wipe your account off the Chromebook for good.

Step 2
❱ Click on the power, Wifi and time icon in the bottom-right of the
desktop. When the information menu opens, look to the cog icon
in the top row, and click it. The Settings page will open. Step 4
❱ What you need to do now is look to the left-hand pane to locate
Personalisation. Click on the Personalisation title, and the main
page will change its display. Now let’s have a look through what’s
available within here.

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Make Chrome OS Your Own

Change Device Account Image

You’ll probably want to change your Google account image. If you’re new to Google, then you’ll likely just have a
letter, or even a solid colour. But you can change it to whatever you want – within reason, of course.

Step 1 Step 3
❱ The first step is to click the top option within the Personalisation ❱ You can click any of the default images, which will change the
page: Change Device Account Image. This will change the display main, large image that’s displayed next to them. However, if
of the main panel. you want something more personal, click the Camera icon. This
activates the Chromebook webcam, and you can take a picture
of yourself.

Step 2 Step 4
❱ As you’ll see from the new display, there’s a lot you can opt ❱ Alternatively, you can click the Folder icon (next to the webcam
for in terms of having a new account image. You can choose option), and choose an image file you may already have stored
anything from a cartoon graphic of an animal, through to your on your Google Drive, or stored as an attachment to an email.
own unique image. You may need to download the image to the Downloads folder
in Chrome OS before being able to add it as the Account Image,
however. When you’re done, click on the left-pointing arrow above
the image, to return to the main Personalisation page again.

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 Personalising Chrome OS and Mastering Settings

Wallpaper
Nothing says personalisation quite as much as adding your own, unique desktop background. Here we can
choose a wealth of options for new wallpaper, to grace your Chrome OS look.

Step 1 Step 3
❱ The next option beneath the Change Device Account Image is ❱ There are possibly hundreds of pre-installed desktop
Wallpaper. As you would expect, click this to proceed. backgrounds to choose from by looking through the list of
categories on the left of the pane. The first image of each category
has a Daily Refresh, which will cycle through the available image
within that category.

Step 2 Step 4
❱ This option opens slightly differently to many of the other ❱ If you want to add your own image, such as a wallpaper
Personalisation and indeed the Settings pages. It’s a separate app, downloaded from the internet, then ensure that it’s located in the
so the main Settings page will drop into the background, and the Images folder from the Files app (found on the Shelf ). In the Wallpaper
new Wallpaper app will launch. app, scroll to the bottom and click on the newly downloaded image.
It will now appear as the main desktop wallpaper.

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Make Chrome OS Your Own

Screensaver
The humble screensaver may not get quite as much appreciation as it used to many years ago, but it’s still a vital
part of the operating system; and one that’s often personalised.

Step 1 Step 3
❱ You’ll find the Screensaver option under Wallpaper, the last of the ❱ To change the images displayed while the screensaver is on, click
first batch of three options within the Personalisation page. on one of the two options: Google Photos, or, Art Gallery. If you’re
new to a Google account, then you’re not likely to have many, if
any at all, Google Photos. For now, click the Art Gallery option.

Step 2 Step 4
❱ The screensaver in Chrome OS is disabled by default, so to enable ❱ Tick which of the image sets you want displayed on the
it you’ll need to click the slider that’s currently labelled ‘Off’ to the screensaver, then click the left-pointing arrow above to return to
‘On’ position. the Screensaver options. Along with the images, the local weather
is also displayed during the screensaver. Click which of the units of
temperature you want to view: Celsius, or Fahrenheit.

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 Personalising Chrome OS and Mastering Settings

Search and Assistant

You can opt to choose your default search engine, and further improve, or retrain the voice recognition of
the Google Assistant.

Step 1 Step 3
❱ There are only two options in the Search and Assistant category ❱ The Retrain option is always worth exploring if you find that
within the Personalisation page. The first details changing the the Google Assistant is beginning to ignore you, or picking up
default search engine from Google to either Bing, or Yahoo! Click someone else instead of you. Simply click the Retrain button, then
on the Configure button to make the choice. agree to the use of the Google Assistant and from there follow the
on-screen instructions.

Step 2 Step 4
❱ Clicking the Google Assistant option will open up a varied set of ❱ The last item in the Google Assistant section enables you to
new options. You opt to use the Google Assistant, provide related further improve the results from your questions. Click on the
info on the screen when dealing with your query, and whether ‘OK Google Assistant Settings link at the bottom of the section. Within
Google’ is active only when the Chromebook is plugged in to save here you can choose options such as your preferred temperature
on power. unit, transport modes, the language of the Assistant, and what
Services are being used.

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Make Chrome OS Your Own

Security and Privacy

Securing and making your Chrome OS account as private as possible are some of the first options you should look
to. Here’s how you can improve both.

Step 1 Step 3
❱ The first option here is configuring the Chrome OS Lock Screen ❱ The next two options in the Security and Privacy category detail
and Sign-In. Click the link, and you’ll be asked to enter your Google the use of Chrome OS to send diagnostic and usage data to
Account password to continue. When you have, you’ll be able Google to help improve features and performance, and to allow
to activate the Lock Screen when waking from Sleep Mode, and the OS to suggest new content for the user to explore. You can opt
choose whether to unlock the Chromebook with the password, or to enable or disable both options.
a combination password and PIN.

Step 2 Step 4
❱ Manage Other People is an option that allows you to enable or ❱ The last option, Enable Verified Access, sounds a little misleading
disable the Guest account, display Chrome OS usernames and as you would expect it to only enable access to verified, Chrome
Account Images at the sign-in screen, and the ability to restrict OS, accounts. However, it is used to identify machines and users
sign-in to Chrome OS to certain users. for proprietary or licensed access for enterprise and media. It’s
recommended to leave enabled by default.

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 Personalising Chrome OS and Mastering Settings

Apps
You can personalise how the Apps installed on your Chromebook are handled too, including apps downloaded
and installed via the Google Play Store.

Step 1 Step 3
❱ There are only two options available within the Apps category of ❱ One of the best advances in Chrome OS is the ability to install
the Personalisation section: Manage Your Apps, and, Google Play and use Google Play Store apps. Although some are designed
Store. Start by clicking on the first option – Manage Your Apps. specifically for tablets or phones, most will run perfectly well
inside of Chrome OS. Using the Google Play Store option, you can
manage the Android preferences.

Step 4
❱ Clicking Manage Android Preferences allows you to further drill
into the specifics of the currently used Android Google Play Store
Step 2 apps installed in the system. It’ll bring up a new window, with the
❱ The Manage Your Apps section will list all the currently installed list of apps that you can click and configure individually.
Chrome OS apps on the system. You can click each of the apps in
turn to delve deeper into how they interact with the system, or to
Pin them to the Shelf. Options within here include whether to enable
permissions to access the webcam, microphone and geo location.

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Make Chrome OS Your Own

Advanced
Settings
At the bottom of the Settings page, you’ll notice a link: Advanced. Clicking
this will expand the section to include more detailed settings that can be
used to further improve your customisation of the operating system.

Some of the features within the Advanced

section are still only in their Beta stages.
This example applies to the Linux feature.
Linux, as we’ve discussed
previously, is what Chrome
OS is built on top of; the
Linux Kernel to be exact.
With this feature enabled,
you can access the core Linux
components, as well as a Linux
command line, and install Integrated
Developer Environments.

A brief warning The Linux environment is really designed for developers, and
those who want to write code for the Linux Kernel. It is possible to
The settings in the Advanced section aren’t all to install more Linux tools on top of the Chrome OS Linux developer
be taken lightly. As the name suggests, Advanced environment, but this is something that we won’t be looking at in
means it for those who want to drill deeper into the this instance.
inner workings of Chrome OS and further customise,
personalise, and add new elements that aren’t available In short, there’s a lot you can do and customise, expand and
by default. include when you dive into the Advanced settings. Just be careful
when you do so, though. Some of the features may not be ready
There are a number of great features available within yet, may do something you don’t want, and could wipe your
the Advanced section, such as accessibility, connecting Chromebook. Read everything carefully before enabling it, and if
to network shared areas, and the ability to install and you’re not sure, then take a moment to open a browser and search
access the Linux command line for developers. for the option. There’s always someone out there who was gone
through what you’re about to do and written about it.
There is also the Powerwash feature, a tool that is used
only in the most dire of Chromebook circumstances.
Powerwash will remove all trace of you ever having an Have fun, but be ready to get messy.
account on the Chromebook. That includes all the files
and folders you may have created, any personalisation
and settings you’ve activated, and any extra users you’ve
added – plus, their files and folders will be removed
too. It will essentially revert the Chromebook back to
its factory, newly purchased state, where you’ll need to
go through the entire setup a new Chromebook steps
again. It’s not, therefore, something to be taken lightly.
But, it is a powerful tool that can wipe out anything
untoward with Chrome OS, and allow you to use your
Chromebook to maximum efficiency once again.

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 Advanced Settings

Date, Time, Languages and Inputs

The first two sections of the Advanced category deal with how the Chromebooks gets its exact time and date, as
well as the available languages and keyboard inputs.

Step 1 Step 3
❱ Time Zone is the first option here, and clicking it will enable you ❱ Inputs allows you to specify different language and keyboard
to specify how the Chromebook will get the correct time and date. inputs, for example, if you change the keyboard layout by adding
By default, the IP address of the Chromebook will determine its an external keyboard, you can set it in here. There are also options
location, and therefore current time and date, but you can specify to check spelling in different language other than the default, or to
your own. The second option is whether you want to use the 24- customise the spell-checker.
hour clock format, or not.

Step 2 Step 4
❱ Languages and Inputs enable you to change the device’s ❱ The last option, Suggestions, isn’t specific to language – in a way.
language, or change the available Web Content Languages. This Instead, it allows you to enable or disable the Emoji Suggestions
means any websites that support multiple languages will always based on what you’re typing, much in the same way that a text
default to the first supported language in the available list. You can message from a phone will display an emoji of a cat if you enter
add more languages, and have Translations. the word ‘cat’.

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Make Chrome OS Your Own

Files, Print and Scan

Chrome OS isn’t just a fancy web-based operating system, with it you’re able to connect to the same sort of
external peripherals and devices that a Windows laptop or MacBook can. Let’s have a look.

Step 1 Step 3
❱ Printers! Yes, despite the best efforts of everyone trying to ❱ The Files section is an interesting addition. There are two
become more paperless, we still use a considerable amount of options available here: Disconnect Google Drive Account (which
paper. Printing is essential, though, so Chrome OS wouldn’t be is something you probably won’t want to do), and Network File
much use without the ability to connect to a printer. Click the Shares. Let’s look at the Network File Shares.
Printers option to start connecting to your local network printer.

Step 2 Step 4
❱ Print Jobs opens a new window that details the current prints in ❱ Network File Shares allows you to add an external, network
the printer queue. You can delete jobs, clear the printer job history shared area so Chrome OS can access it, and you can copy, create
and push one or other jobs above the others in priority. The Scan and use files, folders and media from those shared areas. Click
option, locates any available scanners, as well as scan documents the Network File Shares, followed by the Add File Share button to
and images directly to the Chromebook. open a pop-up window. From there, enter the details of the shared
device and folder, such as a NAS Drive, and click Add.

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 Advanced Settings

Developers
This option allows you to develop and use software for Linux. Chrome OS is built on the Linux Kernel, and from
here you can install the Linux command line, code editors, and Integrated Developer Environments.

Step 1 Step 3
❱ Access to Linux is turned off by default, so you’ll need to click on ❱ The next step asks you to setup the Linux Developer
the Turn On button. More information can be found, prior to turning environment, using your Chrome OS username. This you can
on Linux Developer Mode, by clicking the Learn More hyperlink. change, as well as the amount of disk space the environment
will be using. However, if you’re not sure what to opt for, we
recommend you stay with the defaults.

Step 2 Step 4
❱ The Linux Developer environment is currently (at the time of ❱ Click the Install button when you’re ready. The entire process
writing) still in its Beta stage, so you may come across some issues will take roughly ten minutes, and any Linux processes run will be
when using it. If you’re ready to start experimenting with Linux on executed within a sandbox environment, protecting Chrome OS
Chrome OS, click the Next button to continue. from anything that may go wrong.

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Make Chrome OS Your Own

Accessibility
Accessibility is a key component for any operating system these days. Gone are the simple magnifying glass views
of old, these days those who find it difficult to interact with an OS can enjoy a lot more freedom and help.

Step 1 Step 3
❱ Two options are available in the Accessibility category: ❱ Further down the list, you can personalise the display settings
Always show accessibility options in the system menu, and with High Contrast mode, a full-screen magnifier, and to adjust the
Manage accessibility features. The first permanently displays the text size.
accessibility options available, and should be enabled if you, or
someone else who uses the Chromebook requires these features.

Step 4
❱ There’s a lot to configure in here, and it caters for every possible
accessibility need there is. You can adjust the keyboard captions,
Step 2 use a large cursor, add audio captions, change the available
❱ The second option, Manage accessibility features, delves into keyboard options and much more.
more depth. Click it, and you can enable the Text-to-Speech,
ChromeVox assistant, and configure its setup and use.

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 Advanced Settings

Powerwash
The final element to the Advanced option is the Chrome OS Powerwash. This enables you to completely reset your
Chromenook back to its factory default settings. Wiping out your account, anyone else’s and any apps you’ve installed.

Step 1 Step 3
❱ The Powerwash feature isn’t to be taken lightly. As we’ve ❱ After clicking the Restart button, the Chromebook will reboot
already mentioned, it can completely wipe all content from the itself, but as the sign-in page appears, another window will pop up
Chromebook and reset it back to the basic, default setup. Only asking you for confirmation to proceed with the Powerwash. Click
use this if something has gone wrong, and the Chromebook is the Powerwash button to continue.
near unusable.

Step 2 Step 4
❱ To start, click on the Reset button in the Powerwash option. ❱ It’s worth reiterating that going ahead with a Powerwash will
You’ll be asked to restart the Chromebook prior to accepting destroy all the files on the Chromebook, and wipe any users that
the Powerwash. are setup to use it. It will revert back to the state you bought
it in, so you’ll need to create a new account (or use the same
credentials as before) to use the Chromebook again.

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Make Chrome OS Your Own

Improving Your
Google Security
Keeping yourself and your family safe whilst using your Google apps is
just as important as it is when you are sharing your details and your files
online. That said it doesn’t need to be difficult. While using the Internet
and social networks can have its problems, you can reduce them to a
minimal level by following a few simple pieces of advice.

Online Passwords Keep them Random

❱ Try to avoid using anything that is easy to guess, including
If you are anything like us, the number of passwords that you need personal information like your name, date of birth or address.
to remember grows on an almost daily basis and because of this, it These things are all very easy to discover and often the first things
can be tempting to use the same or similar passwords for several someone will try to get into your accounts. Also avoid, if possible,
different websites. This is a bad idea, particularly if your chosen using real words or sequential strings of numbers, e.g. 123456789.
password is something easy to guess such as your name or date of
birth. Here are a few tips to consider when creating passwords.

Keep them Unique

❱ Having a unique password for each website you are required to
log in to is a very good idea, particularly for things like email and
online banking. Although security on a banking website is likely to
be very good, if you use the same password on a website with less
stringent security, you risk it being compromised on one and used
to gain access to the other. It is not unusual for criminals to harvest
passwords from a weak website and then randomly try them on
more secure sites.

The Longer, the Better

❱ Short passwords are much easier to crack than long ones, so be
sure to avoid anything less than eight characters and, if possible,
go for something ten characters long at least. There are 4000
times more possible combinations of ten letters and numbers,
than there are for eight letters and numbers. Most good websites
require at least eight character passwords nowadays.

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 Improving Your Google Security

Mix it Up
❱ Once you start adding in symbols and mixed case letters, along
with numbers, into your passwords, the possible variations rise
to over six quadrillion (for an eight character password). The
password A1z7yDbP is many thousands of times more secure
than a1z7ydbp.

Use a Password Manager

❱ For most people, keeping a written list of their passwords is
perfectly okay as long as you make sure that it is not left in plain
sight on your desk, etc. Even keeping a text document on your
computer with your passwords listed is not usually a risk. Just don’t
call the file ‘Passwords’ and leave in on the desktop. A much safer
way, however, is to use a good Password Manager. These simple
bits of software let you store your passwords in a locked file on
your computer. Just as long as you have a very good password to
get into the manager, your other passwords will be safe. You then
only need to remember one password, instead of 10 or 20.

What are Cookies?

Cookies (or HTML Cookies) are small files used by
websites to recognise individual users (or rather,
recognise their computer). When you visit a website, a
cookie is stored in a temporary folder on your computer.
When you next visit that site, the cookie will be checked
for. Different sites use cookies to store different
information but a good example is information in a form
being automatically filled when visiting a site you have
used recently to order something.

Almost all modern browsers, including Internet Explorer,

Chrome and Safari, allow you to block cookies from being
downloaded. However, it is worth remembering that
many websites now need cookies to work properly, and
so blocking them could mean your browsing experience
is a frustrating one. Cookies are nothing to be afraid of,
Enable/Disable Cookies they are simply used to make the Internet work better.

in Chrome ❱ Select Allow local data to be set to allow both first-party

❱ To disable cookies in Chrome web browser, click the Three and third-party cookies. If you only want to accept first-party
dots icon or Menu button in the top right corner of the browser cookies, check the box next to “Block all third-party cookies
window. Select Settings, scroll to the bottom and click Advanced without exception.”
settings. Now click Site settings, in the Privacy section, and
then Cookies.

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Make Chrome OS Your Own

Social Networks – Advice

for Parents
Being parents ourselves, we understand the pressure that many
people feel to let their children use the Internet and social
networks in particular. Many social networking sites, including
Facebook, don’t allow children under 13 years of age to have
accounts. Unfortunately there is little they can do to stop a child
below that age entering false details. Rather than a blanket ban on
using the Internet and social networks, and potentially have your
child visit them behind your back, perhaps a better way to keep
your child safe online is to understand the dangers yourself and
Cyber Bullying make sure your children understand them as well.

Sadly, bullying isn’t confined to the playground or Do Some Research

classroom any more. Cyber bullying is when a child, or ❱ Hopefully, if you are reading this, you already want to learn
even an adult, is bullied via text message, email, social more about social networking and networks. This guide is a
networks or other online means. great place to start increasing your understanding of what you
can do (and therefore what your child can do) on sites such as
The best way to deal with a cyber bully on a social Facebook, Twitter and Google+. Read as much as you can about
network is to simply block that person, or not accept the
the networks your children use and remember that one of the best
friend request of someone who bullies you in real life.
sources of information is often the children themselves.
Although it may be tempting to reply to rude or abusive
comments, etc. it is usually better to just ignore the
person. In some cases, bullies have created fake accounts
on social networks, pretending to be their victim. If you
discover someone has created an account pretending
to be you, report it immediately to the network’s
administrators. There is usually a Report button on the
user profile page.

What is Phishing?
Phishing is the process of trying to find private information such
as PIN numbers, passwords and usernames by trickery. Sometimes
spammers create fake websites that look like the Facebook login
page. When you enter your email and password on one of these
pages, the spammer records your information and keeps it.
Get Involved
When someone has been phished, their account will often start ❱ Take the next step and create an account for yourself on
automatically sending messages or links to a large number of their the social networks your child uses. This not only helps you
friends. These messages or links are often advertisements telling to understand how things work and what features could be a
friends to check out videos or products. If you think your friend’s potential problem but it also allows you to more easily see what
account was phished, tell them to change their password and run your child is doing on there. You will be far better informed when
anti-virus software on their computer. asking questions about the site, than if you simply read about it.

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 Improving Your Google Security

Privacy Settings
❱ Nearly all the well known social networking sites offer several
levels of privacy settings. Ensure your child selects the strongest
Blocking People on
privacy setting available when they create their account. This will
help to make sure that their personal information is only seen by Facebook
people they want to share it with. Be aware, however, that some
There may be a time when you want to block another
sites are totally open to the public.
Facebook user. There are several reasons why you might
want to do this, from unwanted messages and rude
status updates, to phishing attempts or spam.

Step 1
❱ Click on the account menu at the top of your profile and
select Privacy Settings. Scroll down to Blocked People
and Apps and click Manage Blocking.

