Chromebook For Dummies, 3rd Edition

Chromebook For Dummies, 3rd Edition

by Peter H. Gregory
Released April 2023
Publisher(s): For Dummies
ISBN: 9781394168804

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Book description

The return of the bestselling Chromebook guide on the market

Chromebook For Dummies, Third Edition, is your easy-to-follow guide to the low-cost alternative to a traditional laptop. This beginner’s manual walks you through setting up your Chromebook, transitioning from using a traditional computer, and customizing the system to fit your needs. In case you’re wondering, the Chromebook can be used for anything you'd normally do online—checking email, browsing websites, watching videos. This book takes you through all of it, giving you the latest updates on new Chromebook hardware and software features. Navigate apps, apply advanced settings and features, and turn to this guide time and again as you customize and optimize your Chromebook’s performance.

  • Get all the basics on using your Chromebook, in easy-to-follow Dummies style
  • Set up and start using your Chromebook with ease
  • Learn about the latest features in the Chrome operating system
  • Discover the benefits of Chromebook versus traditional laptops

New and novice Chromebook users will love this approachable intro to Google’s little portable computer.

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Title Page
  3. Copyright
  4. Introduction
    1. About This Book
    2. Foolish Assumptions
    3. Icons Used in This Book
    4. Beyond the Book
    5. Where to Go from Here
  5. Part 1: Getting Started with Chromebook
    1. Chapter 1: Choosing and Setting Up Your Chromebook
      1. Checking Under the Hood of the Chromebook
      2. Choosing a Chromebook
      3. Setting Up Your Chromebook
      4. Logging In for the First Time
      5. Transitioning to a Chromebook from Mac, Linux, or Windows
      6. Where to Go Next
    2. Chapter 2: Working with the Chromebook Desktop
      1. Accessing the Chromebook Shelf
      2. Using the Launcher: Chromebook’s Start Button
      3. Setting Up App Shortcuts
      4. Getting the Scoop in the Status Area
      5. Taking Charge of Window Controls
      6. Multitasking with Multiple Windows
      7. Setting Up a Printer
    3. Chapter 3: Surveying the Chrome Browser
      1. Navigating the Chrome Browser
      2. Customizing and Controlling Chrome
      3. Changing Search Engine Providers
      4. Using Other Browsers
    4. Chapter 4: Getting Your Hands on the Keyboard and Touchpad
      1. The Chromebook Keyboard at a Glance
      2. Using Shortcut Key Combinations
      3. Configuring Keyboard Settings
      4. Using the Touchpad
      5. Customizing Touchpad Settings
      6. Connecting a Mouse or Keyboard
    5. Chapter 5: Finding and Exploring Chromebook Apps
      1. Exploring Chromebook’s Pre-Installed Apps
      2. Finding More Apps with the Chrome Web Store
      3. The Google Play Store
    6. Chapter 6: Working with Gmail and Google Calendar
      1. Gmail for Chromebook
      2. Sending Email with Gmail
      3. Reading Email
      4. Using Google Calendar
    7. Chapter 7: Working with Files and Google Drive
      1. Finding Files with the Files App
      2. Adding and Using External Storage
      3. Working with Google Drive
  6. Part 2: Harnessing Business Power with the Chromebook
    1. Chapter 8: Writing with Word Processing
      1. Navigating Google Docs
      2. Working with Text
      3. Formatting Text
      4. Saving Documents
      5. Collaborating in Docs
      6. Tracking Document Revisions
      7. Using Docs Offline
    2. Chapter 9: Summarizing Spreadsheets
      1. Navigating Google Sheets
      2. Working with Data
      3. Formatting Data
      4. Customizing Your Spreadsheet
      5. Performing Calculations with Formulas
      6. Saving Documents
      7. Collaboration with Sheets
      8. Tracking Versions of Your Spreadsheet
      9. Using Sheets Offline
    3. Chapter 10: Preparing Presentations
      1. Navigating Google Slides
      2. Styling Your Presentation
      3. Working with Text
      4. Working with Images
      5. Viewing Presentations in Presentation Mode
      6. Saving Presentations
      7. Collaborating in Slides
      8. Tracking Revisions
      9. Using Slides Offline
    4. Chapter 11: Using Other Office Tools
      1. Getting Started with Microsoft 365
      2. Working with PDF Documents
  7. Part 3: The Chromebook Recreational Vehicle
    1. Chapter 12: Managing Your Music
      1. Getting Started with YouTube Music
