Chromebook For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Chapter 5

Finding and Exploring Chromebook Apps

IN THIS CHAPTER

Learning about apps

Reviewing some of the pre-installed apps

Searching for and installing new apps

Because Google’s original vision for Chromebook was to create a computer that did most of its work over the Internet, a lot of a Chromebook’s functionality is achieved through the Chrome web browser. Unlike Windows or Mac computers, few applications are installed on the Chromebook; instead, they’re stored on remote computers and accessed over the Internet. Google has numerous applications to help you with work, school, personal development, entertainment, and more. This concept — using online applications and reducing the need to install, store, and run software locally — reduces costs for both Google and for the consumer because the Chromebook doesn’t require expensive hardware to run the applications.

In this chapter, you get a brief overview of the applications that come with your Chromebook, as well as the lowdown on how to find and add new applications to your Launcher. Keep in mind that adding apps to your Chromebook requires little more than adding a shortcut to your menu and adjusting a few settings.

Your Chromebook ...