Internet Safety Tips

• Make sure that your child doesn’t publish personal
information like their location, email address, phone
number or date of birth.

• Make sure they are very careful about what images

and messages they post, even among trusted friends: Step 2
once they are online they can be shared widely and are
❱ Enter the name or email address of the person you want
extremely difficult to get removed.
to block and click Block. People will not be notified when
you block them.

Step 3
• Encourage your child to talk to you if they come across ❱ If you can’t find
anything they find offensive or upsetting. Keep a record someone using this
of anything abusive or offensive they’ve received and method, try going
report any trouble to the site management: most sites to the person’s
have a simple reporting procedure, normally activated profile (timeline) and
by clicking on a link on the page. selecting Report/Block
This Person from the
• If your child makes an online friend and wants to meet drop-down menu at
up with them in real life, you should go along with them the top of the page.
to check the person is who they say they are.

• Tell them to be aware of online scams. Offers which

seem too good to be true usually are. Make them aware
also that clicking links they are unsure about can
be unwise.

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Make Chrome OS Your Own

Protecting Your
Privacy on Google
Online privacy is an extremely important issue when it comes to using your
Google apps. Google has included a comprehensive privacy tool to help
you take control of, and monitor, how the company uses your information.
This guide will reinforce your privacy rules when using Google.

Step 1 Step 3
❱ Start by opening your main Google Accounts page, this can ❱ The Privacy Check-Up section is broken down into several sub-
be accessed by entering https://myaccount.google.com into a categories, offering you the chance to review the key settings that
browser. From the main account home page, you’re able to check determine how Google controls its activity toward you, what ads are
on the current levels of privacy, your information and security. displayed, how others will connect to you, what Google Photo settings
are available and what you share on YouTube. Click the YouTube
category, for example.

Step 2 Step 4
❱ The Take the Privacy Check-Up box, located in the lower right of ❱ The category options are displayed as tick boxes, so, using the
the four available boxes, is a good place to start. Simply click on YouTube category as the example, you’re able to control how your
the Get Started link, at the bottom of the box, to initiate a step-by- YouTube video likes, saved playlists and subscriptions remain private,
step guide on helping you choose the right privacy settings. or are available for others to view when they click on your YouTube/
Google account. Read each element of the categories carefully to
enhance or lower your online privacy.

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 Protecting Your Privacy on Google

Step 5 Step 8
❱ Going back to the main Google Account home page, by first ❱ The People & Sharing option, found via the left-hand column
clicking the back arrow and then Home on the left column, take again, is also worth investigating. In here, you’re able to define
a moment to look through the other options available. Check on your contacts, block any users and, most importantly, manage
the Privacy & Personalisation box; click the Manage your Data & your location sharing, as well as choose what personal information
Personalisation link in the bottom of the box. about you is visible to others across the Google services.

Step 6 Step 9
❱ The Data & Personalisation category is quite expansive and ❱ When dealing with your privacy via Google’s apps and services
covers a lot of the content that transpires between you and there’s a lot to take in, which isn’t surprising considering the reach
Google’s many services and apps. Each area within this category Google has across the Internet as a whole. If you ever become
can be expanded further, such as Web & App Activity, Location confused over any questions, or simply don’t know where to turn
History and so on. It’s important to take the time to trawl through next, the Help option will walk you through common issues and
these sections to fine-tune your privacy settings. offer guided steps on how to proceed.

Step 7 Step 10
❱ To the left you’ll see the quick access column, where you’re able to ❱ One final aspect of privacy that’s worth looking up is the Google
navigate back to the Account Home page; click on the Security link. Privacy & Terms. These are in a constant state of flux and will
This will open the Security page where, in the event of someone change depending on the laws of the country in which you’re
gaining access to your Google password, you’re able to lock down currently resident. Navigate to https://policies.google.com/privacy,
your account. Here you can opt for 2-Step Verification, create an to view the latest Google Privacy Policy and see how it affects you.
Account recovery option and protect your account and its privacy.

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Make Chrome OS Your Own

Improving Your
Google Searches
Google has the ability to search through billions of pages to supply
you with the most relevant results for any search you desire. Google
has different versions for different countries and, while they all work in
basically the same way, by using the version for your home country you
can be sure of both local and international results.

Google Search
Searching with Google is easy! You simply enter your
search term, e.g. “cupcake recipes”, on the Google page
for your country and click the search button. Google
will then display the results of the search in order of
relevance. There are, however, several ways to refine and
target your search for even better results.

Understanding Google Search Results

When you perform a search on Google the results are split into two categories: Paid and Organic results. Paid results can be thought of
more like adverts, with their position on the results page determined by how much the advertiser has paid. The organic results are those
which are most relevant, respected or popular for your search term.

1 Search Options 2 Paid Results 3 Organic Results

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 Improving Your Google Searches

Searching Images
and Videos
As well as being able to search for text in web pages, you can
also search for images and videos amongst other things.

The Knowledge Graph

Certain search terms (people, places or animals, for
example) will activate the Google Knowledge Graph.
This boxout, shown on the left of the standard search
results, highlights facts, photos and other snippets of Step 1
information about your search. Use this section to find ❱ Open the Google search page for your country in your Internet
quick information and facts about the subject or to start browser. To perform a standard search, type your search term in
exploring related subjects. Knowledge Graph results are the box and click Google Search.
gathered from a variety of sources, including Wikipedia,
World Bank, Freebase and Weather Underground, to
name but a few.

Advanced Search
After searching, while on the results page, notice the
Settings link under the search bar. Clicking this allows
you to select Advanced Search from the dropdown
menu. On the advanced search screen you can refine
your search even further so that the results only show
pages which feature all the words in your search term, or
by country and language. Once you have selected your
advanced search options, scroll to the bottom of the
page and click the blue Advanced Search button.

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Make Chrome OS Your Own

Searching Images and Videos cont.

Step 2 Step 5
❱ To perform a Voice ❱ Alongside the
search, using dictation, search links (Web,
click the Microphone Images, etc.) you
icon on the right side of will see a link
the Search bar and then for Search Tools.
simply say the subject Clicking this will
you wish to search for allow you to further
on this screen, your refine your search
speech will appear on by image size, date
screen and the search it was uploaded and
will start. image type.

Step 3 Step 6
❱ The results will now be displayed on screen. At the top of the ❱ Clicking on the image will open it at a larger size and also display
results page there are several links including Maps, News and a link that will allow you to open the web page where the image
Images. Click on the Images link. was found. Click the image again to close the preview.

Step 4 Step 7
❱ Image results for the original search term will now be displayed. ❱ To search for videos instead of images, click the More link and
Move the mouse over any of the images to see a short description, then select Videos from the menu that drops down. Videos have
image dimensions and other image details. their own search tools, including duration and quality.

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 Improving Your Google Searches

Safe Search Step 4

❱ Your browser should remember the setting when you next
Google features a Safe Search option which allows you to use Google search. If you want to make sure that the safe
select the age rating of the search results. This applies to web search setting is not changed, you will have to sign in to a
search results, as well as images, videos and books and can Google account.
help to remove sexually explicit content. No filter is 100 per
cent accurate, but Safe Search should help you avoid most of
this type of material.

Step 1
❱ Perform a search and check the results. If there are websites listed
that you think are inappropriate, click the Setting link in the top
right beneath the search bar and select Search Settings.

Step 2
❱ At the top of the search settings screen you should see a Safe
Search on/off link. Click the turn on Safe Search link to activate it.
You can lock Safe Search on by selecting this option too.

Instant Updates
Based upon your search results, you will receive
Step 3 additional information that is relevant to the subject. For
❱ If you want the page to display all results, regardless of content, this example we searched for a sports team and results
DO NOT activate Safe Search. If you have changed your mind you also shows their latest fixtures and results.
can deactivate via the Settings link at the top of the page. Specific search results also contain a downward pointing
arrow at the end of the web link, click to show these.

Cached: Google trawls the web and takes snapshots

of each page. When you click Cached, you will see the
web page as it looked when last indexed by Google. The
“Cached” link won’t appear for sites that haven’t been
indexed or for any sites whose owners requested that
their content isn’t cached.

Similar: Click Similar to see other websites that are

related to that result.

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Make Chrome OS Your Own

Using Specialised
Google Search
There are several specialised search tools, letting you cut through all
the unwanted information and just see results from, for example, blogs,
shopping sites or scholarly papers. You can access these search pages at
any time from the Chrome browser or Google Home page.

Shopping Search Step 3

❱ Clicking on one of the product sections will display a list of
This feature allows you to search only shopping results for results for that type of product. Alternatively, you can type a
any term you enter into the search box on Google. search term into the search field at the top as you would normally
in Google.
Step 1
❱ You can open the Shopping search screen by typing www.
google.co.uk/shopping into your browser address field. Your
browser should automatically detect your location and filter any
results to your own currency.

Step 4
❱ Once the results are shown, you will see that there are several
Step 2 filters down the left-hand side of the screen. These allow you to
❱ You will see that the shopping search screen is very different filter results by specific manufacturer, price, size (depending on the
from a standard Google search screen, with products shown in product type) and several others.
sections such as electronics, clothing and even as specific as Nexus
6. What is shown depends on your search history in Google.

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 Using Specialised Google Search

Step 5 Step 7
❱ Click the title of a product you are interested in and a box will ❱ You can click directly to the item, via your preferred retailer, by
expand to show more information, including a range of prices. clicking the link from the list at the bottom of the page. NOTE: On
You can then add the item to a shortlist by clicking the Shortlist rare occasions the price linked may not match that of the retailer,
button. This allows you to refer back to it easily later. so take care to check.

Google Scholar
Search
Step 6
Google Scholar (www.scholar.google.com) provides a
❱ If you click the product title a second time when the box is open,
simple way to broadly search for scholarly literature.
it will expand into a full screen page. This page lists all available
From one place, you can search across many disciplines
prices and sellers, along with reviews of the product if they are and sources: articles, theses, books, abstracts and
available online. court opinions, from academic publishers, professional
societies, online repositories, universities and other
websites. Google Scholar helps you find relevant work
across the world of scholarly research.

Features:
• Search all scholarly literature from one
convenient place
• Explore related works, citations, authors
and publications
• Locate the complete document through your library or
on the web
• Keep up with recent developments in any area
of research
• Create a public author profile

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Make Chrome OS Your Own

How to Create
Google Alerts
You can use Google Alerts to monitor anything on the web and then have
links to any matching content sent directly to your email address each day,
or when new content is available.

Setting Up Alerts
Step 1 Step 3
❱ To get started setting up an alert, navigate to www.google.co.uk/ ❱ The next step is to choose a delivery rate. The default is once a
alerts. Enter your query just as if you were doing a normal Google day: Google Alerts checks for new results once per day and emails
search. You can use the various Google search options, including you if it finds new results. Depending on the subject, Google may
quotes, minus sign, to exclude words and the site prefix to find not be able to deliver alerts daily. Alerts on these subjects will be
specific types of website. sent, when they are available for you.

Step 2 Step 4
❱ Using the Show options menu, you can choose to tell Google ❱ To help you avoid an alert email full of low quality results, you
to only provide content of a specific type (videos, for example) or can change the volume of the alerts to “Only the best results”. This
you can request that every type of result is sent to you. Everything allows Google to filter results to those most relevant to your query
alerts include results from Google Web Search, Google Blog Search and those of high quality. If you prefer, you can change this setting
and Google News. to “All results”.

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 How to Create Google Alerts

Step 5
❱ Enter the email address to which you want your alerts delivered.
Google will protect your email address and will not use it to spam
you with offers for any other product or service. If you aren’t signed
in to a Google Account when you create an alert, Google will send
you a verification email.

Manage Google Alerts

Users with Google Accounts can view, create, edit and
Step 6
delete their alerts using the Manage your Alerts page.
❱ If you prefer, and if you are signed in to a Google account when
Click on the Edit button and you will be able to alter
creating the alert, you can choose to have the results sent via an any of the original settings using the simple drop-down
RSS feed. Simply sign in and choose the Feed option in the Deliver menus. You can manage alerts for more than one email
to field. You can read your feed in any RSS feed reader. address by adding your other email address to your
existing Google Account. To add an email address to your
Google Account, visit your Google account page and use
the Email addresses section.

Step 7
❱ To view any of these Google Alerts, you have to open your
email application and check the email addresses that you linked
to your Google Account during initial set up. You can check
this information at anytime via your account link, top right of
your browser.

Delete Google Alerts

Should you find the info you are looking for or simply tire
of the subject matter of your alerts, you can delete your
alerts subjects, one by one. To do this open the main
Google Alerts pages via this link: www.google.com/alerts.

At the top of the page notice your alert subjects. You can
edit these by tapping the pencil icon or delete them by
tapping the Bin icon. Please note you are not given any
confirmation window, the alerts are deleted instantly.

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Make Chrome OS Your Own

How to Personalise
Google Trends
The Google Trends app brings you the world’s most popular search terms or
topics. Breaking down the results by country and region, while also offering
insights and keeping you updated to the latest trends. Users can also browse
history data giving you a clearer view of the world’s online habits.

Step 1 Step 3
❱ Navigate to the Google trends website trends.google.com to be ❱ In the search bar, enter your term and click on the magnifying
presented with this home page. This is a far complex application glass to activate your search. Some will bring a variety of different
so be advised to take a few moments to get used to the layout searches or similar terms, if this is the case a drop down menu will
and the control options you will find here. appear enabling you to select specifically for your choice.

Step 2 Step 4
❱ Scrolling down through the home page you will find the various ❱ Your search will show your results as follows; location, time
options including latest stories, insights and updates, historical period, search type and category. You can adjust each of these as
data and recently trending search results. We will look at all of you wish to further focus your results. For example you may wish
these but to start let’s focus on the main search bar. to check Shopping when looking for most popular selling item etc.

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 How to Personalise Google Trends

Step 5 Step 8
❱ Your results will also be broken down by sub region for your area ❱ One of the best features of this app is the ability to compare two
of search. With the most popular area listed first and so on. Notice topics and how the results match up with one another. You can
that related searches and queries are also listed here. You can share add various terms to compare and once again these results can be
each of these search results by clicking the top right share icon. downloaded as a csv doc or shared via the linked icons.

Step 6
❱ If you are looking for an online time machine, Google have one
right here for you. On the home screen, scroll down and select the
year you wish visit and you will be given the most popular search
terms from that time period, spread across numerous categories.

Step 9
❱ You can also subscribe to a regular (weekly or monthly) email
which will send you updated data based your key search terms, to
Step 7 sign up click the + icon bottom left and enter the terms you wish
❱ All the information found via this app can exported from the to follow. Now simply wait for your email update to arrive.
web browser to a large variety of spreadsheet software, including
Microsoft Excel and Apple’s Pages. To save your information as a
csv doc click the download icon (an underlined down arrow).

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Make Chrome OS Your Own

Getting Started
with Chrome
Google Chrome is much more than an alternative web browser. If you are
looking to use the Google app suite to any degree we strongly advise you
to download Chrome now!

1 6
3 4
7 5
2

1 Tabs 3 Omni Box/Address Box

❱ Just like almost all other browsers, Chrome lets you open ❱ This is where the URL of the current website is shown. You can
multiple web pages at once and display them in tabs. Simply use the Omni box to either type a full URL or type a search term.
click on any tab to display the page. To add a new tab, click on Type a URL and press Return and that web page will open. If you
the small tab to the right of the last one. To remove a tab, click type a search term, Google search results will be shown instead.
the small X on the right of the tab you want to close. You can also You can change the default search engine that is used in
manage tabs from the Chrome options menu. Settings > Search.

2 Navigation Controls 4 Bookmark Button

❱ From left to right, the main buttons you use when navigating ❱ Clicking on the star while viewing any web page will open a small
web pages using Chrome are: Back, Forward, Refresh and Home. bookmark option window. This allows you to choose a name for
Click and hold on both the Back and Forward buttons to see your the bookmark, as well as selecting where to save it. If the star is
recent navigation history. The Home button may not be displayed golden, that means you have already bookmarked the page you
here on a brand new install of Chrome but you can turn it on in are viewing. By using the Bookmark Button you will be able to
the settings (Appearance > Show Home Button). compile a listing of all your favourite websites in a single place.

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 Getting Started with Chrome

5 Extensions
❱ Many different pieces of software will add extensions to the
Installing Chrome
browser, allowing you to perform specific tasks while viewing You may find that Chrome is preinstalled on many new
websites. The extension shown here is the AVG toolbar, installed computers but if not, here is how to install it yourself.
as part of the AVG antivirus software. You can disable or remove
Chrome browser extensions simply by right-clicking on the icon Step 1
and choosing from the Action menu. ❱ Visit www.google.co.uk/chrome/browser/desktop/
index.html and click on the Download Now button to get
the Chrome installer. You can choose to make Chrome
6 Chrome Options your default browser at this point or you can change that
❱ This is where you will find all of the controls and settings for setting later.
Chrome, from basic display settings to advanced developer tools.
You can also manage your bookmarks, extensions and search
history from here. We will look at the Chrome Options in more
detail later.

7 Bookmarks Bar
❱ This bar is turned off by default, so must be activated in the
Settings if you want to use it. When saving bookmarks, you have
the option to Save to Bookmarks Bar. Any pages saved to this will
be shown as quick links in the bar. This is very useful for saving
those websites you use most often. Depending on the length of
the title you give the bookmarks, only about five or six links will be
visible here; the remainder are displayed in a drop-down menu.

Chrome
Requirements Step 2
❱ Once the download is complete, Chrome will install
automatically. When the installation is complete, a
Chrome is fairly lightweight, so it should run happily
Chrome browser window will open, giving you the
even on an old computer. Here are the bare minimum
requirements for PC users. opportunity to take a tour of Chrome’s main features; and
that’s it, simple eh?
Operating System: Windows XP, Vista, 7 or 8
Processor: Intel Pentium 4/Athlon 64 or later
Free Disk Space: 100MB
RAM: 128MB

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Make Chrome OS Your Own

Customising the
Chrome Browser
There are many different ways you can customise your Chrome
experience, from adding extensions to setting the default home page. If
you really want to make Chrome personal to you, there is no better way
than adding a theme.

Step 3
Changing the Theme ❱ To select and activate a theme, simply roll over the thumbnail
and click the Add to Chrome button. Your chosen theme is
Step 1 automatically downloaded, installed and activated in a few
❱ Open Chrome on your computer and click on the Chrome Menu seconds (depending on your broadband connection speed). If
button in the top right corner. Look for the Chrome options link, you want to read more about a theme, roll over the thumbnail
click this and select Settings and this window will open. and then click on the text.

Step 2 Step 4
❱ From the Settings screen click on Themes from the Appearance ❱ Themes you download aren’t saved on your computer, so
options. This will take you to the Chrome Web Store, which applying a new theme will overwrite the previous one. You can
shows web apps and extensions. To view the available themes, remove a custom theme at any time by clicking the Chrome
scroll down to the left-hand menu and click the Themes link. A options button, then selecting Settings. Under the Appearance
selection of themes will now be displayed on screen. heading you will see the option to Reset to Default Theme.

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 Customising the Chrome Browser

Change the Default Open a Specific Page or Set of Pages

❱ You can use this option to set a single web page to open

Home Page whenever you start Chrome. This could be the Google home
page for your country, the Facebook login or any other web page
Chrome gives you several choices for what you see when you you choose. You can also choose a set of pages to open. Click Set
start it up. You may decide that you want to always open with Pages and enter the URLs of the sites you want to open. They will
the Google home page or you may want to show a selection of each open in a separate tab when you start Chrome.
your most visited sites. All of these options are accessed through
Options > Settings > On Startup.

Open the New Tab Page

❱ This option will display a grid of eight website thumbnails. Each
thumbnail relates to one of your eight most visited web pages.
Click on any of the thumbnails to go to the page. You can remove
any of the thumbnails by hovering the mouse pointer over it and
then clicking the X that appears in the top right corner.

Continue Where I Left Off

❱ If this option is enabled, Chrome will always start up showing
the website and tabs you were viewing when you last closed the
browser. If you close all of the open tabs individually, rather than
clicking the X at the top right to close the entire browser window,
when you open Chrome again it will display the New Tab page.

