Using a Chromebook at HACC - Tips and Troubleshooting

Using a Chromebook at HACC - Tips and Troubleshooting

A Chromebook is essentially the Chrome web browser in the form of a laptop, and very little else. The ChromeOS that the Chromebook runs on is related to the Android operating system installed on tablets and smartphones and is developed by Google. It runs a modified Linux kernel. 

Advantages:

• Often cheaper than Windows or MacOS devices
• Lightweight and easy to maintain, simple interface
• Very user friendly, and there is lots of documentation on how to use
• If the Chromebook becomes troublesome, there is an easy way to reset the ChromeOS.

Disadvantages:

• Will only be supported by Google for a few years, then the version of the ChromeOS installed will no longer have bugfixes and security updates released
• Often slower chips and limited memory space compared to Windows and MacOS devices
• Hardware may not be upgradeable, soldered memory, sealed battery
• It does not run Windows or Mac software, and does not have the full functionality of a Windows or MacOS computer. If you use a Chromebook for HACC coursework, you will be limited in what you can accomplish. A device running the Windows or Mac OS should be used to insure you can access all resources and applications necessary for HACC coursework
• The choice of software is usually just the plugins available in the Chrome Web Store.
• Google Chrome is the only web browser available.
• There are no desktop Office 365 apps available for Chromebooks. You would need to use the web version of Office 365, which does not have all the functions of the Office 365 apps installed on Windows or MacOS devices.
• If you log into a Chromebook with a HAWKMAIL or hacc.edu email address, HACC policies may be applied and prevent Chrome settings and applets like Maps and other apps from running correctly. Make sure you have a personal Google account (GMail) you can use to login as well.
• Connection to HACC Wifi requires extra steps: See these instructions https://hacc.teamdynamix.com/TDClient/78/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=1564