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Guides on Chromebooks

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How much RAM does your Chromebook need?

The days when 4GB RAM was more than sufficient are long gone

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Chromebooks are capable machines, and the best Chromebooks can be used for browsing, watching videos, and editing documents. You can also use Android and desktop apps via Linux. Its lightweight ChromeOS operating system makes Chromebooks power-efficient. These computers don't need powerful processors and RAM in double-digits.

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Chromebook: How to check for ChromeOS updates

The easiest way to keep your Chromebook up-to-date

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Staying on top of software updates keeps your Chromebook running efficiently and securely. Typically, you don't have to manually install updates on a Chromebook. Google ships ChromeOS updates and security patches frequently, and they typically download and install in the background. If you've noticed your laptop is running more slowly than normal, its worth a quick check to make sure your computer is up to date. If a missing update or ChromeOS Powerwash fails to help, it may be time to to upgrade to a a high-end Chromebook.

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Can you play Roblox on a Chromebook?

It's possible, but you'll have to do a little work

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Roblox is an incredibly popular game, especially with a younger audience, that's been around since 2006. It's showing no signs of slowing down, with more than 500 million downloads on the Google Play Store alone and countless others across all the compatible platforms. It's a great place for children to express their creativity, and it gives them an outlet to create their own games within the game. Roblox can be enjoyed on an Android or Apple phone, Windows or Mac computer, some consoles, and even on the Amazon Fire OS. But can you play Roblox on a Chromebook? Let's take a look at how to get the smash hit running on ChromeOS.

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How to change ChromeOS channels: easily switch between Stable, Beta, and Dev

Try out the newest Chromebook features early

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Chromebooks are capable and easy-to-use devices that run Linux-based ChromeOS on the software front. The best Chromebooks offer premium builds and receive operating system (OS) updates for many years. Chromebook updates are mainly released in Stable, Beta, and Developer channels. You can switch between these channels to access the newest features while they're being finalized. However, each channel offers a different mix of new features and stability. This guide details the ChromeOS channels available to you and how you can try them out.

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How to enable an SD card for storage on a Chromebook

Put your downloads on an SD card instead of your Chromebook's precious internal storage

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Whether you're rocking a top-of-the-line Chromebook or our favorite budget ChromeOS devices, at some point, you may want to expand your storage. Downloading content from apps like Netflix or Plex takes up a lot of space, so you'll want to install an SD or MicroSD card to avoid filling up your laptop's internal storage.

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Can Chromebooks get viruses?

Here's what you need to know about viruses, malware, and your Chromebook.

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ChromeOS is one of the most secure operating systems. Still, it can't guarantee protection against viruses. While the chance of a virus infecting your Chromebook is slim to none, understanding your Chromebook's security features and why you don't need antivirus software will give you peace of mind when setting up your new device.

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How to use split screen on your Chromebook

Make multitasking work for you

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When you use the same device for work, school, and play, it's hard to fit everything on the screen at once. You may be able to switch between windows with some keyboard shortcuts on one of our favorite Chromebooks, but it can get confusing. To make this easier for Chromebook users, Google includes some great multitasking features in ChromeOS. Split screen is one such feature to place two windows side by side to review relevant data. This guide details how to use the split screen mode on your Chromebook through various methods.

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Can Chromebooks run Windows?

Want to get Windows running on your Chromebook? Here's what you need to know.

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Chromebooks have been extremely popular in the world of casual computing for a long time, and they've now blossomed into powerful computers with relatively high-end specs that can accommodate the needs of professionals and more intensive users. Many of the best Chromebooks now have a build quality that rivals and, in some cases, surpasses that of Windows laptops, with strong Intel performance hardware and high-res displays to suit a wider audience.

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ChromeOS: The AP guide to Google's desktop operating system

ChromeOS is common on Chromebooks, but is it right for you? Let's take a look at everything that makes ChromeOS unique

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While Microsoft produces computers designed for Windows and Apple MacBooks are built for macOS, Google computers like Chromebooks have their unique operating system called ChromeOS. If you're thinking about making the switch to Google's bespoke OS, we're here to make a formal introduction.

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What is a Chromebook?

To truly understand what a Chromebook is, it helps to take a closer look at everything a Chromebook can (and can’t) do

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There are four main computer operating systems: Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux. Many of these have been around since the invention of the computer, but ChromeOS is a relative newcomer. ChromeOS is the operating system that powers all Chromebooks, including the best available Chromebooks. Since Chromebooks are newer than Windows or macOS devices, many people are unsure what they do. This article looks at what a Chromebook is, what it can do, and its limitations.

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Most people have several devices that they log in to in a number of ways. You may have a password on your laptop, a fingerprint on your phone, and a pin or pattern on your tablet. These differing login methods can be frustrating and tedious to remember. However, if you have an Android phone and one of our favorite Chromebooks, Google included a feature to unlock your Chromebook with your phone. This feature is called Smart Lock, and this guide details how to set up, use, and troubleshoot it.

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How to find deleted files on your Chromebook

They're not gone forever if you know where to look

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Chromebooks are the perfect device for many people due to their simple user interface and relatively low cost. If you're willing to spend a little more money, you'll find many of the top Chromebooks include premium features like fingerprint scanners, and 4K screens. ChromeOS, Google's custom operating system that's based on the Chrome browser, is more capable than many people think.

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How to use a Chromebook offline

An offline Chromebook can still use many of its cloud-based apps

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Almost everything we do on a computer relies on an internet connection. Without it, our computers lose functionality, but they can still complete many tasks. Contrary to popular belief, this is also true for Chromebooks. Even though they run the ChromeOS operating system, which is based on Google Chrome, they can still complete several tasks offline. All Chromebooks, including the best Chromebooks, can sync documents for offline use and use Android apps when offline. This guide discusses how to get your Chromebook set up for offline use.

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How to set up a new Chromebook or Chromebox

Get your new device up and running in no time

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Chromebooks are great devices for most people due to their low cost and ease of use. The best Chromebooks have premium features, such as built-in fingerprint sensors or 4k displays. Before you can use these features, you must sign in and get your device going. Fortunately, you can complete the process in minutes.

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How to set up and use a Chromebook with an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse

Turn your Chromebook into a desktop powerhouse

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The best Chromebooks are simple yet capable computers that offer incredible versatility out of the box. However, attaching a peripheral device like a monitor, keyboard, or mouse may be tricky. Chromebooks don't have the same capability as Windows or Mac computers but don't let this dissuade you from connecting to one.

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How to set parental controls on a Chromebook

Parental controls will help you steer your children away from the internet's many dark corners

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Chromebooks are inexpensive and easy-to-use devices that many people turned to during the pandemic. Some bought one of our favorite Chromebooks as a remote work device, and others purchased or were provided a more affordable and durable Chromebook for their child's remote learning. While these devices are useful for learning, there are some things that parents may not want their kids to see or have access to.

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