Show the Home

Button
When you first install and use Chrome, you will probably
notice that there is no Home button in the toolbar. We
don’t really understand why Google chose to hide the
Home button but you can activate it easily, so it’s not
too much of a problem. To activate the Home button,
click the Options button and select Settings. Under the
Appearance heading, check the box next to Show Home
Button. You can choose which page is displayed when the
Home button is clicked (the New Tabs page or another of
your choice).

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Make Chrome OS Your Own

How to Save and

Sync Chrome
If you use Google Chrome on any device other than just your computer,
the ability to sync the browser is a great feature. Chrome lets you save
bookmarks, preferences, themes and even extensions and then share
those changes with all your mobile devices quickly and easily.

Signing in to Chrome
Before you can sync your Chrome settings, you will need to sign in using a common Google account.

Step 1 Step 3
❱ Open Chrome on your computer and click on the Chrome ❱ A Sync Settings windows should now open but if not, go
User button in the top right corner. Now follow the on-screen to Chrome Menu > Settings > Advanced Sync Settings. Here
instructions and sign into your account. Click this and a new you can select what is synced between devices. Click on Sync
window will open. Everything and choose what to sync.

Step 2 Step 4
❱ You will now need to sign in using the Google account that ❱ You can also choose to encrypt your synced data. By default,
you use on your other devices (smartphones, tablets, etc.). You your Google Account password is used to encrypt saved
probably only have one account but if you have more than one, passwords. If you want, change this to encrypt all your synced
make sure you check this. data and then create a custom passphrase for encryption.

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 How to Save and Sync Chrome

Step 3
❱ On Chrome for Android,
tap the Menu button
> Settings > Sign in to
Chrome. Once signed in,
tap Sync and make sure
the Open tabs checkbox
is selected. You should
now be ready to go.

Step 4
❱ Open a new tab on your computer by clicking the New Tab

Signing Out of Chrome button or Ctrl+T. In the lower right corner of the screen, click Other
devices and click the tab you want to open on the current device.
You can disconnect your Google account from Chrome
and stop syncing with your other devices at any time.
Disconnecting your Google account won’t wipe the data
stored on your computer or in your Google account.
However, any future changes you make on your
computer will not be reflected on other computers or
devices that you have signed in to Chrome on.

Syncing Open Tabs

You can disconnect your Google account from Chrome and stop
syncing with your other devices at any time. Disconnecting your
Google account won’t wipe the data stored on your computer or
in your Google account. However, any future changes you make
on your computer will not be reflected on other computers or
devices that you have signed in to Chrome on.

Step 1
❱ Before you can
sync open tabs Step 5
between devices, ❱ Open tabs are grouped together by devices. You can hide a
you will need to specific one by disabling tab syncing on that particular device. To
make sure that the temporarily hide a device, right-click its name and select Hide.
setting is enabled
on both devices.
Sign in to Chrome
using the same
Google account
on the devices you
want to sync.

Step 2
❱ Check your sync
settings on each
device. Open the
Chrome Menu >
Settings, click the
icon to the right of
the Sync opinion
and then check
Open Tabs.

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Make Chrome OS Your Own

Using the Chrome

Web Store
The Chrome Web Store gives you the option of adding thousands of
different themes and extensions to your browser. Here’s how to get started
with apps and extensions on Chrome.

Step 2
❱ Click on the lower right side of the Chrome Web Store icon
to open it. The web store home screen shows a selection of
popular and trending themes. Roll over any of the images to
read a short description. To see more details, click anywhere on
the description or theme title.

Chrome Themes
Chrome Extensions are web-based programmes that are
designed to be used entirely within the browser. Using
apps, you can do things like create documents, edit photos
and listen to music, without having to install complicated
third-party software on your computer. Themes on the other
hand are purely aesthetic as they change the look of the
Chrome browser and do not add any further functionality.
Think of Themes as a way of injecting a little extra bit of your
personality into your web browser. Step 3
❱ To install a theme, click on the Add to Chrome button. Your
Step 1 new theme will instantly install and be present within your
❱ You can access the Web Store easily by clicking on the Apps current Chrome Browser window. You can also share themes
Icon in the top left area of the page when you start Chrome. with others by clicking on the Share button next to the Add to
The Apps page will slide into view, displaying any apps you Chrome button; or Launch Theme button if already installed.
currently have installed (Gmail and YouTube for example). Choose the Share method from the list.

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 Using the Chrome Web Store

Chrome Extensions Step 3

❱ Roll over any of the extension images to read a short
Extensions are extra features and tools that you can add to description. To see more details, click anywhere on the
Google Chrome. Using extensions, you can customise Chrome description or extension title. You can then read an overview,
with the features you want or need, while keeping your browser details, reviews and see related software. To install an extension,
free of things that you don’t. Some extensions add buttons next click on the Add to Chrome button.
to the address bar to let you know about certain events. For
instance, you can use the Google Mail Checker to get alerts about
new emails. Some extensions act like shortcuts. For example, if
you use a feed reader, the RSS Subscription Extension lets you
know if there’s a feed for the site you’re on. Click the small icon
that appears in the address bar to quickly subscribe to the feed.
Here’s how to find and install extensions to Google Chrome.

Step 1
❱ You need to return to the Web Store, following the same
process as previously covered. Once again the Apps page will be
the first thing you view, displaying any apps you currently have
installed. Unlike apps, extensions will not be displayed here. Step 4
❱ When you have
confirmed you wish
to save it, your new
extension will be
downloaded and
appears as a small icon
at the top right of the
screen. To open this
simply click on the icon.

Step 2
❱ Click on the Chrome Web Store icon to open it. The web
store Home screen shows a selection of popular and trending
extensions and themes. To view available extensions, click the
Extensions link at top left. An extended menu will then allow
you to choose a category.

Manage the Toolbar

You can rearrange and customise how the extensions are
displayed in the toolbar. To rearrange the icons, simply
drag extension icons next to the address bar to rearrange
them on the browser toolbar. If you want to see more
extension icons on the browser toolbar, you can expand
the extension icon area. Click the right border of the
address bar and drag it to the left. Similarly, to hide extra
extensions, extend the address bar by dragging its right
border to the right. You can click the arrow button next
to the Chrome menu to see your extra extensions (if they
display icons).

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Make Chrome OS Your Own

How to Use
Chrome Plug-ins
Plug-ins are essential pieces of software that help the browser to read
and display certain types of content. Unlike extensions, which add
extra features to Chrome, plug-ins are essential to the smooth running
of the browser. Here’s how to check, install, block and disable plug-ins
for Chrome.

Installing Plug-ins Step 3

❱ Once the download has finished, restart Google Chrome by
closing all open windows to complete the installation process.
Step 1 This is an important step as Chrome needs to be restarted or it
❱ Assuming that you allow websites to use plug-ins, if Google will continue to look for the plug-in you just downloaded.
Chrome detects that you’re missing a particular plug-in for a
page you are trying to view, you will see a prompt to install the
plug-in at the top of the web page.

Step 2 Step 4
❱ Click Install plug-in in the message dialog. Some plug-ins begin ❱ NOTE: It is not unusual that a previously installed Chrome Plug-
the installation process by downloading a setup file to your in will require an update to enable functionality. These updates
computer. For those plug-ins, make sure that you confirm the will require you to manually agree to re-install the plug-in, by
download by clicking Save in the downloads bar that appears. downloading the new version, via the same process detailed above.

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 How to Use Chrome Plug-ins

Blocking Chrome’s Step 3

❱ To block the website(s) that are causing you an issue with the

Plug-ins a specific plug, such as Flash Player for example, click the Add
button and enter the URL of the site that has issues and then
Click Add again to complete the process.
Step 1
❱ Plug-ins are allowed by default. However, since they can
occasionally be a security risk, Google Chrome blocks plug-ins
that are outdated or not widely used. Examples include Java,
RealPlayer, QuickTime and Shockwave. You can also block all
plug-ins on a one by one basis.

Step 4
❱ If you have used previous versions of the Chrome browser you
may notice that you are unable to completely disable a plug-in
in the current Chrome build. You are able to block plug-ins as
detailed here and there is no limit on the number of sites you
can add to the blocked list.

Step 2
❱ To block plug-ins, click the Chrome menu and select Settings.
Click Show advanced settings and in the Privacy section click
the Content settings button. Click the arrow to the right of the
plug-in and select which sites you wish to block from its use.

Chrome Plug-ins
Whether using Windows, Linux or Mac, Chrome supports
many of the most popular and widely used plug-ins.

These include:
• Adobe Flash Player • Adobe Reader
• Java • Windows Media Player
• Real PlayerQuickTime • QuickTime
• Microsoft Silverlight

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Make Chrome OS Your Own

Setting Up
Chrome Autofill
Some of the most useful features of Chrome, like Chrome Autofill, are easy
to set up and can make browsing the Internet a much quicker experience,
particularly if you find yourself forever filling out online forms.

Step 1 Step 3
❱ The first time you fill out a form, Google Chrome automatically ❱ If your Chrome Autofill information is correct, you don’t need
saves the contact information that you enter, like your name, to do anything more. If you have changed address recently, or
address, phone number or email address, as an Autofill entry. some of the other information has changed, it can be frustrating
You can store multiple addresses as separate entries. for Chrome to keep suggesting the wrong info.

Step 4
❱ To manage your Autofill entries, open Chrome and click on
Step 2 the menu button in the top right corner (icon with the three
❱ Chrome can also save your credit card information, with your dots in a column). Select Settings and then click Advanced at
permission. When you do this on a form, Chrome asks you at the the bottom of the page. Find the Passwords and forms section
top of the page whether you’d like to save the information. and click Autofill settings.

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 Setting Up Chrome Autofill

Step 5 Step 6
❱ If you have more than one Autofill entry, click the one you want ❱ To remove an entry, click on it in the Autofill settings and
to edit and then click the Edit button that appears to the right of it. then click the X that appears to the right of the entry. If you
Complete or edit the information form and then click OK to finish. want to disable Chrome Autofill altogether, you can do so by
You can also Add a completely new address using the button here. unchecking the box next to the option in the Chrome settings.

Step 7
❱ Now, when you start filling out a form, the Autofill entries that
match what you’re typing appear in a menu. Select an entry to
automatically complete the form with information from it. This
allows you to have multiple entries in Autofill.

Trusted Sites
It’s important that you use Autofill only on websites
you trust, as certain websites might try to capture
your information in hidden or hard to see fields. Some
websites prevent browsers from saving text that you’ve
entered, so Google Chrome won’t be able to complete
forms on those sites.

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Make Chrome OS Your Own

Chrome Tips
and Tricks
Even if you have been using Chrome for a while, there are probably dozens
of tricks that you never even knew were possible. Here are a few tips and
tricks to get you started.

Chrome-Casting Your Screen Chrome Keyboard Shortcuts

❱ Have you ever been browsing online and stumbled upon a ❱ There are several useful keyboard shortcuts for Chrome.
video, or photograph, that you want to share with those around Remember that the browser window must be currently selected
you on the big screen of your family TV? With the additional for these to work.
purchase of a Google Chromecast
you will be able to do just that, Ctrl+Shift+N New Incognito Window
by casting content from your Alt+Home Load your Home Page
Chrome browser, on your Ctrl+T Open a new tab
desktop or mobile devices, Ctrl+Shift+T Open most recently closed tab
to your TV. The quickest Ctrl+Tab Scroll through open tabs
way to do this, on your Ctrl+J Opens your downloads screen
desktop device, is by
right-clicking on the
Chrome window
and then clicking on
“Cast”. On a mobile,
tap the Three dot icon,
top right of the Chrome
app, and tap “Cast”.

Incognito Window Chrome Task Manager

❱ There are several ways to open a new incognito window for ❱ The Task Manager is a useful tool to see how much memory
Chrome. If you have a Chrome shortcut pinned to the task bar, your currently open tabs and browser plug-ins are using. To open
you can right-click it and select New Incognito Window. You the task manager, right-click the top of the browser window
can also click the Settings menu button at the top right of the and select Task Manager from the menu. Highlight one and click
browser window and select the same. The quickest way to do it End Process to stop it running. You can also press Shift + Esc as a
however, is to use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + N. Content quicker way to bring up the Google Chrome Task Manager.
displayed in an incognito window will not show up in your
browser history, nor will cookies be saved.

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 Chrome Tips and Tricks

Spring Cleaning Pinning Tabs

❱ To delete cookies, click on the menu button and go to Settings. ❱ Another useful thing you
Scroll down to the Privacy section, and click Content Settings. can do with tabs is pin them.
Now you can click Remove All or Remove Individual Cookies. To Pinning tabs means that
clear more data such as the Google Chrome browsing history whatever is shown on the
and cache, click the Tools icon and select Clear Browsing Data. tab when it is pinned will
To clear the most visited websites that appear on your Google automatically be loaded
Chrome Start page, you must clear your browsing history using when you next open a new
the method already described. Clearing your Google Chrome Chrome browser window. To
browser history will also stop matches from previously browsed pin a tab, right-click on it and
sites appearing as suggestions in your address bar. select Pin Tab from the menu.
Pinned tabs appear smaller in
the row than unpinned tabs.
To unpin a tab, simply repeat
the process and select Unpin
Tab from the menu.

Start-up Preferences
❱ By default, when launching a new window in Chrome, the
browser displays the New Tab page, which is a blank tab with
links to your most visited websites. It is possible to customise this.
Adjust Text Size Click the Settings icon and select Settings. Under the On start-up
❱ Having trouble reading small text on a page in Chrome? No section, choose the ‘Open a specific page or set of pages’ radio
problem! Chrome lets you easily zoom both in and out, increasing button and click the Set pages link next to it. Then, either click ‘Use
or decreasing the size of both text and images. You can do this a current pages’ or type an address to set an alternative home page.
couple of ways. The first is to click the Settings menu button and
use the Zoom controls you find there. An easier way to do it is to
hold Ctrl and use the scroll wheel on your mouse to zoom in and
out; as you do this, a small window will pop out of the address bar
to show you the level of zoom.

Syncing Chrome
❱ With Chrome’s sign in feature, you no longer need to fret
about your bookmarks or apps being stuck on one computer.
When you sign in to the Chrome browser or a Chrome device,
your bookmarks, extensions, apps, theme and other browser
preferences are saved and synced to your Google Account. You
Rearrange Tabs can then load these settings any time you use Chrome on other
❱ If you have several tabs open in Chrome, you can rearrange computers and devices. Signing into Chrome also makes using
them easily by simply clicking on a tab and dragging it along Google services, like Gmail, YouTube and Maps easier since you
the row to the position you want. If you want to open one of the generally only need to sign in once from your browser.
tabs as a separate window, click on it and drag it to the desktop.
Release the mouse button and a new window will open. Right-
click on any tab to see the tab options menu. Here you can reload
tabs, close all tabs to the right of the selected one and even
reopen closed tabs (Chrome remembers the last ten closed tabs).

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Make Chrome OS Your Own

Installing
Apps
Naturally, you’re going to want to install more apps than the current,
default selection. Thankfully, and thanks to some new features of Chrome
OS, the task of installing new apps is exceedingly simple; especially since
we can now use the Google Play Store.

Step 1 Step 3
❱ The only problem with install apps on a Chromebook is that ❱ When you click on a result, such as we’ve done in Step 2,
you’re spoiled for choice. Unless you specially know what app you information regarding the app will be displayed, including
want to install, you can find yourself dredging through the millions screenshots, reviews, and details on the title itself. For now,
available. Start by locating the Google Play Store app on the Shelf. though, we just want to install it. Click on the green Install button
in the top-right of the Google Play Store window.

Step 2 Step 4
❱ Let’s install a game for our first example. In the Search bar in the ❱ Installation can take anything from a few seconds to a few
Google Play Store open window, enter: Infinitode 2. Infinitode 2 is minutes; depending on your internet connection speed, and the
a great, new tower defence game from developer Prineside. Click size of the app you’re installing. You’ll get notifications as to how
on the first result in the search. far into the process the install is, and when it’s finally done.

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 Installing Apps

Step 5 Step 8
❱ With the app fully installed, the green button on the app’s page ❱ This new window lists all the installed and available apps on
in the Google Play Store will now change to Play. You can click the the Chromebook. By default, there are two pages, so you’ll need
Play button to start the app. You’ll notice that, unlike an app being to scroll down to view the second page. The app you’ve just
used on an Android tablet or phone, a Chrome OS Android app is installed should be first in the list, but we’ve often seen some apps
played in a full-screen window, since it’s being emulated. appearing last. Either way, it’ll be in here.

Step 6 Step 9
❱ You’ll find that most Android-native apps from the Google ❱ Opening apps via the Launcher is perfectly fine, especially if
Play Store will work seamlessly on the Chromebook. However, you want to keep the Chrome OS Shelf clean and clutter-free. If,
some of them may not appear on-screen in the way they were though, you’d prefer the app to be available via the Shelf, then,
originally intended. This is due to the fact that many apps are with the full-screen Launcher open, two-finger tap and hold (the
designed specifically for a phone or tablet, not the screen size of a equivalent of a right-click) to bring up the context menu, and
Chromebook. Infinitode 2, however, works perfectly. select Pin to Shelf.

Step 7 Step 10
❱ Newly installed apps don’t default to the Chrome OS Shelf, you’ll ❱ As you can see, the installed example app, Infinitode 2, is now
need to go hunting for them yourself. You can use ‘Ok Google…’ added to the Shelf. You can tap and hold the app icon, then gently
to open the app in question, or you can click the Launcher icon (in move it along the Shelf to a new position if you want. You can also
the bottom left of the desktop), then click the up-pointing arrow two-finger tap and hold, and select Unpin to remove it from the
to display all the currently installed apps. Shelf if things are beginning to get cluttered.

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Make Chrome OS Your Own

Removing
Apps
We’ve all been there, installed an app that looked interesting only to find
that it’s a complete waste of space. Removing, or uninstalling if you prefer,
an app is as easy as installing one on Chrome OS. There are several ways it
can be done, so let’s have a look at them.

Step 1 Step 3
❱ One of the easiest ways to remove an existing app that’s ❱ From the list of apps, locate the one you want to remove. Then,
currently located on the Shelf, is to simply two-finger tap and hold, as with Step 1, two-finger tap and hold to bring up the context
then from the context menu that pops up select Uninstall. This is menu, and from the list select Uninstall. This will, as previously
unobtrusively remove the app from your Chromebook. mentioned, remove the app from the system.

Step 2 Step 4
❱ If, however, the app you want to remove isn’t located on the ❱ Another way to remove an installed app is to open the Google
Shelf. Click on the Launcher in the bottom-left of the desktop, Play Store (by default, located on the Shelf ). From within the
followed by the up-pointing arrow to bring up the full-screen list Google Play Store, click on your Google Account icon, found in the
of all the available apps installed on the Chromebook. upper-right corner of the Play Store window.

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 Removing Apps

Step 5 Step 8
❱ Clicking your Google Account icon will bring up a new pop-up ❱ One final method to remove an app is to click on the power, Wifi
window, with several options available. These options can control and time icons in the bottom-right of the desktop, then look for
all aspects of your Google Account across all devices, which cog icon, and click it to open the Chrome OS Setting page.
includes payments and subscriptions, as well as local device
specifics, such as the removal of installed apps.

Step 9
❱ From the Chrome OS Settings page, look to the list on the left-
Step 6 hand pane, and locate the Apps entry. Click it, and the main pane
❱ With the options from the pop-up window available, select view will change and display two available options: Manage your
Manage apps and device. This opens a separate window, with the apps, and Google Play Store. Select the Manage your apps option.
default Overview tab selected. Click on the other tab, Manage, to
bring up a list of the installed Apps & Games on the Chromebook.

Step 10
❱ In here you’ll see a list of all the all installed apps on the system.
Step 7 Scroll down through the list until you find the app you want to
❱ Scroll down the list until you find the app you want to remove. remove. Click the app in question, then from the new view, click
Click on it, and from the displayed information regarding the app, on the Uninstall button.
click on the Uninstall button.