      2. Creating a Standard Account
      3. Upgrading to a Premium Account
      4. Accessing Music in YouTube Music
      5. Enjoying Streaming Music with Pandora
      6. Streaming with Spotify
      7. Amping Up Amazon Music
      8. Rocking with Apple Music
      9. High-End Listening with Tidal
    2. Chapter 13: Having Fun with Photos
      1. Navigating the Chromebook Camera
      2. Taking a Picture
      3. Transferring Photos Taken with a Smartphone to Your Chromebook
      4. Transferring Photos from Other Devices to Your Chromebook
      5. Viewing Photos on Your Chromebook
      6. Viewing Photos on a Television
      7. Deleting Photos
      8. Editing Photos
      9. Sharing Photos
    3. Chapter 14: Playing Video on the Chromebook
      1. Creating a Video with Your Chromebook
      2. Watching Videos on a Chromebook
      3. Navigating the Chromebook Video Player
      4. Using Other Video Players on a Chromebook
      5. Playing Videos from an Android Phone or iPhone on a Chromebook
      6. Transferring a Video from a Dashcam or Another Device to a Chromebook
      7. Getting Started with Google TV
      8. Exploring YouTube
      9. Gaming on Chromebooks
    4. Chapter 15: Chatting with Friends and Family
      1. Instant Messaging with Google Chat
      2. Gathering with Google Meet
      3. Calling and Texting with Google Voice
      4. Videoconferencing with Zoom
      5. Other Text and Video Applications
      6. Working with Google Contacts
    5. Chapter 16: Reading Ebooks on the Chromebook
      1. Navigating Google Play Books
      2. Reading and Listening to Ebooks
      3. Using Amazon Kindle on your Chromebook
  8. Part 4: Advanced Chromebook Settings
    1. Chapter 17: Customizing Your Chromebook
      1. Customizing Your Display Settings
      2. Customizing Your Shelf
      3. Connecting Bluetooth Devices to Your Chromebook
      4. Managing Notifications
      5. Using Hey Google!
      6. Other Chromebook Customizations
    2. Chapter 18: Securing Your Chromebook
      1. Conducting User Management
      2. Managing and Protecting Your Passwords
      3. Locking Your Screen
      4. Protecting Your Network Traffic with VPN
      5. Keeping Your Chromebook Up-to-Date
      6. Protection from Viruses and Other Malware
      7. Protecting Your Chromebook from Prying Eyes and Thieves
    3. Chapter 19: Troubleshooting Your Chromebook
      1. Resolving Internet-Connectivity Problems
      2. Looking into Browser Issues
      3. Resolving Power Problems
      4. Finding Help Online
      5. Powerwashing Your Chromebook
      6. Using the Chromebook Recovery Utility
  9. Part 5: The Part of Tens
    1. Chapter 20: Ten (Plus One) Hardware Features to Consider When Buying a Chromebook
      1. Screen
      2. Processor
      3. Memory
      4. Storage Capacity
      5. Webcam
      6. Internet Connection
      7. Battery
      8. SD Card Slot
      9. HDMI Port
      10. USB Ports (Including USB-C)
      11. Backlit Keyboard
    2. Chapter 21: Ten (Plus One) Handy Chromebook Shortcuts
      1. Search from the Launcher
      2. Do a Quick Reboot
      3. Control Chromebook with the Omnibox
      4. Lock Your Screen
      5. Launch Apps in the Shelf
      6. Do a Barrel Roll
      7. View Chromebook Tasks
      8. See All Your Open Windows
      9. Perform Math, Conversions, and Definitions with Search
      10. Use a Proxy for the Delete Key
      11. Give Google Assistant a Nudge
    3. Chapter 22: Ten Great ChromeOS Apps
      1. Wordscapes
      2. Angry Birds
      3. Chrome Remote Desktop
      4. Canva
      5. Sketchbook
      6. Dashlane Password Manager
      7. Speedtest
      8. Microsoft Word Online
      9. WeatherBug
      10. Podcast Addict
    4. Chapter 23: Ten Chromebook Security Tips
      1. Lock Your Chromebook when You’re Away
      2. Use Strong, Complex Passwords
      3. Use a Web-Based Password Vault
      4. Use Multifactor Authentication Everywhere You Can
      5. Get a Screen Privacy Filter
      6. Block Malicious Websites with an Anti-Malware Program
      7. Update the Security on Your Wi-Fi Access Point
      8. Back Up Your Local Data
      9. Use a VPN If You Use Public Wi-Fi Routinely
      10. Keep Your Chromebook Up-to-Date
  10. Index
  11. About the Author
  12. Advertisement Page
  13. Connect with Dummies
  14. End User License Agreement

Product information

  • Title: Chromebook For Dummies, 3rd Edition
  • Author(s): Peter H. Gregory
  • Release date: April 2023
  • Publisher(s): For Dummies
  • ISBN: 9781394168804