Jeff Bayazit - Chromebooks

GET TO WORK WITH A CHROMEBOOK

Let's break down the onboarding experience for a new Chromebook user in three scenarios, the first-time computer user, a person who is switching to Chromebook while abandoning another platform, and a person who will be adding Chromebook to their collection of devices:

Scenario 1: The First-Time buyer

1. Setup

a) Unbox the Chromebook, plug it in to charge, and power it on.

b) Follow the easy on-screen instructions:

to choose a language
connect to Wi-Fi or ethernet
sign in (you'll need to create a Google Account if you don't have one).

2. Explore the Basics

a) There are three basic things that need to be understood at the start:

The Shelf (like a taskbar)
The App Launcher (like a start menu)
The Status Area (for settings, notifications)

b) Explore with the Explore App. When you log in to a Chromebook for the first time and complete the initial onboarding, the Explore app orients you to learn about the most helpful Chrome OS features.

3. Get Familiar

a) Explore core Google apps (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Drive).

b) Check out the Chrome Web Store for additional apps and extensions to personalise the experience.

The Shelf (bottom)

App Launcher (left)

Internet Connect (right)

Scenario 2: Switching from Another Computer

1. Data Transfer

a) From your old computer, upload your files to Google Drive if you already have a Google account, if not then get a Google account. Now they are available on your Chromebook. Otherwise, use a thumb drive or something similar to back-up your files, then transfer them to the Chromebook.

b) Browser bookmarks and passwords synced with a Google account will transfer seamlessly. If you already have a chrome browser on your old computer, that's all you need.

2. Adjusting to Workflow

a) Find Chromebook equivalents for frequently used applications. Explore the Chrome Web Store or research web-based alternatives.

b) Adapt to file storage being primarily cloud-based (Google Drive). Some local storage is available, but Chromebooks excel with cloud integration.

3. Learn Chromebook Quirks

a) Discover new keyboard shortcuts (function keys have unique assignments).

b) Get comfortable with the touchpad and its gestures for navigation.

Scenario 3: Chromebook as an Additional Device

1. Integration:

a) Sign in with the same Google account as used on other devices for seamless syncing of bookmarks, passwords, and potentially some data. If you don't have a Google account, then get one.

b) Consider how the Chromebook will complement your existing workflow. Will it be focused on portability, specific tasks, or web-based activities?

2. Embracing Cloud Synergy:

a) Google Drive allows easy access to files stored on other devices, making the Chromebook an extension of your existing setup.

3. Avoid Duplication:

a) Focus on what the Chromebook does uniquely well – portability, simplicity, seamless Google integration. This avoids unnecessary overlap with the functionality of other systems.

Additional Tips:

Explore online resources and YouTube tutorials specifically geared towards first-time Chromebook users.

Don't be afraid to experiment; Chrome OS is designed to be intuitive and easy to learn.

Let me know if you'd like more specific guidance on any of these scenarios or have additional questions!

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