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Make Chrome OS Your Own

Using
Desks
Desks isa technology that’s used in most modern operating systems.
Essentially, it’s a multi-tasking aid that enables you to create multiple
virtual desktops, so you can separate work from personal, coding from
word processing, and so on. Here’s how to get the most from them.

Step 1 Step 3
❱ The quickest way to create a new Desk is to simply locate, and ❱ When you want to switch to an already created Desk, hit the
press the Show Windows key on your Chromebook (the one Show Windows key, and click on the Desk you want. You can
that looks like: ). This will display all the currently open desktops rename Desks by clicking the Desk label. This will highlight the
and windows. label, and you can start typing to rename it.

Step 2 Step 4
❱ Look to the top of the screen, you’ll see a button labelled ‘Desk 1’ ❱ You will notice that you can open different applications on
and a plus icon to the right of it. Click on the plus icon, and this will different Desks, enabling you to easily switch between Apps and
create a brand-new Desk. You’ll be given the option to name the Desks. But, you can also move app windows from one Desk to
new Desk, so call it whatever you want; we’ve called ours ‘Coding’ another. Open an app, and Tap the Show Windows key once again.
for this example.

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 Using Desks

Step 5 Step 8
❱ With the Show Windows display up, click and hold on the app ❱ You can just as easily remove, or delete, a Desk as creating one.
you want to move to another Desk, and drag it to the Desk in Tap the Show Windows key again, and move the mouse pointer
question. In our example, we’ve move the Chrome web browser over the Desk you want to remove. When it’s highlighted, you’ll see
from our second Desk (named Coding), to the first Desk (named a small ‘x’ icon in the upper-right corner of the Desk. Click this to
Desk 1). remove the Desk. All opened apps on the Desk to be removed will
move to the Desk on the left or right.

Step 6 Step 9
❱ There is another way to move an application from Desk to ❱ You can currently create up to eight Desks with Chrome OS,
another – or even to display it on all current Desks. Within the however, with more updates that could increase to sixteen. It
normal desktop view, right-click on the top bar of the app (by wasn’t that long ago that you could only create four Desks, so
holding Alt while clicking). This brings up a context menu. expect more in the future.

Step 7
❱ At the bottom of the menu, hover over the Move window to
Desk option, and this will expand into a sub-menu. From here, you
Keyboard Shortcuts
There are a number of shortcut keys available to help
can click on the Desk the want the app to be moved to, or you can
manage Desks on a Chromebook. Some of these may differ,
opt to have it appear on all the available Desks. depending on the make and model of your Chromebook.

• Create a new desk:

Press Search + Shift + =.
• Switch to a different desk:
Press Search + [ or ] (left or right square bracket).
• Move a window to a different desk:
Press Shift + Search + [ or ].
• View all windows in your desk:
Press Alt + Tab.
• View a different window in your desk:
Hold Alt and press Tab.
• View a different window in your current desk:
Select Current desk.
• View windows across all desks:
Select All desk

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Make Chrome OS Your Own

Working with a
Chromebook
You can be forgiven for thinking that a Chromebook is really just an
elaborate tablet, capable really of only viewing social media, playing some
games, watching the occasional YouTube video and looking up who the
actor is in the show you’re watching. But there’s more to it than that.

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 Working with a Chromebook

The disadvantage is the Chromebook’s lack of raw

processing power. Take a Windows laptop, for
example, even one of the mid-range
varieties, and they will wipe
the floor with a Chromebook
when it comes to the speed
of the process, capabilities of graphics,
size and speed of memory and the amount of
storage available. This level of processing power is what
will drive most power users to stay with their tried and tested,
traditional laptops – be they Windows 10 or MacBook.

Chromebooks contain a little bit of everything, yes they’re

great for doing all of the above, but they’re also wonderful
little workhorses, and with the right selection of installed
apps they could easily replace a standard Windows laptop or
MacBook as your go to workstation.

However, what the Chromebook may lack in oomph, it certainly

Versatility vs Power makes up for with a great combination of available tools, security,
❱ A Chromebook’s advantage lies in its versatility. There’s and a platform that’s cutting edge. The always-working-online
something for everyone here, from the standard Word and aspect isn’t so much of a worry these days as it was then the
Microsoft Office user, through to the digital editor, avid gamer, and Chromebook first emerged. These days home internet speeds are
even developers. more than enough to cater for large file transfers, and there’s more

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Make Chrome OS Your Own

than ample 5G and the like coverage to cope with those who
work on the move. In many ways it’s like owning a sports car. Yes,
it looks fantastic, it’s engineering perfection, powerful and fast, but
in reality, it’s not particularly practical. And you can do just as much
(minus the going really, really fast bit) with a lesser priced, lesser
powered car. Of course, in the end, the choice is yours, but don’t
discount a Chromebook just because its hardware specifications
aren’t a match for a power user laptop.

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 Working with a Chromebook

Anything you can do, I can do better…

Well, in terms of a Chromebook, maybe not better, but may like watching the latest movies on one. Likewise,
perhaps just as well. It’s worth breaking down some of the an avid gamer may not have any need to do any coding
more popular aspects of modern computing, and seeing or development work, but a recently released game
how a Chromebook would fare next to something like a could enable modifications through some low-level
Windows 10/11 laptop. code, which may mean they’ll dip their toes into the
world of programming.
Your uses may differ, but there’s always some basic
crossover involved. For example, someone who spends Either way, here’s a break down of some of the more
all day writing documents for work may not want to do popular uses for a modern computer, and where the
any gaming on their computer in their free time, but they Chromebook would fit in nicely.

Gaming The Google Play Store

❱ Let’s get to the fun stuff first, gaming. Gaming on a Chromebook ❱ Open the Google Play Store on your Chromebook, go to the
is surprisingly vast, probably more so than on a traditional Categories tab, and select Games from the list. Within here you’ll
Windows PC. You have several options available to you for gaming have an enormous selection of titles, from the likes of Candy
on a Chromebook: via the Google Play Store (Android gaming), Crush through to Terraria, Fortnite, Minecraft, Call of Duty Mobile
as a web application via the Chrome browser, or as a streaming and more.
device with the likes of Google Stadia, or even playing Steam (PC)
games through the Steam Link app.

The selection of titles does contain some stinkers, but then so does
the Steam library of games. In a selection of 480,000 gaming apps
– as surveyed by Statista for Q1 2021 – you’re going to get some
you won’t like, but at the same time, that leaves an awful lot of
potential titles that you will enjoy.

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Make Chrome OS Your Own

Web Apps Game Streaming

❱ Since the demise of Flash, HTML5 gaming has become the ❱ The Google Stadia had something of a shaky start to its life when
norm, and with it a new generation of top-quality games that it was released back in November 2019. However, the platform
are playable directly from your Chrome browser. True, you don’t has improved greatly in that time, with more titles available and a
need a Chromebook in order to enjoy web-based gaming, as any better handle over the bandwidth used when gaming.
platform with a Chrome browser installed can do the job, but the
Chromebook is what we’re looking at here. Beyond the Stadia, Valve’s Steam Link app will enable you to
stream games from your PC’s connection to your Steam account,
It’s not just modern gaming titles that are in the mix when it directly to the Chromebook; providing it’s on the same network
comes to web-based gaming. There are countless sites out there as your gaming PC. This naturally opens up a wealth of options for
that deal with retro gaming. These sites normally host a form of the PC gamer, as they can hook up their Chromebook to the big
online emulator, with access to ROMs belonging to the system screen TV, attach a keyboard and mouse, and play their top-end
that’s being emulated. Now, just as a word of caution, some of gaming titles from the comfort of the living room.
these sites aren’t legally supposed to be hosting the gaming
ROMs. There’s nothing to stop you from visiting such as site and Other streaming options will eventually arise, such as
playing on the retro game, and to be fair you probably wouldn’t Amazon’s, for the Chromebook over the coming years. The
know if the ROM was being hosted legally or not, but just so long only issue that will arise when streaming games via the
as you are aware. Chromebook is one of bandwidth. Even on a local network,
the amount of data that’s needed to stream a top-end gaming
title from one machine to the next is huge. Using a wired
connection cuts out most of the issues relating to lesser
bandwidth, but the problem is most Chromebooks don’t
offer a hard wired, Ethernet port as part of their hardware
specifications. You could use a USB C to Ethernet adapter,
which will improve things slightly, but otherwise you’ll need to
ensure that you have best possible Wifi connection available.

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 Working with a Chromebook

Productivity
❱ We all need some form of
productivity tool on our computer.
Whether it’s Microsoft’s Office suite, or one
of the many free, open-source office alternatives,
nearly everyone will at some time have to write
something, look at a spreadsheet or do some form of basic
desktop publishing.

You would think that a PC or Mac would own the world of

productivity, but as recent events have shown, we don’t need
to install the latest office tools locally to out hard drives in order
to do any work; be that homework, study, or coming up with a
presentation for work.

Office 365 Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, OneDrive, Outlook, Skype and
❱ One of Microsoft’s biggest moves in recent years was making its more are all available online; and these are proper working
Office 365 suite available online. Students and workers alike could versions, too. What’s more, as you’re working within the OneDrive
work seamlessly online, within their company, school or college environment, anything you create or modify is saved in the cloud,
online environment, all through Microsoft’s Office portal during so it’s safe in case something goes wrong with the Chromebook,
the COVID-19 lockdown. or you lose the internet connection.

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Make Chrome OS Your Own

If, though, you want a Microsoft Office compatible suite that’s

installed locally on the Chromebook, then look no further than
LibreOffice, the open-source productivity suite for Android.

Alternatively, Microsoft have released

versions of Word, Excel and more for
Android. And, let’s not forget the whole
Google Docs setup, which is available by
default on a Chromebook.

There’s a huge amount of choice available for

those who need Office-like productivity on their
Chromebook, and it’s improving by leaps and
bounds rapidly.

Video
❱ Watching the
latest movies has
become one of the go-to
aspects of a modern laptop.
Those on the commute, those stuck
in a hotel room, those who want to
watch something while lying in bed at home,
the list goes on. The problem with watching
video and other like content n a laptop is that it’s
always the same experience. Codecs are often missing,
stopping someone from watching a movie with their default
player, and even the laptop hardware can be lacking, which results
in stuttering and unsightly lines appearing on-screen.

Newer video playback apps do a better job at playing most of the

content out there, and most of them are free too. It’s worth noting
that Microsoft has started to charge for its high-end HEVC Video
Extensions codecs, where it was once free to install, the Redmond
company now charge 79 pence; it’s not a lot, but more than free!

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 Working with a Chromebook

VLC Player Google Play

❱ VLC for Android is freely available ❱ Video content is also available to rent and buy directly from the
via the Google Play Store, and Google Play Store, with options up to 4K quality too. Hook your
while it may not be the greatest Chromebook up to the TV for the big screen entertainment, or
media player in existence, it’s simply watch it under the cover late at night with the headphones
one that is capable of playing in. There’s something for everyone when it comes to watching
pretty much every video movies on a Chromebook.
that’s out there. It’s also
freely available for PC,
but having it on the
lighter, more mobile
Chromebook
enables users
to enjoy a wider
range of content without resorting to their traditional laptops. It’ll
play streamed content, as well as content from external sources
such as NAS devices and Windows network shares.

Netflix and the Like

❱ As you probably assume, Netflix, Prime video and the like are
also available via the Google Play Store. Installing this on to
your Chromebook opens up even more opportunities to watch
content, from wherever you’re able to get an internet connection;
download the content and you watch it anywhere.

YouTube Music
❱ Let’s not forget that YouTube is built directly in to Chrome OS. It’s ❱ To add to the above video, music is also handled perfectly from
available on the Shelf by default, and with it you’re able to watch within Chrome OS. Not only is there YouTube Music already built-
all the latest content, including movies you can rent or buy directly in, but the Google Play Store has countless options, and if you also
from YouTube. use Spotify, you can utilise the power of the Google Assistant to
ask for tracks, albums musicians and so on, and it’ll play it.

There’s not much we can add to that, and the list used for video,
but consider the portability of the Chromebook over a, generally,
heavier PC laptop or MacBook. Also, consider that a Chromebook
can be flipped into a tablet mode, and stood up in the kitchen,
ideal for listening to Fleetwood Mac when baking.

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Make Chrome OS Your Own

Coding
❱ Coding on a Chromebook used to be difficult and severely
lacking in earlier versions, but things have greatly improved,
mainly due to the ability to install the Linux Development
Environment.

You’ll need to enable the Linux Development

Environment before continuing with your coding
adventure, if you want to get the full coding
experience that is. With it, you’re able to install and
use the latest versions of Python, C, and many more.
In short, if there’s a development environment
available for Linux, then it’ll be available via the
Linux Development Environment in Chrome OS.

You can enable Linux by going to the Settings

> Advanced > and clicking
on the Turn On

button next
to Linux Development
Environment (Beta) under the
Developers section. Make note, it is still in its Beta
stages, so while there’s not going to be too many issues, there
could be some that will stop you from doing what you want.
but it’s one that will work for the vast
It’s also worth noting that anything created and executed within majority of beginner coders who want
the Linux Development Environment is handled inside a sandbox to learn a new programming language.
within Chrome OS. This means that whatever is run in the sandbox And, it will suffice for those who don’t want to install a Beta
shouldn’t affect the core of the operating system. environment on their Chromebooks.

Online Coding
❱ Let’s not ignore the growing number of online IDEs available via
the Chrome browser. The likes of Programiz.com, online-python.
com, replit and onlinegdb are great examples of a fully working
Python IDE inside the browser. A lot of these online IDEs also cater
for other programming languages, such as C and C++, and even
some of the more unique and specific languages. Suffice to say,
there’s no escaping coding on a Chromebook.

Pydroid 3
❱ A good alternative to running Python via the Linux Development
Environment is by installing one of the many available coding
apps from the Google Play Store. Pydroid 3 is a particularly good
IDE for the Python coding language, with access to many modern
educational libraries and assets. It’s not the perfect coding base,

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Chromebooks are ace!
As you can see, there’s very little a Chromebook can’t Due to the Chromebook’s low cost, portability, and
do. The traditional laptop and MacBook may be more evolving operating system, it’s fast becoming the go to
powerful, and in many ways, have access to a set of platform for students, business, and entertainment. In
core apps and programs that handle the complete the few short years of Chrome OS’s history, it has already
specifications of a particular job, but the Chromebook is exceeded expectations, just imagine what you’ll be able
rapidly catching up and gaining ground. to do with yours in a few more years’ time.

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 Using Google Apps

The Google app suite contains some of

the world’s most popular and widely
used applications. Offering alternatives
to operating staples such as email,
maps, calendar, photo editing and so
much more. Having set up your Google
account, you can then access the entire
suite for free. Over the following pages,
we will take you through our expert tips
to ensure that you make the very best of
each one.

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Using Google Apps

Get Started
with Gmail
Gmail is an integral element of the Google app suite, an email platform
that works seamlessly on whichever OS you use, quickly becoming a key
part of your daily routine.

4
5
1

2
3

Creating a Gmail 1 Mailboxes

❱ These links let you display the messages in those mailboxes.

Account A number next to any mailbox shows the amount of unread

messages, rather than the total amount in the mailbox.

You can either connect a Gmail account to your main

Google account or you can create a completely new 2 Labels
account from scratch. If you connect an account, you will
be able to use your new Gmail address or your original ❱ Labels allow you to categorise your messages into various pre-
Google account email to sign in. set or custom folders. You can save messages under more than
one label for better cross-referencing.

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 Get Started with Gmail

Gmail on Android & iOS

You can download the Gmail app for mobile devices, free
of charge, from the Play Store or App Store. This allows
you to use Gmail on the go.
Once downloaded, the app should automatically sign
in using the same Google account details you entered on
your computer (hopefully, this is also the one with which
you set up your Android or iOS device).
You will now be able to see all of the folders and
emails you use and have sent/received on your computer,
albeit on your smartphone or tablet.

3 Chat Controls
❱ This section shows a list of your available Chat contacts, as well as
containing the various chat controls: Add Contact, Status Update,
etc. You can read more about Gmail Chat later in this section.

4 Search Box
❱ Search for any message or contact in your Gmail inbox. Clicking
on the small arrow at the end of the search box allows you to
How to Compose a
refine your search in several different ways.
New Mail
5 Message Controls Google has incorporated a unique way to compose a
❱ This set of buttons only appears when viewing a message. They message in Gmail which allows you to retain on screen
whatever you were looking at, inbox, a message, etc.
allow you to archive, delete or report the message as spam, as well
while composing a new message in a separate window.
as letting you move the message to a particular mailbox or apply a
At the time of writing, this was still an optional feature
label. The More button reveals even more controls. but could be made standard at any time.

To activate this compose window, click the Compose

6 Conversation button and a new window will open at the bottom right
❱ Gmail displays multiple messages from a contact in a of the Gmail window. Whatever you were viewing before
conversation format. If someone replies to your message, both the you clicked Compose will remain on screen but you can
reply and the original message are shown stacked in the window. click through into a different mailbox or open a message
You can expand the conversation to make it easier to read. without the compose window disappearing.

The new compose window contains many of the options.

7 Quick Reply Click in the To field and start to type a name or email
address to see a list of known contacts. The icons at the
❱ Click anywhere in this box to start a quick reply to the last message bottom let you control formatting and attachments. If
in the conversation. To Forward a message, click the Forward tab you want to switch back to the old compose method,
in the quick reply window that opens. Quick reply offers the same click the Send icon at the bottom of the window.
formatting options as creating a new message does.

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Using Google Apps

How to
Customise Gmail
Gmail works brilliantly straight out of the box. There are, however, several
things you can do to Gmail to make it suit your personal preferences more
closely, from adding a theme to customising the layout of the inbox.

Apply a Theme Step 3

❱ Click on any theme to activate it. You will see the background
OK, so this isn’t going to make Gmail work any better, run any change, allowing you to preview the theme without leaving the
faster or deliver emails in a different way but it does brighten themes page. If you find one you like, simply select it and then
things up a bit and makes Gmail more personal to you. click back to the inbox.

Step 1
❱ Sign in to Gmail on your computer and open the main inbox.
In the top right corner of the page you will see the Settings
icon (the gear icon). Click this and select Themes from the listings
displayed on this page.

Step 4
❱ Custom themes let you get a bit more creative. Click on either
Light or Dark custom and then choose an image. You can use a
preselected image or use one of your own by clicking My Photos.

Step 2
❱ The available themes are split up into categories, with basic
colour themes at the top of the page, then HD themes that use
background images, custom themes and classic Gmail themes.

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 How to Customise Gmail

Step 5
❱ Once you have Chosen the Theme you wish to show on your
Google Mail page, you can also add a customisable level of blur
to the image which may make some text easier to read. To do this
click the third icon to the right of the Cancel button.

Importance Markers
How exactly does Gmail decide if an email is important
to you or not? The answer, is very cleverly and sometimes

Customise the Inbox

with a bit of help from you. Gmail displays different
coloured markers next to emails to indicate different
types of messages. A yellow marker means that a
You can easily customise the main inbox to show important
message is important. An empty (white) marker means
or starred emails in a separate section at the top of the page. that the message is not seen as important.

Step 1 If you want to know why a message was classified

❱ Log in to Gmail and click on the main inbox to select it. With the as important, you can hover your mouse over the
main inbox displayed, hover the mouse pointer over the inbox importance marker in order to see the main reason why.
label and you should see a small, downward-pointing arrow. To teach Gmail that messages from a certain contact are
important, all you need to do is find an email from that
person and click on the unfilled importance marker.

Step 2
❱ Click on the arrow
to see a small menu.
Here you can choose
the way emails are
displayed in the inbox.
Roll over each of the
settings to read a short
description of how
they work.

Step 3
❱ Choose a display
Show or Hide Labels
option and you will On the left-hand side of the Gmail interface is a list of
see the inbox split your different mailboxes and labels. Preset mailboxes (or
into sections. At the System Labels) include Important, Starred, Sent Mail and
right-hand side of each Drafts. It is useful to have links to your labels displayed
section heading, another here, but you can hide them if you wish. Click on Settings
and then click on the Labels tab at the top of the page.
drop-down menu lets
You will see a full list of all your labels, with a show and
you further customise
hide link next to each. You can simply go down the list
the section: number of hiding those labels you don’t wish to see in the sidebar.
emails to display, etc.

