Chromebook FAQS
What is a Chromebook?
Basically a laptop running Google Chrome OS, an operation system based on Linux and the Chrome web browser. Chromebooks do not allow any software to install, so it's impossible to get a virus, and no local programs can slow the system down: almost all software is in the cloud.
Do Chromebooks get updated frequently?
Google aims to update Chromebooks every six weeks, with new features and bug fixes. These updates happen quietly in the background and unless the update provides a large change most Chromebook users do not notice.
How do I backup my data?
If you choose to store everything in the cloud then you do not need to backup: you can pick up another Chromebook and sign in and all of the data in the cloud will be available on the Chromebook. If you choose to store data on the internal storage (the Downloads folder) then you need to manually copy this to somewhere else safe. Try to save everything to Google Drive as Chromebooks provide built-in connectivity to Google Drive. Amazingly, in most cases when you buy a Chromebook, Google provide you with extra storage on Google Drive.
How long does it take to boot up a Chromebook or Chromebox
It takes from as little as 7 seconds - imagine that compared to an average PC or laptops! It takes 1 second to recover from standby.
What storage options do Chromebooks provide?
Local Storage Options Chromebooks provide a limited amount of internal storage: the amount of storage available depends on the model of Chromebook you own. Cloud-based Storage Options Alternatively you can use various cloud-based storage solutions also, Google Drive for example. Google do not tie you to just Google products: you can use any cloud-based storage platform provided you can access it via the Chrome web browser.
Which companies manufacture Chromebooks?
Samsung Acer HP Lenovo Google
How safe is the data on my Chromebook?
The Chromebook encrypts any data stored on it and you can only access this locally stored data if you sign in with your Google Account username and password. If someone stole your Chromebook, or your lost your Chromebook and someone found it, they could not access any of your personal files without your Google Account, even if they removed the internal drive from the computer to connect to another computer (as the Chromebook encrypts the data). The worst that could happen is someone could reset the Chromebook and wipe your data (a great reason to keep it in the cloud), but they can never access it.
If I cannot install software how do I do anything?
The whole idea of a Chromebook is to work in the "cloud": this means that you use software as a service provided from web-based cloud service providers. If you want to word process a document then you can use Google Docs in Google Drive completely free. Google Drive also provides Spreadsheets, Presentations, Drawings and Forms - all for free!