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Using Google Apps

Dealing with
Gmail Spam
If you find that spam emails are still getting through the built-in filters
and being displayed with your other emails, you can do several things to
improve detection and removal of these unwanted messages.

Step 2
Do I Need to Worry ❱ If you want to remove the spam that is collecting in the spam
mailbox, the spam mailbox will only appear in your labels when

About Spam Emails? spam has been detected and moved into it, click the mailbox and
then click “Delete all spam messages now”.
That’s a good question with a potentially very long
answer, but in short, yes, spam email is best avoided.
Junk or spam emails are unsolicited/requested messages
sent in bulk by email.

Email spam has steadily grown since the early 1990s

and by 2014 were estimated to make up around 90%
of email messages sent. Most spam email messages
are commercial in nature and albeit harmless, they are Step 3
annoying. However, some can also be dangerous because ❱ If you see a message
they may contain links that lead to phishing web sites,
in the spam mailbox
or sites that are hosting malware, or include malware as
which has been moved
file attachments.
there incorrectly (i.e. it
With this in mind, it is always best to approach spam with is not spam), you can
caution and following this guide will better equip you to correct the mistake by
avoid spam as a whole. selecting it and clicking
Not Spam from the
options above it.

Report and
Remove Spam Creating Filters
Step 1 Another way to deal with unwanted emails, particularly if you
❱ Removing spam from your inbox is easy. Click on the message are getting lots of emails from one particular address, is to set
you want to remove and look for the ! button above the message up a filter.
box. Clicking this will remove the spam message and report it
to Google. Step 1
❱ Open the inbox and find a
message from the contact
you want to filter. Click on
the message to open it. Click
on the More button to the
right of the buttons above
the message, and select Filter
Messages Like These from
the menu.

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 Dealing with Gmail Spam

Step 2
❱ In the box that appears,
the email address of the
sender will be automatically
entered. You can add extra
triggers to the filter such as
certain words or recipient
addresses. Next, click Create
filter with this search.

Step 3
❱ You can now decide
what to do with messages
that trigger this filter. There
are numerous options, and
not just options for spam
messages. For
the purpose of this guide,
choose Delete it. Click
Create Filter to finish.

What is Phishing?
Phishing is the process of trying to find private
information such as PIN numbers, passwords and user
names by trickery. Sometimes spammers create fake
websites that look for example, like a well-known bank’s
login page. You will then get an email pretending to
be from that bank, asking you to confirm your login

Protect Your Email

or change some settings by clicking a link to the fake
website. When you enter your email and password
on one of these pages, the spammer records your

Address information and keeps it.

Remember that banks or credit card companies will never

One of the very best ways of ensuring that spam does ask you to email them your password or click on links
not become the bane of your life is to protect your email in emails. If you are in any doubt as to the legitimacy of
at all times. Entering your email address onto websites an email and the links within, the first thing to check is
that you don’t fully trust or posting the address on blogs the link. Without clicking it, roll your mouse pointer over
and forums, will almost certainly lead to a whole heap of the link and look at the information that appears at the
spam heading your way. Automated software (bots) scan bottom of the browser window. This will show you the
through millions of web pages to find email addresses, actual link address, letting you check whether it looks
which are then used by spammers to flood your inbox OK. If you really want to check your online bank, open
with unwanted emails. a new browser window and navigate to your bank’s
page normally.
If you do need to write your email on a blog or forum (in
the signature for example), write it in a way that a non- If the message seems like an attempt to get your
human reader would not understand. For example, you personal information, click Report Phishing from
could write it as john dot doe at gmail dot com (instead the message options menu (arrow to the right of the
of [email protected]). A human should understand Reply button) to help Gmail and Google learn from
how to write that email address properly. such attempts.

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Using Google Apps

Gmail User Tips

and Tricks
You can be up and running with the basic Gmail in seconds, or you can
spend ages customising it and getting it set up in several different ways.
Even if you have been using Gmail for a while, there are probably dozens
of tricks that you never even knew were possible.

Add Stars to Messages Customise Display Density

❱ You can mark a conversation or message that appears next to ❱ Gmail automatically adjusts
the item in your inbox with a star. Stars can be an eye catching the amount or “density” of
way to mark a special message or even a great visual reminder to information on a page when
follow up on an item later. Stars will only appear to you and not you adjust your browser
to anyone else, so you won’t offend your friends by starring their window or when you use
messages rather than reading them. To star a message from your different sized screens. If you
inbox, just click the Star icon next to the sender’s name. You can prefer a denser view whatever
also add a star when reading a message by clicking the icon on size your monitor, you can
the top right of the message. set a limit on your Default
Density. This setting reflects
the lowest density (the most
space) permitted for your
account. Choose how many
messages are on your screen
at a time by clicking on the
gear icon and then selecting
from Comfortable, Cosy
or Compact.

Voice and Video Chat

❱ With Gmail, you can now use voice and video chat services such
as Google+. From within these services, you can have an actual
conversation with someone or even chat face-to-face over video.
To get started, download the voice and video chat plug-in from
www.google.com/chat/video, quit all open browser windows and
install the plug-in. Sign in to Gmail, Google+ or Chrome OS device.

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 Gmail User Tips and Tricks

Labelling Your Emails Search Your Mail

❱ Labels help you organise your messages into categories such ❱ It can be a pain to scroll through hundreds of old emails just
as work, family, to-do, read later, jokes, recipes, etc. Labels do all to find the one you need, which is why you might want to
the work that folders do but with the added bonus that you can try searching for it instead. For example, if you’re looking for a
add more than one to a message. Only you can see your labels, so message that contains the word “shopping”, simply type “shopping”
whether you mark a message with “Best friend” or “Read later”, the in the search field and click the Search button. Your results will
sender will never know. You can create a new label for a message be displayed with your search results and within the message
in your inbox by selecting the box next to the message, clicking highlighted in yellow. If you’re having trouble finding the result
the Label button above your message list and then clicking you want, you can refine your query by clicking the small arrow in
Create New. the search box and entering your criteria in the appropriate fields.

Clean Up Your Inbox

❱ You can use the Move To button at the top of your inbox to easily
move a message out of your inbox and add a label at the same
time. If you have lots of labels, you can pick the one you want by
typing the first couple of characters and letting auto-complete
find the right one, or alternatively create a new one.

Instant Unsubscribe
No matter how much you try to stop them, if you have
purchased something online or sign up for something
free you will be most likely added to a mailing list.
Said lists are often a very valuable tool, alerting you to
possible special offers and updates on a subject that
interests you. Alas most are not and are simply random
filler for your inbox. When you receive such an email, and
you wish to make it your last from the sender, look to
the sender address at the top of the email. Here you will
notice the Unsubscribe link. Click this link and confirm
by pressing the blue button to stop receiving email from
this sender.

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Using Google Apps

Improving the
Google Calendar
Google’s free online calendar app is perfect for keeping track of all the
important events in your life. And if you use other Google products such
as Android or Gmail, you can set things up so that everything integrates
and syncs perfectly and with barely any effort.

Using Quick Add

Creating Events ❱ To use Quick Add simply type “Q” while you’re in Calendar. Quick
There are three ways to create a new event on the desktop version Add can almost read your mind. If you type in something like
of Google Calendar. Which method you use depends entirely on “Lunch with Dad at The Ivy 1pm Friday”, Quick Add can figure out
which you find easiest or most convenient. what you mean and pop the new event right onto your calendar.
Just remember that for Quick Add to work at its best, you need to
include: what, event title, e.g. lunch; when, time and date or day;
who, if there is anyone else to include in the event; and where,
location of the event.

Click on the Date

❱ Open the Google Calendar screen and scroll to the date and
time where you want to mark an event. If you need to look far
ahead, click on the month view button at the top of the screen.
You can then scroll through whole months by clicking the forward
and back arrows, also at the top. If in Week view, you can click and
drag on the event location if you want it to spread over more than
a single hour. If in Month view, you only have the option to click,
although you can change the length of the event afterwards. Type
the title and event time for your new event in the box. Finally, click
Create event to publish the event to your calendar immediately or
click Edit event details to add additional information.

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 Improving the Google Calendar

Click the Create Button

❱ Just click on the Plus sign in the bottom right of your Calendar
window, this will bring you to a page where you can enter as
Create a New Calendar
much information as you’d like about your event. On this page, With Google Calendar you are not restricted to having
you can also add guests, change a reminder setting and publish one calendar crammed with all your birthdays, events,
your event to other users. Once you’ve entered the appropriate appointments and holidays. To make things less messy, it
information and selected the desired settings, click Save. is possible to create several calendars if, for example,
you want to keep personal and business entries
completely separate.

Step 1
❱ At the left-hand side of the Google Calendars screen,
look for the section labelled My Calendars. Click on the
small arrow button and select Create New Calendar.

Step 2
Using Google Tasks ❱ Give your new calendar a title and write a description
❱ You can access Google Tasks directly from the Calendar if you wish. The location box is useful if the calendar is to
application. By linking these apps together you can quickly work be public, as it makes it easier for your friends or family
between the two as follows. Open Google Calendar and log in if to find events on it.
required. Now click the Tasks icon from the sidebar found on the
right hand side of the window. Click Add a task and then start to
enter your details via the new task link in Google Calendar.
You can now add tasks to this listing. You can directly add
an item from this list to your Calendar by choosing a date in the
properties of the task itself. You can edit a task directly from the
Calendar app by clicking the pencil icon. From this link you can
add a description, change the details and move or delete it.

Step 3
❱ All of the calendars you create will be listed under My
Calendars on the left side of your page. Just click on the
name to select it. For each of the calendars, you can add,
delete and edit events any time you like.

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Using Google Apps

Sharing Your Calendar Step 3

❱ Once you click Save, the person with whom you selected to
It is possible to share your different calendars with individuals share the calendar will receive an email invitation to view your
or groups. An email invitation is sent and the contact will be calendar. The person will need to click on the link contained in the
able to view your calendar alongside theirs. email to add the calendar to his/her Other calendars list.

Step 1
❱ Log in to your Google Calendar and look for the calendar list on
the left-hand side of the screen. Roll the mouse over the calendar
you want to share and click the small arrow button. Select Share
this Calendar from the drop-down menu.

What Platforms are

Compatible?
Google Calendar uses the iCalendar (iCal) file format to
save/share its calendars and the relevant information.
Having been created in 1988, this open source software
was quickly adopted by a wide array of developers for
use in their platform specific calendar apps. What follows
Step 2 is a listing of the platforms and applications that will be
❱ Enter the email address of the person with whom you want to compatible with Google Calendar files.
share your calendar. From the drop-down menu on the right side, • Apple • eM Client • Microsoft Outlook
select a level of permission (view only or view and make changes), • Yahoo! • Mozilla • Novell GroupWise
then click Add Person. Click Save to finish. • IBM

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 Improving the Google Calendar

SMS Reminders Step 3

❱ If your carrier is supported, click the Send Verification Code
If you have Google Calendar on your Android smartphone, your button and you receive a text message on your phone. Once
events and reminders can be automatically synced between you receive this message, enter the code you received in the
desktop and mobile. If you don’t have Google Calendar on your Verification code field and click the Finish setup button. Click Save.
phone, it is still possible to receive reminders on your mobile.

Step 1
❱ The first thing you need to do is obtain a verification code. This
will show you that your phone and carrier is capable of receiving
SMS reminders from Google Calendar. Click on the gear icon at the
top of the page and select Settings from the menu.

Step 2
❱ Click on the Mobile Setup tab at the top of the settings page.
Select your country from the drop-down list and then enter your
full mobile phone number. You may also need to select your
carrier from the menu that appears.

Notifications
Google Calendar offers a variety of notification options
for both email and SMS. When selected, you receive
notifications when somebody sends you invitations,
updates, replies, or cancellation messages to events.
Event organisers however may still choose not to send
these notifications when they create or change events.
If you deselect the notification options in these settings,
you won’t receive the respective notifications, even when
event creators explicitly click to send invitations
or updates.

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Using Google Apps

Get Started with

Google Maps
Google Maps is a great service that you view in your web browser or via
the app. Depending on your location, you can view basic or custom maps
and local business information, and that’s just the start. Here’s how to get
started using Google Maps.

2
6 4
5
3

1 Search Maps 2 Pan Controls

❱ You can search for places (towns, cities, addresses) and ❱ You can use this control to move the view up, down, left and
businesses using the search box at the top of the page. Search for right. You can also scroll around the map by clicking anywhere on
a location and the view will switch to show that location. Search it (you will see the mouse pointer change to a hand) and dragging
for businesses and the view will remain the same but red dots will the map in the direction you want to move.
appear to show individual businesses. If you search for “railway This is a quick and easy way, not only to show off the impressive
stations Devon” the map will zoom to the location (Devon) and visuals this app contains but also make navigating easier too.
show all known railway stations in that area. To navigate around the world with even greater ease; press
You can also search for individual businesses by name. If there and hold the mouse button or press your finger on the touch
is more than one business with that name, a list will appear to the screen, then move the mouse or swipe around the screen. You
left of the map, showing the addresses of each of the businesses. can also press the hold the SHIFT key to hold the central position
Click on the business in the list to be taken there. and move on a point.

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 Get Started with Google Maps

3 Street View
❱ Click on the little man and drag him onto the map. Any road or
Your Places
street that is overlaid in blue can be viewed in Street View. You Your Places makes it easy for you to organise content
simply drop the man at the location you want to view. Once in relevant to you on Maps, including maps you have
Street View, you can split the map screen so that half shows the created with My Maps, businesses you have rated in
map view and half shows the Street View. To do this, click on the Google+ Local and locations and directions you have
box in the bottom right corner of Street View. previously searched for.

Step 1
4 Zoom Controls ❱ To access your content, open Google Maps and click
❱ Click the + and – buttons to zoom in and out of the map. You on the Your Places link. If you’re not logged in to your
can also click on the slider and drag it up and down to zoom Google account, you’ll be prompted to sign in before
more quickly. If you have a mouse with a scroll wheel on it, you continuing. Your content will appear in the left panel.
can use this to zoom in and out of the map much more easily.

5 Information Box
❱ Many businesses are shown on the map with an icon next to the
name, particularly restaurants, hotels and pubs. Click on the icon
to pop up the information box. This will show you the address
details, links to reviews and to a website if applicable. You can also
click the Directions link to quickly open the Route Planner menu.

Step 2
6 Map Layers/Map View ❱ Click the tabs at the top to see specific types of
❱ These controls let you switch to a flat map view, as well as add information. Your ratings, check-ins, and directions will
layers of information that can be overlaid on the map. These appear under the More menu. To add a Home and Work
layers include traffic, weather, webcams, photos, public transport location, click on the relevant button.
information and many others.

Step 3
❱ To delete content, click on the “X” icon to the right of
MapsGL any item. Note that deleting information from the Your
Places tab will also permanently remove it from any
You now also have the option to use MapsGL. MapsGL related activities.
uses new technology called WebGL (Web-based Graphics
Library) to enhance the Google Maps experience. WebGL
brings 3D graphics to your browser without the need to
install additional software. This allows Google to provide
seamless transitions between various levels of imagery
and different map views. You can view some buildings in
3D and parts of the map using 45 degree aerial images.
This is still a beta test of the feature, so it doesn’t work
everywhere you want to look.

MapsGL requires a certain level of specification in your

computer to work. You can check out the recommended
specifications at www.maps.google.com.

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Using Google Apps

Planning a Route
with Maps
Google Maps features a very powerful, and normally very accurate,
route planner. You can plan a route by car, on foot or even using public
transport. If you save your route to My Maps, you can easily access it again
on your mobile device.

Step 1 Step 3
❱ Click on the Apps icon at the top right of the Google Search ❱ In the start box, type the starting point for your journey. If you
home page and select Maps. The map, normally zoomed out on have added a home address to My Places, and if your journey
the country you live in, will be shown on the page and a search starts at home, you can simply type Home in the first box. If not,
box, which will act as your navigation hub. Note: If you aren’t type your preferred starting locations. This can be an address or
signed in to your Google account, do so now. even just a town or city.

Step 2 Step 4
❱ Click on the blue arrow on the search box. Two boxes will ❱ Type your destination in the second box. Again, this can be
appear in the blue bar, these are start and destination input an exact address or a town or city. Suggestions will appear as
points, along with buttons to choose your mode of transport. you type, so make sure you select the correct address; there will
These include travelling by car, on foot, by public transport or almost certainly be more than one instance of your street name
by bicycle. Click on the mode of transport you will be using. to be found.

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 Planning a Route with Maps

Step 5 Step 7
❱ With both starting point and destination completed, Google ❱ The route is shown as a list of directions in the left-hand column
Maps will automatically generate your route. If you want to which is accessed by clicking the Details icon. At the top of the
include additional stopping points to your journey, click on Add list the distance and the estimated journey time is displayed. Roll
Destination and a third box will appear. Remove this box by your mouse over the list and you will see a marker displayed on
clicking the X next to it. the map at different junctions, roundabouts, etc.

Step 8
❱ Scroll to the top of the directions list and you will see three icons,
a link to save the route to My Maps. Share the details and you can
also print directions directly by clicking the printer button. You can
choose to show the map or just the directions on your printout.

Step 6
❱ Having generated your route, the map screen will zoom in to
show the complete journey highlighted in blue. You can zoom
in and out as normal if you want to get a closer look at the
route. You can also alter the route by clicking on any part of it
and dragging the blue line.

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Using Google Apps

Using Google
Street View
Street View is a feature of Google Maps that allows you to quickly and
easily view and navigate high-resolution, 360-degree street level images
of various cities around the world. With this guide you can learn the new
ways to enter Street View.

Step 1 Step 3
❱ To start using Street View, open the Google Maps page by ❱ Drop the yellow man icon onto any of these blue lines to see
clicking on the Maps link on the Google Search home page. that road in Street View. As you hold the man over a marked
Type the name of the street, town or city you want to start location, Street View image will remain static, but if you slowly
viewing in the search box at the top of the screen. move it you will get additional Street View previews.

Step 2 Step 4
❱ When the map has zoomed in to show the area you searched ❱ With Street View now showing, you can move around by moving
for, click and drag the little yellow man from the bottom of the the mouse pointer onto the road so that it becomes a circle and then
map zoom controls, onto the map. Blue lines will appear to show clicking. The camera will pan forward to that position. Repeating this
which streets and roads have been captured for Street View. action lets you follow roads and streets along their length.

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 Using Google Street View

Step 5 Step 7
❱ Move the mouse pointer up onto the side of a building and ❱ You can also use the mouse wheel to zoom in and out of
it turns into a rectangle. Click the mouse and the camera will the image in Street View. If you want to view the image in full
rotate to show the building centred on the screen. If, when you screen, click in the button with four arrows in the top corner of
move the pointer onto a building, it shows a magnifying glass, the window. Click the X next to that to close Street View and
you can zoom in to the image. return to the normal map view.

Step 6
❱ In the corner of the Street View window is a small box showing
your position on the map. You can expand or minimise it by
clicking the icon to the bottom left. When you expand the map
box, it will split the screen with Street View. You can also quick
navigate your location by double tapping on the desired location.

Route Plan with

Street View
When using the route planner feature of Google Maps,
it is possible to have the route displayed with a Street
View image for each junction, roundabout or major
change of direction. To activate this option, plan your
route using the steps shown previously, click to print the
route and then click the Street View link at the top of the
Print screen.

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Using Google Apps

Google Maps
Tips and Tricks
Google Maps and Google Earth are two of the most powerful and useful
tools that Google has ever produced. If you have never done more than
check out your house on Maps, here are a few tips and tricks that will help
you to see the real possibilities of these tools.

Turn-by-Turn Navigation Offline Maps

❱ If you own an Android smartphone, you won’t need an extra ❱ Get access to a map, with
GPS device for your cross country excursions. Map your road trip or without a network signal.
and get hands-free, turn-by-turn GPS navigation, complete with Download a map of your
voice guidance. You can even get live traffic reports, letting you destination to use offline and
see current traffic conditions before you set off and while you’re on maintain GPS functionality even
the go. Get estimated when you lose mobile service. You
travel times and even can save and use certain maps
find alternative routes when you’re not connected to
if things look busy. the Internet. If your mobile device
has GPS, the blue dot shows your
location so you know where you
are. You can even get maps of
indoor spaces. The next time you’re
running through the airport or
in a shopping centre, use Google
Maps on your mobile phone to get
indoor walking directions and find
your way around.

Biking Maps
❱ If you are more of a fan of pedal power than horsepower, you
can use the Google Maps Biking Directions beta. Find dedicated
bike trails, routes without motor vehicles and the best streets for
cycling. Dark green lines indicate bike trails, light green shows
dedicated bike lanes and dotted green lines are bicycle-friendly
roads. Navigate it all with biking directions in Google Maps
Navigation Beta.

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 Google Maps Tips and Tricks

Your Places Google Arts & Culture

❱ Want to map out your travel plans or share hiking spots with ❱ Google Arts & Culture is a platform which brings world heritage
friends? Try making your own map of what matters to you most sites of the modern and ancient world online. Using Street View,
with Your Places. Mark locations, add details like photos and 3D modelling and other Google technologies, these amazing sites
links and invite others to collaborate with you on your map; and are now accessible to everyone across the globe. With videos,
access it on your Android device. Sign in to your Google account photos and in-depth information, you can now explore the
to access your map across all your devices. You can take your map wonders of the world from your armchair just as if you were there.
on the go to find your favourite spots easily and even access your A fantastic feature that makes Street View even more unmissable.
desktop location search history on your phone, and vice versa.

Sharing Maps
❱ You can share maps via a short URL, an HTML embed, email,
text message and even send maps to certain GPS units and cars.
To generate a customisable embed code or URL, click on the link Send to Phone
icon to the top left of your display. Check the Short URL box (or ❱ Google Send to Phone enables you to send text messages of
whatever you require) or click the link for Customise and Preview Google Maps content to your mobile phone. For example, you
Embedded Map. If you want to send the link out, rather than copy/ might text yourself an address or location you’ve found.
paste the text that’s been generated, click Send for further options. To send something you’ve found on Google Maps to your
phone, click the link icon in the left panel. Click Send and choose
Phone from the left side. Enter the required information and hit
Send. You’ll receive a text message with your selection. You can
also send a local search result to your phone, by clicking More >
Send from the place marker’s location information window.

MapsGL
❱ MapsGL uses technology
called WebGL (Web-based
Graphics Library) to enhance
the Google Maps experience.
WebGL brings 3D graphics to My Places
your browser without the need ❱ Using My Places, you can
to install additional software. create custom, annotated
This allows you to provide Google Maps that include
seamless transitions between place marks, lines a nd shapes.
various levels of imagery and different map views. Some of the You can even add descriptive
MapsGL improvements include 3D buildings in Map view mode text and embed photos and
and 45° aerial imagery, smooth transitions between zoom levels videos in your map; then share
and seamless 45° aerial view rotations and the ability to Swoop your maps with others. This
quickly from the Map View to Street View imagery. With MapsGL, can be handy for mapping out your favourite restaurants, planning
you can experience all of this in your browser without a plug-in. an upcoming holiday or saving biking routes for future reference.

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Using Google Apps

Explore with
Google Earth
Google Earth lets you explore the world from the comfort of your own
home. Featuring high quality satellite imagery, as well as incredible 3D
rendered models, Google Earth lets you take a trip to a faraway place, stroll
through a 3D forest and even travel back in time.

Step 1 Step 2
❱ If you have not already installed the Google Earth app on your ❱ Click on the links to install the app. When installation is complete,
device, you will need to do this before you can begin. From the you will need to refresh the page to load the Earth view. You should
Google Earth webpage, click on the Learn more link in the bottom notice that the view changes to show detail that is more realistic.
left corner of the screen and click on the Earth Pro link to start You can now zoom right out to show the whole globe.
the download.

Step 3
❱ You can search for locations in Google Earth by clicking the
Search icon in the side bar to the left of the screen. Type the name
of a street, town or country in the search box and the view will
zoom in to show it. Search also for landmarks and businesses.

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 Explore with Google Earth

Step 4 Step 6
❱ The view of many locations in Google Earth will be in 3D. To tilt ❱ You can access news, photos, videos and Wikipedia information
the camera, use the controls at the top left of the window: the via Google Earth. Click on the ship’s wheel icon on the left side bar
control with the eye tilts the camera, the control with the hand to switch to the Voyager screen. You can then click on individual
pans the camera. You can pan, zoom and tilt by right-clicking on a piece to read it in full. This information is updated regularly so
point and moving the mouse. remember to check back.

Step 5
❱ Switch to view while using Google Earth by clicking the Menu
options, top right, and then selecting Map Style. Now you can pick
how the Map details are shown. From limited information to in-
depth detail or an option between the two.

Google Earth Mobile

In addition to the desktop app described above, you
can also download and install the standalone mobile
version of the app. The desktop version lets you view
satellite imagery, maps, terrain, 3D buildings, galaxies far
away in space and the deepest depths of the ocean. You
can learn about the moon and follow Apollo missions;
take narrated tours about the effects of climate change
and even travel back in time with Historical Imagery.
The Google Earth app is available for your Android or
Apple devices.

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Using Google Apps

Getting Started
with Photos
If you have never used Photos before, you may be surprised to discover
just how useful this free tool is. It not only lets you create slideshows of
your favourite images and share images with your friends and family, it
also allows you to edit your images. By making Photos the central hub for
your photography those memories will be safe.

Uploading to Photos
Step 1 Step 3
❱ Open the Photos app via the App icon and the drop down menu ❱ When your files have uploaded to Photos, they will be displayed
accessed from it. The first thing you will need to do with Photos based upon the date the images or videos were captured, newest
is upload your images and videos into it. Unlike its predecessor to oldest being the default setting. Notice the link to the Desktop
Google’s Picasa, Photos doesn’t search your computer for Uploader, ignore that for now as we will cover it later.
compatible files thus you will need to organise yours first.

Step 2
❱ Having placed the
files you wish to
upload to Photos
in a folder, the
quickest way to
transfer them is to
simply drag and
drop the files on the
Photos window as a
group. Each file will
then upload to the
app, the speed of
which is based on
your connection.

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 Getting Started with Photos

1 3
4 5

7 6
8

Using Photos
Below we break down the key features and controls of the Google Photos application, so it’s even easier to use.

1 Menu 5 Upload
❱ By clicking the three lines icon, top left, you can open the ❱ By tapping this link you will open an upload window, where
main Photos menu panel. Here you can quickly access the key you can search your computer for any additional photographs or
functionality of the application, from sharing your images and videos that you wish to add to your Photos file collection. Once
videos to clearing out unwanted files. you have located the files, select them and click Open to upload.

2 Settings 6 Timeline
❱ The Settings link gives you access to Photos customisable ❱ Here you can control the images and videos that are displayed
features. From this link you can decide upon your storage options, in the main Preview window based upon the date they were
compressed but high quality storage is free, while keeping your originally captured. To do this simply scroll up or down through
files at the original size is limited to 15GB without a paid upgrade. the Timeline bar, stopping at the date you wish to view.

3 Search 7 Preview Window

❱ By entering the title of your file you can search your image and ❱ By default, all images, animations, collages and videos will be
video database for it. If you have a large amount of files stored in displayed in this main window. You can scroll through your entire
Photos, you can narrow the criteria of your search to specific files collection and by clicking on a file you can view it full screen and
from Videos to 360 photos by double clicking the search bar. even add it to your Pinterest account by tapping the icon top left.

4 Create 8 Add Partner

❱ Tap this link to open a pop-up menu which contains four ❱ This option is a far more in-depth way of sharing your entire
additional links, Album, Shared album, Animation and Collage. library of files with another user via an email account, for example
By click on your choice from these four options you will be taken a family member or friend. You can, however, only share your
directly to its specific window. library with one person.

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Using Google Apps

Using Photo Collages

and Animations
One of the great features included with Photos is the ability to make
collages and animations of your files, either for yourself or to be shared
with your friends and family.

Step 1 Step 3
❱ Starting with a collage, the first task is to select your photos. You ❱ You can edit your image collage by tapping the edit icon located
can select a single folder by clicking on it in the folder panel or you to the top right of this screen. You have a series of options and
can select numerous images by clicking on the tick icon on the filters that you can apply to your new image. To use a filter click the
top left corner of each of the images you want. middle icon and then click on the style you wish to apply.

Step 2 Step 4
❱ Once all the images you want are selected, click the + icon ❱ You can also adjust the level of filter use using the slider bar in
located in the top right of the preview window. A new menu will the middle of the filters listings. The crop and rotate tool enables
open; from the options you are given, select Collage. Photos will you to cut out sections of the collage or rotate the image at either
now auto generate a collage based on your images. 90 degree angles or manually, using the user control.

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 Using Photo Collages and Animations

Step 5 Step 8
❱ When you are happy with the edits to your collage, tap the Done ❱ When you are happy with your collage and or your animated
icon. You have a couple of options for saving it. Click the more slide-show you can send them to your contacts by tapping the
options link on the far right corner of the window. Now choose Share icon. When you see this window, choose how you wish to
how you wish to store your new collage from this list. share the file and click the required icon to make your selection.

Step 6
❱ Moving on to the Animation option, once again select the
images you wish to add and click the + icon and select Animation
for your list of options. Now all your have to do is leave the Photos
application to do the work for you.

Step 7
❱ Photos will now auto generate an Animation based on your
images. This animation is simply a slideshow, moving between a
series of still images. This animation is automatically saved to your
collection of files within Photos.

Link to Pinterest
Pinterest is a very popular social networking tool, based
around sharing images, which is closely linked to the
Photos application.

If you are already a Pinterest user or simply wish to sign

up and share your photos with the world, it couldn’t be
easier to get started. Visit www.pinterest.com and sign in
using your Google account. Once you are signed in you
can upload directly by clicking the icon on any of your
images, when you are viewing them full screen.

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Using Google Apps

Editing Images
Using Photos
Google Photos not only provides you with storage for your photos and
videos in one place, it can also be used to edit your picture. Photos editor
is not a fully-featured image editing program but it includes enough to
make the most of your photos. It’s also free!

Light and
Colour Fixes
❱ These controls let you
change the lighting
or colour levels of
your image. You can
either use the sliders to
change Light, Colour
temperature and Pop.
The latter being a
fantastic tool that adds
greater depth to your
images with a simple
Quick Fixes adjustment to the slider.
❱ As stated Google Photo editing isn’t a fully optimised and
functional Photoshop alternative but with that said, there are more
than enough options for you to clean up or enhance your digital
photography, with only the most basic understanding of photo-
editing. Photos offers simple tools, designed to help fix common
problems with a few clicks as follows.

Undo Edits
You can easily remove any edits you have made to your
photographs while you are still editing. All you need to
do to remove your edits is click on the Undo Edits button
located at the top of the editing window. By doing this
you will instantly remove any changes you have made to
the image, from applying filters to cropping and rotating,
so make sure you are happy to do so before clicking. You
can copy your edits via the edit menu (three dots) and
paste them on any image in your library.

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 Editing Images Using Photos

Image Processing (Filters) Rotate and Crop

❱ These controls let you quickly add a range of different filters to ❱ The crop and rotate tool enables you to cut out sections of the
your images. These range from sepia and black and white, to soft collage or rotate the image at either 90 degree angles or manually
focus and graduated tint. Click on each filter and you can then using the user controls down the right hand side. NOTE: If you are
control the intensity of the effect using sliders. You can easily undo using the crop tool to zoom this could effect image quality.
any effect using the buttons below the filter list. You can also crop the image to a number of specific aspect ratios,
Free (user defined as detailed above), Original, Square, 16:9, 4:3 and
3:2 by clicking the aspect ratio icon in the top bar. Having selected
any of these ratio options, Photos will place an adjustable frame on
the image, click Done when you are ready to crop.

Adding Information
Each photo or movie file in your Photos library contains
Click and Hold to Compare unique information. This includes file size, resolution,
❱ When editing or applying filters to your images, it is very date and time it was captured all as default. This data can
be viewed by clicking on the “i” icon on the control bar at
important that you don’t lose sight of the original image; this
the top of the window. You can add a custom description
ensures that your edits aren’t actually detrimental. At anytime
to your files, which will be stored as part of the image’s
during the editing process, you can revert to your original image information. To save this new info tap the X Icon in the
by pressing and holding on the mouse button or screen. Your top right corner of the screen.
altered image can be saved as a copy so you can keep both.

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Using Google Apps

Using Your
Photo Albums
Google Photos Albums is an easy way to store your photos online and
then share them as and when you choose. Google provides free storage
that makes sharing your photos quick and easy.

Adding Photos to Step 2

❱ To create a new album folder, click on the tick icon on the files

Web Albums you want to add to the folder. Now click the + icon in the top right
of the main tool bar and select Album from the drop down list in
Adding photos that you have on your computer to your Web the top right corner, as shown here.
Albums is easy using the Google Photos software.

Step 1
❱ Open the Photos app and search through your photo folders to
find the images you want. Each file acts as an individual but you
can create new albums containing a mix of files if you wish.

Step 3
❱ You can choose to save to an existing Album to create a new
one. Access to these albums is achieved in the same way, by
clicking the link of your choice.

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 Using Your Photo Albums

Step 4
❱ Having chosen to create a new Album, you can now customise
its name by entering your title into the text input box at the top of
the collection of files; click the tick icon to finish . You can also add
files to this folder by dragging and dropping directly.

Sharing Web Albums

There are a couple of different ways to share your files and
albums, depending on whether the recipients have signed up
Album Access
for Google. The people you share with are added to the Shared with
list in Google Photos. These people can do the following:
Step 1
❱ To share a single file, click • If your album visibility is limited, they can view it by
signing in to Photos.
on the image to enter full
• They can see the shared album on your Photos Web
screen view and then tap
gallery, your Google profile and in Google+ (if you’ve
the Share icon on the right signed up).
of the screen. From this • Google+ users: The people you share with have
menu screen you can share permission to reshare your album. Within Google+, they
with a Google contact by can also see who else you’ve shared it with.
clicking them.

Step 2 Step 4
❱ Alternatively you can share via your social networks by tapping ❱ Alternatively you
the link to Facebook or Twitter. To share to a non-Google contact, can also share via
click Get Link and then copy and paste it into a message or email. your social networks
by tapping the
link(s). To share to a
non-Google contact,
click Get Link and
then copy and paste
it into a message or
email and send the
link as per usual.

Step 5
❱ Add a comment if you’d like to add context to your photos. This
text will be posted with your photos in Google+. Add Google+
Step 3 circles, individual people or email addresses and then click Share.
❱ To share an album,
click on the icon in
the top right corner
of the album and
then click on Share.
Once again you can
quickly share with
Google contacts
by clicking on
their name.

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Using Google Apps

Get Started
with YouTube
YouTube provides a forum for people to connect, inform and inspire others
across the globe and acts as a distribution platform for original content
creators. More than 1 billion unique users visit YouTube each month so
don’t miss out.

1
2

3
4

6
7

1 Search 3 Account Controls

❱ You can search YouTube just as you would search on Google and ❱ Here you can see your viewing history, channel subscriptions,
as you type your search term, suggestions will appear below the playlists you have created and social connections. You can also
search box. Previously searched terms that are similar will show control or delete channel subscriptions. Social connections allows
at the top of the suggestions box. Search results are displayed in you to share your content with your Facebook or Twitter accounts.
order of relevance.

2 Upload Controls 4 Recommended Content

❱ This drop-down menu contains a direct link to the upload screen ❱ If you are signed in to your account, and have viewed any videos
as well as links to your uploads dashboard; here you can see all of previously, content that is recommended for you will be displayed
the content you have uploaded and your analytics, which shows at the top of the home page. You can view more recommended
how many times your videos have been viewed and, if you have content by clicking the word “recommended”. If you have
a channel, how many subscribers you have. These controls give subscribed to any channels, relevant content from those channels
access to figures showing the decline or growth of your channel. will also be included here.

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 Get Started with YouTube

Step 2
5 Subscribed Channels ❱ You can make changes
❱ A list of your subscribed channels is shown here. You can click to your playlists by
the arrow button just above the list to change how it is displayed: visiting your Library.
new content, A-Z or most relevant. Just below the channel This link is found on the
subscriptions list is a button which takes you to the complete left side of the main
listing of available channels. You will also find the controls for YouTube user window.
managing channels there as well.

Step 3
6 Recommended Channels ❱ Open the playlist you want to change and click the Edit button
❱ The listing here is based on the videos you have watched and next to the playlist you want to edit. Click Done to save any
which channels you have previously subscribed to. Roll your changes you make.
mouse over the Subscribe button to see how many subscribers
any channel has and click the button to instantly subscribe. A tick
next to the name of the channel shows that it is verified as an
official channel.

7 Latest Content
❱ The most recent content from your subscribed channels is
displayed as a list at the bottom of the screen. If you have not
subscribed to any channels, this list will be populated from the
most viewed content on YouTube, content that is currently
trending and that which is relevant to your geographic location.

Manage Playlists
With playlists, you can put a series of videos all in one handy Step 4
place. For example, you could create a playlist of all of your ❱ Reorder videos in your
favourite music videos or sports clips. playlist by hovering your
mouse over the video
Step 1 until you see a grey
❱ To add videos to playlist, click the Add to link underneath a video. vertical bar to the left of
You can add it to a playlist that already exists or you can create a the video. Click the grey
new one. bar, then drag and drop
the video to rearrange it.

Step 5
❱ To delete an entire playlist, click the More icon at the top right
corner of this window, then click Delete Playlist at the top of the
list. Once a playlist has been removed, you cannot undo.

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Using Google Apps

Using the
YouTube App
The YouTube app gives you access to great videos and shows on all sorts
of subjects. It is the gateway to a huge and always expanding world of
entertainment. Follow this guide and enjoy YouTube, wherever you are.

Step 1 Step 3
❱ Log in by tapping the Silhouette icon (top right corner). If you ❱ Tap on a video to open it. You might have to watch a short advert
don’t, you can set one up (tap Sign In then Add Account). It’s a first. While watching, you can use the Thumbs icons to like or
good idea to use YouTube while logged in, as this allows videos dislike it, the Share icon to share it or you can save it to your Watch
you might like to be offered as viewing suggestions. Later list for viewing later. Similar videos are listed below it.

Step 2 Step 4
❱ You can search for a subject or channel using the Magnifying ❱ Two more controls are worth a mention. The small triangle below
glass icon. You’re then presented with a list of relevant videos, the right corner of the video can be tapped to reveal or conceal
showing how many views they’ve had, their length and their further information and links and you can tap the Subscribe
uploader. Their length, in minutes, is shown in the screenshot. button to be informed whenever the YouTuber posts a new video.

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 Using the YouTube App

Step 5 Step 8
❱ Tap the video as it plays and you get these controls. In the centre, ❱ The YouTube app also features the ability to “Go Live” with your
there’s the Pause/Play icon and either side are the controls to skip content. This is available directly through your device if you have
to the next video or restart. Scrub through the video using the red a camera and microphone attached or built in. To start your live
dot, or make it full screen with the icon in the bottom right. stream click the camera icon and select “Go Live” to share your
stream with the world. Once complete your stream will be save to
your YouTube video uploads.

Step 6
❱ The Three-dots icon, in the top right, gives access to further
options, such as: reporting the video, adding captions or changing
the resolution. Tap the video at the top of the screen, anywhere
there’s no icons, to hide the controls and go back to viewing.

Step 7

YouTube Kids/Gaming
❱ Notice the rectangular
icon with the Wi-Fi icon
within it. Tap this icon
to stream YouTube Google have two more content focused applications
from your tablet to a that sit alongside their original YouTube app, YouTube
TV, using Chromecast Kids and YouTube Gaming. Each of these apps, which
or Airplay. Simply select require separate downloads, follow the same basic
build as the original, albeit the content is locked to the
the device you wish to
respective app. For example YouTube kids features only
cast to from the list and
child friendly videos and content and all search results
your video will instantly will remain within these confines. Thus enabling users/
play on that device. parents and guardians to control of the content viewed.

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Using Google Apps

Uploading Videos
to YouTube
It may sometimes seem like the whole world is uploading videos to
YouTube, from the random ramblings of retro gamers to budding
musicians. If you want to add your own voice to the varied world of
YouTube, here’s how to get started.

Step 1 Step 2
❱ Sign in to your YouTube account if you haven’t already done so. ❱ Click anywhere in the upload window on the next screen to start
At the top right of the screen, wherever you are in YouTube, you browsing for your videos. Alternatively, you can drag videos onto
will see an Upload arrow button. Click this to get started. the browser window from any open folder on your computer.

Step 3
❱ Once you have added a video to the upload window, using
either method, a new page will automatically open. If the video file
has a title, it will automatically be entered in the title box.

Video Formats
Not sure which format to save your video? If you receive
an “invalid file format” error message when you’re
uploading, make sure that you’re using one of the
following formats:

.MOV, .MPEG4, .AVI, .WMV, .MPEGPS, .FLV, 3GPP or WebM

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 Uploading Videos to YouTube

Step 4 Step 7
❱ Fill out the rest of the information, including the description and ❱ To check your video has been added to your account, navigate
the tags, as these help make it easier for the video to be found by back to the main YouTube page and click on your name in the left-
searchers. If you wish, you can alter the privacy settings so only hand column. All of your uploaded videos will be displayed there.
certain people can find it.

Step 5 Step 8
❱ When the video has finished processing, several thumbnails will ❱ Click the Video Manager button to quickly see and manage all of
automatically be grabbed from it and displayed. Click on the one your uploaded videos. Here you can check the number of views,
you want to use as the display thumbnail on YouTube: select the likes and dislikes, as well as being able to share or delete videos.
one that you feel sums up your video clip the best.

Step 6
❱ If the uploader detects that the video is shaky, as it is being
processed, you can choose to stabilise it. A progress bar will
show when the video is uploaded to the site.

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Using Google Apps

How to Use
Google Drive
Google Drive is a free storage service which allows you to store images,
folders and documents in the Cloud. These files and documents can then
be accessed from any tablet, phone or computer via the Google Drive
software. Not only is this a great way to free up space on your devices, it
also lets you access your files from almost anywhere.

1
2 5

1 Search 4 Current Folder

❱ You can search Google Drive in the same way that you can ❱ The contents of the currently selected folder are shown here. You
search Gmail or one of the other Google products. can change how items are displayed (List or Grid).

2 New 5 Display Controls

❱ Click the New button to open a new document, spreadsheet, ❱ Change how items in your folders are displayed and how they
presentation, form or drawing. are sorted. The gear icon lets you access the G Drive settings.

3 Folders 6 Upload List

❱ Your preset Google Drive folders are shown here, along with any ❱ When you upload multiple items to Google Drive, the Upload
that you have created. Click More to see Labels. box appears, to show you the progress of each item.

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 How to Use Google Drive

Free Google Storage

Google Drive, Google+ Photos and Gmail give you
storage space for nothing so you can keep your files,
emails and photos accessible from any device, anywhere.
If you reach the free storage limit, everything in Google
Drive, Google+ Photos, and Gmail will still be accessible
but you won’t be able to create or add anything new.
You’ll still be able to create Google Docs, since they don’t
take up any storage space. For G+ Photos, you will only
be able to upload new photos and videos under certain
size limits.

Installing Backup and Sync – PC/Mac

Step 1
❱ The first thing you need to do is check your Google Drive access
status. You can do this at drive.google.com/start. If you have
Google Drive on
access, you will see a blue Download button.
Android and iOS
You can download the Google Drive app for mobile
devices free of charge, from the Play Store or App Store.
This allows you to both view and edit files in your Google
Drive folders.

Once downloaded, the app should automatically sign

in using the same Google account details you entered
on your computer (which is also, hopefully, the one with
which you set up your Android or iOS device).

You will now be able to see any files you placed in the
Google Drive folder on your computer. If you had the
Google Docs app installed, this will now be replaced by
Google Drive. To create a new doc, tap Menu > New >
Document, or Spreadsheet, etc.
Step 2
❱ Click on the
Download button Step 4
and when asked to, ❱ You will be asked to sign in again and will then be asked to sync.
Agree to the Google This creates a new folder on your computer which is used as the
Terms of Service. storage folder.
You must do this
before you start
the download.

Step 3
❱ Click on Download
Backup and sync
and follow the
instructions to install
the software on your
computer. The site
will automatically
detect whether it is
PC or Mac.

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Using Google Apps

Restore Deleted
Drive Files
Deleting files from Drive is a very quick process but a file you remove
might not always be gone forever. You have the chance to restore deleted
files before they are deleted permanently. Here is how you restore, remove
and permanently delete files in Google Drive.

Restoring Incorrectly Step 3

❱ Sign in to Drive at www.drive.google.com. Go to the Bin section

Deleted Documents on the left side of your screen and right-click the file or folder you
want to restore. Click Restore to return it to its previous location.
To restore a file from the trash that you don’t own, you need to
Step 1 contact the owner of the file.
❱ If you decide that you don’t want to delete a file or folder
that you’ve moved to the trash, you can restore it so that you
can access it again. Once you restore a file, it will be recovered
wherever you use Drive or Docs, Sheets and Slides.

Step 2
❱ At the moment, you can’t restore a file or folder from the Drive
mobile apps or from the Docs, Sheets or Slides home screens. You
can restore your files from Drive on the web or on your computer.
Let’s look at those options here.

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 Restore Deleted Drive Files

Step 4 Step 2
❱ If you permanently delete a file or folder that you realise you ❱ To remove files in Drive online, sign into Drive at www.drive.
need access to, Google is able to help you recover it for a limited google.com. Now click or right-click the file or folder you want to
time. However, after the file has been deleted from Google’s remove and then click the Remove icon; as with removing files on
systems, it’s gone forever. You can request recovery from Google your computer, anything removed will also be removed offline.
themselves at www.support.google.com.

Removing Files Permanently Delete Files

Step 1 Step 1
❱ Open the Google Drive folder on the desktop of your computer, ❱ If you want to permanently delete a file or folder you own, you
select the file or folder you want to remove and drag it to the trash can delete an individual file or empty your entire trash to delete
on your computer. A file you remove from the Drive folder on your all files you have removed. Once a file has been deleted, anyone
computer will be moved to the trash in Drive on the web and in you’ve shared the file with will lose access to the file as well.
the Drive, Docs, Sheets and Slides.

Step 2
❱ To permanently delete files you added to the trash from the Drive
folder on your computer, simply empty the trash on your desktop.
The files, along with anything else you trashed, will be deleted. On
the web, sign in to Drive, go to Bin and select the file. Click Delete
Forever. The file is now been deleted for good.

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Using Google Apps

Set Up and Use

Google Docs
Google Docs is a free, web-based office suite. Using this software you
can create text documents, spreadsheets, complex forms and even
presentations. Everything you create is stored via your Google Drive
account. Here’s how to make the most of Google Docs.

Step 2
Creating New Documents ❱ To create a new document, go to your Drive, click the downward
pointing arrow and select Google Docs from the menu, then pick
Step 1 either Blank or Template. Name the document by entering the
❱ There are several different ways of getting started with Google text in the top left corner, this will also start auto-save.
Docs. You can create a new online document, you can upload
an existing document to edit or you can use a template from
the templates gallery. Let’s start with a new Google doc.

Step 3
❱ Along the top of the document you will find the editing
and formatting tools. If you have ever used Microsoft Word
or OpenOffice Writer, you should be familiar with most of the
formatting options here.

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 Set Up and Use Google Docs

Step 4 Step 2
❱ You can also ❱ When the document has uploaded, click the File option, as
save a copy of any before. From these links click on Email collaborators and enter
document to your the details of those you wish to share the file. This allows you to
computer if you wish. edit and collaborate on the document online.
To save a copy of
any document in the
Drive, open it and go
to the File menu. Roll
the mouse pointer
over the Download
As... option.

Step 5
❱ Select one of the
following file types:
HTML (zipped), RTF,
Word, Open Office,
PDF or plain text. Step 3
Your document will ❱ Having uploaded a compatible document to Google Docs, said
then download to file will instantly be saved to your Google Drive. These files are then
your computer. The accessible from the main Google docs menu screen, shown here.
original document NOTE: Files to be converted by Docs can’t be larger than 1 MB.
will remain in
Google Drive.

Import Documents
You can import a variety of documents into Google Drive and
then either keep them as they were originally formatted or
convert them into Google Docs.

Step 1
❱ Open a new Google Doc and click the File link at the top left of
your documents options list. Click Open and then click Upload.
The Upload window will appear leaving you to drag and drop
your file into this window. The file will open automatically.

Time Machine
Google Drive tracks every change you make to files and
documents you store there, so when you hit the Save
button a new revision is saved. You can use the tools in
Google Drive to look back as far as 30 days automatically,
or choose a specific revision to save forever.

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Using Google Apps

How to Use
Google Sheets
With Google Sheets you can create spreadsheets online, work on them
with others in real-time and then store them online in Google Drive.
Google Sheets, for most users, is more than capable of replacing the
corresponding software in something like Microsoft Office.

Step 2
❱ To create a new spreadsheet, go to your Google Drive, click
the NEW button and select Google Sheet from the drop-down
menu. Once you name the spreadsheet or start typing. Google
Sheets will automatically save your work every few seconds.

Create and Save Step 3

Spreadsheets ❱ Give your Sheet a title. At the top of the spreadsheet, you will
see text that indicates when your spreadsheet was last saved. You
can access your spreadsheet at any time by opening your Drive at
Step 1 www.drive.google.com. Here you will see it as a saved file.
❱ There are different ways of getting started with Google
Sheets. You can create a new spreadsheet, upload an existing
spreadsheet from a computer or use a template from the
templates gallery, to create a spreadsheet with a specific purpose.

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 How to Use Google Sheets

Uploading Spreadsheets Step 3

❱ When the document has uploaded, click the File option, as
before. From these links click on Email collaborators and enter the
Step 1 details of those with whom you wish to share the file. This allows
❱ When you upload a spreadsheet into Google Drive, you have you to edit and collaborate on the Google Sheet document online.
the choice to keep your spreadsheet in the original format or
convert it into the Google Docs format. If you don’t convert the
spreadsheet, you may not be able to access it collaboratively.

Step 2
❱ Open a new Google Sheet and click the File link at the top left
of your documents options list. Click Open and then Upload.
The Upload window will appear leaving you to drag and drop
your file into this window. The file will open automatically.

Using Sheets
Templates
If you want to quickly create a spreadsheet, you can
pick one of the templates in the templates gallery. Each
template has standard text that you can replace with
your own, and preset formatting that you can reuse.
You can also create a spreadsheet with a template
directly from your Documents List. Click the red Create
button and select From template....

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Using Google Apps

How to Use
Google Pay
Now you can pay with it, too. Just add your credit, debit, loyalty, and gift
cards to Google Pay, and start shopping in stores, in apps, and online.
Google Pay can be used at shops around the world, wherever contactless
payments are accepted.

Setting Up Google Pay

Google Pay is a secure system, but as with anything to do with money and payments, it is important to make sure that you set
everything up properly.

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3

❱ You will need to make sure that you have ❱ Once installed, tap the app icon and then ❱ Whichever option you choose, you will have
your credit/debit card or cards close at hand, tap “Get Started” and choose the Google to add information, including CVC codes and
and have all the details available (account account to use with the app (if you have more other security information (we can’t show a
numbers, sort codes, security numbers, etc.) You than one). If you already have a credit or debit screenshot of this process, due to a security
will also need to download the Google Pay app card registered to your Google account it will feature that prohibits the information being
from Google Play, if you don’t already have it on be displayed, along with the option to add a captured). Complete the info requested and
your phone. different card. accept the terms.

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 How to Use Google Pay

Step 4 Step 5 Step 6

❱ If you don’t already have a screen lock set ❱ The next step is to verify your card with your ❱ Once verified, the last thing you need to do
up on your phone, you will need to set one up bank. In most cases, you will need to call a to start using contactless Google Pay in stores
now, for an additional level of security on top number specifically for Google Pay verification, that offer the service, is to enable NFC. NFC, or
of the app security. It is a good idea to set the but this can vary between different banks/card Near Field Communication, allows your phone
screen lock delay to zero. In some cases, small issuers. The number should automatically be to communicate with the contactless terminals.
purchases can be made even when the phone entered into your phone dialer. Call and follow Either turn it on here, or turn it on in your main
is locked. the instructions. setting menu.

Security and Advantages of Google Pay

Google Pay is not only secure, it also makes shopping easier, no matter if you are buying
a loaf of bread at your local supermarket or the latest fashions online.

Purchase Tracking
As soon as you make a purchase, you’ll see a payment confirmation that shows you
exactly where a given transaction happened, along with the merchant’s name and
number. So it’s easy to catch any suspicious activity.

Tokenisation
When you use your phone to pay in stores, Google Pay doesn’t send your actual credit
or debit card number with your payment. Instead it uses a virtual account number to
represent your account info – so your card details stay safe and secure.

Simple App Checkouts

Google Pay makes it easy to check out in apps and online. There is no need to enter your
card details every time you buy something. When you’re shopping in your favourite app
just choose Google Pay (if available) at checkout and save yourself some time.

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Using Google Apps

Get Inside the

Google Play Store
The Google Play store is, for almost all of your entertainment needs, a
one-stop shop. You can search for apps, books, songs, movies and
magazines, any of which can be accessed on your Android smartphone or
tablet and on your desktop.

1
2

1 Search 3 Play Store Content Controls

❱ You can search Google Play just as you would search on Google. ❱ You can search Google Play just as you would search on Google.
When you type your search term, suggestions will appear below When you type your search term, suggestions will appear below
the search box. Previously searched terms that are similar will show the search box. Previously searched terms that are similar will show
at the top of the suggestions box. at the top of the suggestions box.

2 The Google Play Home Screen 4 Recommended Content

❱ This is the main retail hub of Google Play, it contains the latest ❱ This area of the main menu screen of the Play Store screen is
releases by format and your personal recommendations for where you can view more in-depth information that is linked to
apps, books, movies and other media based on what you have your Google Play account. This contains links to: My Apps, My
searched for and installed previously. It can also be based on Wishlist, My Subscriptions, Redeem/Buy Gift card, My Activity and
recommendations by people in your Google+ circles. My Account, along with a guide for Parents.

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 Get Inside the Google Play Store

Download Apps & Files

Step 1
❱ Downloading apps, games, movies, music or books is
essentially the same process. Tap the app, movie or book you
want to download and read the information screen. If you
want to proceed, tap the install button or the price button.
If downloading apps or games, you will need to agree to the
permissions which are what the app needs to access on your
device, such as messages or certain settings. The app or game will
then install automatically.

My Applications
Tap the My Apps link and a list of all installed apps on
your device is displayed. The apps are split into sections
showing you those which are up to date, recently
updated and need updates (at the top of the list). You can
tap each app individually to update it or tap the Update
All button at the top of the screen. You will need to grant
permissions for each app that needs updating.

Step 2
❱ Movies, music and books don’t automatically download to your
device, so once you have purchased or chosen them, you will
need to pin them. Pinning means downloading, or keeping the
content on your device for offline viewing.

Account Settings
The My Account link will show you an overview of your
account activity, including you Play Store balance, Step 3
payment method and order history. Tap Settings to get ❱ Paid apps and games
to the account settings screen. Here you can modify can be returned for a full
notifications, decide if apps are updated automatically, refund if you do so within
and whether installed apps are added to the home screen. two hours. You simply need
to open the app page on
You can also change content filtering settings, modifying
Google Play and the price
which apps can be downloaded based on their maturity
rating. In addition to that, you can set the Play Store button will say refund
to require authentication for purchases made on your instead. After two hours,
desktop or mobile devices. refunds are at the app
developer’s discretion.

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Using Google Apps

Create a Blog
with Blogger
Blogger is a great way to start blogging, as it is simple yet powerful and
allows you to get up and running easily without having to purchase a
dedicated domain. If you are new to blogging, and want to dip your toe in
without taking the plunge, Blogger is the way to do it.

Get Started with Blogger Step 3

❱ The next thing to do is choose a style for your blog using the
The first thing to do is open www.blogger.com in your preset themes. There are several basic themes to choose from here
browser and sign in using your Google account username but don’t worry too much as you can easily change the style at any
and password. time. For now, stick with the default Simple theme. Click Create
Blog to continue.
Step 1
❱ The main Blogger screen is fairly simple; until you create your
first blog, barely anything is shown here. You will see a couple of
buttons and some news from Blogger Buzz, the official Blogger
blog. To get started, click the New Blog button at the bottom
middle of the screen.

Step 2
❱ In the window that opens, you can type the name of your blog,
which will appear as the heading, and choose the blog URL. Any
Google hosted blog will have .blogspot.com at the end of the
URL, with the part you add appearing before it. Try to choose a
URL which relates to the content of the blog, e.g. cupcakerecipes.
blogspot.com or mythoughts.blogspot.com.

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 Create a Blog with Blogger

Step 4
❱ You will now be taken back to the main Blogger screen, with your Your First Post
new blog listed at the top of the page. To the right of the blog title, Blogging is all about posting. Posting ideas, thoughts, guides,
you will see several buttons. Click View Blog to open a preview of photos or anything else you can think of, but always posting,
your blog in a new window. Don’t worry that it looks boring, you posting, posting. The best blogs, those which gain loyal
can fix that later. followers, are the ones that not only post quality but which
post regularly. Before you get to that stage, let’s have a look
at your first post.

Step 1
❱ From your list of blogs, which will probably only have one in it
at the moment, click on the pencil/write button to the right of
the blog title. The compose screen will now open, showing all the
tools you need to post.

Step 5
❱ Back on the main menu bar, click the Stats link and select
Overview from the options that appear. Here you can see some
info about your blog: comments, pageviews, number of posts, etc.,
along with all of the main blog controls on the left of the screen.

Step 2
❱ Start by entering the title of the blog post in the Post Title box.
Your blog post titles are important as these are often what will
appear in the search results when someone searches for the
subject in Google or other search engines.

Custom Domain
Blogger offers two free publishing options for your
blog: hosting on Blogspot (example.blogspot.com) and
hosting on your own custom domain (www.example.com
or for.example.com). You can change your publishing
option at any time and your content will always
remain unaltered regardless of which of these options
you choose.

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Using Google Apps

Blogging with Blogger cont.

Step 3 Step 5
❱ By default, you are in compose mode. This means what you ❱ To add a photo to your post, position the cursor where you want
see in the compose window is what the post will look like (the the photo to appear and click the Image button. You then have
formatting, etc.). If you know a bit about HTML, you can also write a number of options for choosing the image to use. If uploading,
in HTML mode. Start typing in the post box. click Upload and then the Choose Files button.

Step 6
❱ Select the image from its location on your computer and it will
be displayed in the upload window. Click Add Selected to insert
the image into the post. To change the image size and position,
click on the image and use the controls that appear along the
Step 4 bottom of it.
❱ The controls for altering font style, size and colour are along
the top of the compose box. The B, I and U buttons control
emboldening, italics and underlining of text respectively. The
next two buttons, the A and marker, control font colour and
background colour.

Step 7
❱ On the right
of the compose
window are options
to add labels (which
make searching
for posts easier),
control the time the
post is published,
add a location
tag and make the
post a permalink.
When finished
with these options,
click Publish.

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 Create a Blog with Blogger

Step 8
❱ If you use Google+, a share box will appear after clicking Publish.
This lets you easily share your new post with your Google+ circles.
Template Designer
If you prefer not to, just click the Cancel button instead. You can Blogger Template Designer is a new way for you to
view your blog post by clicking View under the title. easily customise the look of your blog. You can select a
variety of templates, images, colours and column layouts
to make your blog an expression of you. To get to the
Template Designer, just click on the drop-down menu of
the grey Post List icon and select Template. From there,
you can choose and customise your template.

While playing around with the Template Designer, you

can see a preview of how the blog will appear based
on the choices you’ve made. You can expand these by
pressing the toggle to Expand Preview between the
Blogger Template Designer dashboard and the preview.
When you’re satisfied with the look of your blog, you can
make them go live by pressing Apply to Blog in the top
right hand corner of the Template Designer.

To get started with Blogger Template Designer, select

a template for your blog from one of the professionally
designed templates that are available. Each template
Blogger on the Go appears as a large thumbnail that when clicked shows
further variations on the template below, that you can
then select by clicking on them. Note that clicking a new
Google’s Blogger app is also available as a mobile
template will erase any customisations you’ve made on a
application, for use with compatible Android smartphones
previous template.
and tablets. The mobile app enables users to post and edit
blogs, as well as share photos and links on Blogger, while
on the go, through their device of choice.

The mobile version of Blogger offers a similar amount of

functionality as the desktop version, allowing users to
edit blogs anywhere, through the app, and either publish
the blogs or save them as drafts to upload later. Other
features include: Sharing current locations on posts, this
is accomplished by tapping the My Location bar and
adding locations. Users can also share photos and links
directly to Blogger.

Blogger also provides dynamic mobile views for blogging

compatibility with mobile devices and smartphones,
giving users access to the core blog no matter their
location. NOTE: The Blogger app isn’t available for iOS
users at the time of press.

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 Google Hardware Guides

For many people Google’s hardware

is fast becoming an essential piece of
home kit and Google Home and Pixel are
leading the way in terms of quality and
features. In this section, we cover the key
range of Google’s hardware devices and
much more. Learn how to get the most
from your speaker or smartphone and
how to use this Google made hardware
to the fullest.

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Google Hardware Guides

The Google
Home Collection
There are now six different Google Home devices to choose from,
including the tiny Home Mini and the new Google Home Hub. The
specification and size varies greatly, so if you are not yet sure which Home
speaker is best for you, check out all of the details here.

Google Home Max

Dimensions Mics
• Width: 13.2” (336.6 mm) • Far-field voice recognition supports
• Height: 7.4” (190.0 mm) hands-free use
• Depth: 154.4 mm • 6 mic array
Key Features: Meet Google Home Max, he helps you to hear
• Power cable: 2 m Processor
every note as the artist intended and feel every beat with heart • Quad-core ARM
Weight
pounding bass. It’s the ultimate speaker, made for your music. The • 11.7 lbs (5,300 g) • 1.5 GHz 64 bit quad-core ARM®
Cortex™ A53
advanced hardware delivers deep bass and crisp treble in stunning Colours
• Chalk, Charcoal Sensors
stereo sound. It analyses, tunes and updates itself automatically, so • Capacitive touch sensor
Materials
all you need to do is listen. The far-field voice control allows Max to • Acoustically transparent fabric • Ambient light sensor
hear you across the room, even while the music’s playing. • Rigid polycarbonate housing • Accelerometer
• Silicone base Power
Final Thoughts: The best audio-only based product in the • AC Power 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz
Supported audio formats
Google Home range. • HE-AAC, LC-AAC, MP3, Vorbis, WAV Ports & Connectors
(LPCM), Opus, FLAC with support for • USB-C™ • 3.5 mm jack
high-resolution streams (24-bit/96 • USB-C1
KHz) • 3.5-mm jack with analogue audio
Wireless input
• Wi-Fi • Bluetooth AC power
• 802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz/5Ghz) Wi-Fi • 1USB Type-C and USB-C are
for high-performance streaming trademarks of USB Implementers
• Chromecast built-in Forum.
• Bluetooth® 4.2 Operating system
Speaker • Android • iOS
• Two 114 mm high-excursion (+/- 11 Other
mm), dual voice-coil woofers • Multi-room audio
• Two 0.7” (18 mm) custom tweeters
• Sealed rigid housing
• Acoustically transparent fabric

Google Home Mini Dimensions Wireless

• Diameter: 98 mm • Wi-Fi • Bluetooth® support
• Height: 42 mm (1.65”) • 802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz/5 Ghz) Wi-Fi
• Power cable: 1.5 m • Chromecast and Chromecast Audio
Key Features: A powerful little helper; Google Home Mini keeps built-in
Weight
you informed and up to date with instant news, weather and • Device: 173 g • Bluetooth® 4.1 input support
commute updates without lifting a finger. Master the kitchen; • Power adaptor and cable: Sensors
approximately 75 g • Capacitive touch
Google Home Mini helps with timers, step-by-step recipes, and
Colours Speaker
conversions and substitutes. Start your • Chalk, Charcoal, Coral. Aqua • 360 sound with 40-mm driver
smart home; it’s always improving Materials Mics
with seamless connections to • Durable fabric top • 2-mic array
• External enclosure made from 20% • Mic switch
the latest compatible smart post-consumer recycled plastic Power
lights and thermostats. • Non-skid silicone base • 5 V, 1.8 A
Final Thoughts: The Supported audio formats Ports & Connectors
• HE-AAC, LC-AAC, MP3, Vorbis, WAV • Micro USB port
budget range of Google (LPCM), Opus, FLAC with support for Operating system
Home offers a great product high-resolution streams (24-bit/96 • Android • iOS
KHz)
for the price.

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 The Google Home Collection

Google Nest Hub

Dimensions Colours
• Depth: 67.3 mm (2.65”) • Sand, Aqua, Chalk, Charcoal
• Width: 178.5 mm (7.02”) Display
• Height: 118 mm (4.65”) • 177.8 mm (7”) LCD touch screen
Key Features: See your life in one view and get things done
• Power cable: 1.5 m Speaker
hands-free. Google Nest Hub helps you make the most of • Full-range speaker
Weight
moments at home. With Voice Match, get your calendar, commute, • 480 g (16.9 oz) Microphones
reminders and more right on the home screen, for • 2-mic array
Sensors
example “Hey Google, show me my calendar. “ You • Capacitive touch
can even get the news, make a shopping list and Connectivity
place calls to friends, family and local businesses. • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® support
• 802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz/5 Ghz) Wi-Fi
Voice-control compatible lights, cameras, TVs and
• Bluetooth® 5.0 support
more from a single dashboard. Power
Final Thoughts: Entry-level, video based addition to • 15 W power adaptor
the collection. Ports
• DC power jack

Google Home
Dimensions Speaker Ports
• Depth: 67.3 mm (2.65”) • Full-range speaker • DC power jack
• Width: 178.5 mm Microphones Operating system
(7.02”) • 2-mic array • Android • iOS
Key Features: Simplify your everyday life with the Google Home,
• Height: 118 mm (4.65”) Sensors
a voice-activated speaker powered by the Google Assistant. Use • Power cable: 1.5 m • Capacitive touch
voice commands to enjoy music, get answers from Google and Weight Connectivity
manage everyday tasks. Google Home is compatible with Android • 480 g (16.9 oz) • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth®
Colours support
and iOS operating systems, and can control compatible smart • Sand, Aqua, Chalk, • 802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4
devices such as Chromecast or Nest. Charcoal GHz/5 Ghz) Wi-Fi
Final Thoughts: Perfect for the first time user, features a host Display • Bluetooth® 5.0 support
• 177.8 mm (7”) LCD Power
of abilities. touch screen • 15 W power adaptor

Google Nest Mini

Dimensions Connectivity Mics
• Diameter: 98 mm • Wi-Fi • Bluetooth® • 3 far-field
(3.85”) support microphones
• Height: 42 mm (1.65”) • 802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4 • Voice Match technolog
Key Features: Meet the second generation Nest GHz/5 GHz) Wi-Fi
• Power cable: 1.5 m Sensors
Mini, the speaker you control with your voice. To play Weight • Bluetooth® 5.0 • Capacitive touch
your favourite music from Spotify, YouTube Music and more, just say • Device: 181 g • Chromecast built-in controls

“Hey Google”. It sounds bigger and richer with 40 percent stronger Colours Power and ports • 3 far-field
• Colours, Chalk, • 15 W power adaptor • microphones
bass than the original Mini. Ask your Google Assistant for help and Charcoal, Coral, Sky DC power jack Processor
get the best of Google – weather, news, or almost anything. Hear Materials Speakers • Quad-core 64-bit ARM
• Durable fabric top • Google Assistant CPU 1.4 GHz
your personalised schedule, commute and reminders. Set timers made from 100% built-in • High-performance ML
and alarms and even turn on the lights. Nest Mini is compatible with recycled plastic bottles • 360-degree sound hardware engine
hundreds of smart devices, such as lights, thermostats and TVs. External enclosure with 40 mm driver Operating system
made with at least • Android • iOS
Final Thoughts: The latest and best version of the Google 35% post-consumer
recycled plastic
Home range.

Camera Colours Connectivity

Google Nest Hub Max • 6.5 megapixel camera
with 127-degree wide
field of view and auto-
• Chalk, Charcoal
Display
• 10” HD touchscreen
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
support
Wi-Fi
Key Features: Make your smart home even smarter. Nest Hub framing (1280x800) • 802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4
Max works with hundreds of smart home devices, including lights, • Face Match Speakers and mic GHz/5 GHz) Wi-Fi
technology • Stereo speaker system • Bluetooth® 5.0 support
TVs and thermostats, allowing you to easily control them all from • Quick Gestures • Google Assistant • Chromecast built-in
one place. You can also control compatible TVs, speakers and • Mic + camera switch built-in • 802.15.4 (at 2.4 GHz)
game consoles from Nest Dimensions • Stereo speaker system thread support
• Depth: 101.23 mm (2 x 18 mm, 10 W Power
Hub Max with your voice (3.99”) tweeters, 1 x 75 mm, • 30 W power adaptor
or from the screen. Turn • Width: 250.1 mm 30 W woofer)
Ports
them on and off; control (9.85”) • Far-field microphones • DC power jack
• Height: 182.55 mm • Ultrasound sensing
the volume, play, pause (7.19”)
Operating system
• Voice Match • Android • iOS
and search. • Power cable: 1.5 m technology
Final Thoughts: Adds Weight Sensors
• 1.32 kg (2.91 lb.) • Ambient EQ light
video based features sensor
to the Google Home,
a must!

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Google Hardware Guides

Google Home
First Time Setup
Setting up your Google Home device properly for the first time will make
using it much easier, so take the time to get things right. You will need to
have the speaker, an Android device, a Google account and a working
Wi-Fi connection that both Android and Home devices can connect to.

Setting Up Google Home

All of the setup for your Google Home speaker is done through the Google Home app for Android. Use this app for future access
and changes to the settings.

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3

❱ Plug in your Google Home device and ❱ Currently, Google Home is only available ❱ You will need to make sure that your
wait for the audio cue to show it is ready for Android devices, and most have it mobile device is connected to the same Wi-
to be set up. Make sure that the switch pre-installed. If you don’t already have it, Fi network you intend to use for the Google
that controls the microphone is set to “On”. find the app on the Google Play store, Home speaker. It won’t work if you are using
If you accidentally turn the microphone download and install it on your mobile a 4G network to connect. Once connected,
off on your speaker, the device will inform device (phone or tablet). Once installed, open the Home app and confirm which
you accordingly. open the app. Google account you will use to log in.

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 Google Home First Time Setup

Step 4 Step 5 Step 6

❱ The Google Home app scans for nearby ❱ Hopefully your device will be found by ❱ You should hear a sound on your speaker to
devices that are plugged in and ready to the app, displayed on screen and you can show it is connected. You can now continue
set up. If no devices are found, and you’re then tap Next to continue. If you are setting the setup by selecting the room it will be in
setting up a device, tap Yes. Make sure that up multiple devices, select the one you (this is just to identify the speaker), choosing
you’re near the Google Home device that want to set up first, and then tap Next. The your region, and setting the assistant
you’re setting up and it’s plugged into a app will now connect your phone to your language you want to use. Once done, you
wall socket. Then tap Next. new Google Home ready for configuration. will need to connect to your Wi-Fi network.

Step 7 Step 8 Step 9

❱ Next, to improve your Google Home ❱ The Google Home app will ask for ❱ You can now add your favourite services,
experience, set up Voice Match. Voice access to use your location to pre-fill your for example music. Spotify, Google Play
Match allows multiple users to use the address. This is the address where your Music, YouTube Music and Deezer are just
same device and get personalised results. device is located. If you allow access, your some of those available. If you add more
Follow the prompts on screen to teach address will be pre-filled; otherwise, you than one, you will need to choose a default
Google to recognise you. You can remove will need to enter it manually. When your music service. Follow the further on-screen
Voice Match settings later if you wish. address is entered tap Next. prompts to complete the setup.

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Google Hardware Guides

Play Music
on Google Home
Listening to the music you want on Google Home requires you to set up
the music services it uses. To do this you need to know how to ask the
speaker to play, stop, pause, shuffle and skip the music you want! Let’s take
a look at just how you listen to music on Google Home.

Choosing Music Services

You can connect your speaker to a great variety of different music services, from Google Play Music to Spotify and Deezer, which
will give you access to millions of songs.

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3

❱ You will have been asked to choose ❱ If you have a Google Play Music or ❱ You will now be taken to the music
a music service during the setup of the YouTube Red account (connected to the service Login screen, where you will have
Google home speaker, but if you skipped current Google account), these services to log in to your account (or create an
this step, or want to add more, you can will be linked automatically. To link one of account if you don’t already have one).
add services at any time. Open the Google the other music services, tap the small link Once this is done successfully, you will
Home app on your Android device and tap icon next to each one. Read the information be returned to the Home app where you
the +Add button on the Home tab. Then in the box that pops up and then tap will see the music service linked to your
tap Music and audio. Link Account. Home device.

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 Play Music on Google Home

Playing Music on Google Home

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3

❱ Now you have your music services linked ❱ To play a specific song, say “Hey Google, ❱ There are some specific commands for
to Google Home, you can start listening. play <song name>,”“Hey Google, play the different music services, but all of them
Exactly what music you can listen to <song name> by <artist name>,” or “…play will react to the general music control
depends on which service you are using. <song name> on <music service>.” Certain commands. These are: “Play,”“Shuffle,”
For example, you may not be able to music services will also allow you to search “Pause,”“Resume,”“Stop,”“Next,”“Skip,”“What
request certain songs by name if you only for songs by saying, “…play songs like song is playing?”“Volume up/down,” or “Set
have a Spotify Free account. <song name>.” volume to 5.”

Step 4 Step 5 Step 6

❱ Guests and housemates cannot access ❱ You can also play music from your ❱ You can use the Home app on your
your library content if you’ve set up Voice desktop Chrome browser on your Google Android device to control the music that is
Match. However, you can give them access Home speaker (as long as the computer is playing on your speaker. Open the app and
by uploading your music to their account. If connected to the same Wi-Fi network). Open tap the speaker name on the home tab.
you haven’t set up Voice Match, guests and the browser and start playing the music. Here you will see play and pause controls,
housemates can access music from your Click the Chrome menu button, select Cast along with a volume slider. Tap the Equaliser
library in the same way you can. and choose the speaker to play through. button to change bass and treble levels.

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Google Hardware Guides

Using Google
Home Routines
Routines are a set of actions that your Google Home can perform when
activated by a single voice command. You can customise existing preset
routines in the Google Home app, or you can create your own routines
from scratch, using a wide variety of available actions.

Create and Manage Routines

Learn how to customise, create and use Routines with your Google Home speaker and the Google Home app.

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3

❱ Your Google Home app comes with ❱ Below each routine name, you will see ❱ Routines are split into sections:
several pre-set routines. To view or edit the number of associated actions. Tap a “When I say…”, (the command) “My
these, tap the Menu button at the top left, routine to start editing it. While all routines assistant should…” (the main actions
and select “More settings”. Scroll down and can be edited, you will notice they have to perform) followed by “And then
tap the “Routines” section. Here you will differing numbers of actions that can be play” (additional actions). You can
see displayed all of the existing routines, added. The pre-set routines illustrate manage and edit each of these
for example “Good morning” or “Bedtime”. this difference. sections individually.

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 Using Google Home Routines

Step 4 Step 5 Step 6

❱ For example, the single command ❱ Tap the checkbox next to each action ❱ You can also change the command that
“Good morning” could take the phone off to add or remove it from the routine. If activates the actions (although you will
silent, tell you the weather alongside your the action has a gear icon next to it, you still need to say “Hey/Okay Google” first).
reminders and commute information. It can tap this to see further settings. For Most pre-set routines have a couple of
could then give you the news headlines example, the Play Radio action allows you commands already set, but you can add a
from a variety of sources (BBC, CNN, etc.) to choose the radio station you want to new one by tapping the top section, then
before playing your favourite radio station use, and music settings lets you choose the tap + and type your desired command and
until you tell it to stop. music source. then press Enter to activate it.

Step 7 Step 8 Step 9

❱ If none of the pre-set routines meet ❱ If you wish, you can set a day/time of day ❱ When you’ve finished setting up the
your needs, you can create your own from when the routine activates automatically new routine, tap the check mark at the
scratch. Open the routines settings in the although you can still activate the routine at top and the screen will change to display
Google Home app and tap the + button. other times with the command. Next, add all routines. Your newly created routine
Start by editing the command you want an action, either by typing the name of a will be given the name of the command
to use to activate the routine. Simple Google Assistant command, or by tapping word you used (e.g. “Entertain me”). Test the
commands seem to work best, so keep “Choose popular actions”, selecting one and routine by speaking the command to your
it short! tapping “Add”. Google Home.

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Google Hardware Guides

Google Home
Tips and Tricks
Your Google Home speaker is great for playing music or listening to the
news, but it also allows you to do so much more! From getting general
info, reading a recipe and finding your phone, to playing a game or telling
you a joke, there are literally 100’s of things it can do; here’s 10 of the best.

Listen to Audio Control Your TV

❱ Your Google Home allows you ❱ If you have a Chromecast plugged
listen to music, news, in (or built in) to your TV, you can
podcasts, radio stations, easily control it with your
audio books and Google Home speaker.
more. You can If your Chromecast
also tell it to is plugged in to
play ambient a power socket
sounds in the (rather than USB),
background. Just you can even use
say, “Hey Google, the speaker to
help me relax,” or turn your TV on
“Hey Google, play and off. Just say,
forest/nature/ocean “…Turn on the
sounds.” You can even TV,” or “…turn my
make it play white noise! TV off.”

Plan Your Day Create Lists

❱ Start your day off by ❱ You can create a list
saying, “Hey Google, in the Google Home
Good morning,” to app and then add to
hear traffic, weather it using your Home
and news reports speaker. Once you
along with a list of have a list created, just
your appointments, say, “Hey Google, add
reminders, and orange juice to my
more; you can shopping list,” or “…add
also ask for these paper towels and hand
things individually. soap to my list.” For a
If you need to find reminder at any time
something nearby, just just say, “…what’s on my
say, “…where is the shopping list.”
nearest pharmacy?”
for example.

156 www.pclpublications.com
 Google Home Tips and Tricks

Find Your Cook

Phone ❱ You can find and
make your favourite
❱ Never lose your phone
recipes using step-
again! Provided Voice Match
by-step cooking
is set up, you can ask your
instructions. For
Google Assistant to ring
example, just say, “Hey
your phone. To do this say,
Google, find a recipe
“Hey Google, find/ring my
for pancakes,” you can
phone,” and your Google
then say, “…prepare
Assistant will ring your
the ingredients,” for
phone, even if it’s set to ‘Do
a list, followed by “…
Not Disturb’ mode.
start recipe.”

Manage Tasks Get Answers

❱ You can easily ❱ You can ask your
set and ask about Google Home to give
reminders by saying, you information about
“Hey Google, remind everything from finance
me to…” You can also to sports, you can ask for
use it to set timers and calculations, translations
alarms by saying, “Hey and unit conversions, for
Google, set a timer example, “Hey Google,
for 10 minutes.” If you how much is 1000
want to check how Danish Krone in dollars?”
much time is left just You can even ask for the
say, “…how much time nutritional information
is left?” You set alarms on most types of food.
in the same way.

Control Your Home Have Fun

❱ If you have smart home ❱ Your Google Home
devices such as smart speaker lets you play
plugs, a Nest thermostat games with it, simply
or security cameras, say, “Hey Google, play
you can link them lucky trivia,” (other
to your Google games include Crystal
Home and control Ball and Mad Libs). If
them using your you don’t want to play
speaker. You a game, just tell it to
will need to add “…entertain me,” or
the devices in say, “...let’s have fun.”
the Home app, You can even ask it to
and follow any tell you a joke!
instructions to set
them up.

www.pclpublications.com 157
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