Symptom

This tip describes the top ten things to do when you get a new Chromebook.

Applicable Brands

Lenovo

Applicable Systems

Lenovo N21 Chromebook

Operating System

Chrome OS

Limitations

If your Chromebook is managed by an Administrator, some of these features may be turned off or locked on.

Solution

Congratulations on receiving a new Chromebook!

Here are ten suggestions to help you set up and start exploring your new Chromebook and Chrome OS’s unique features:

1. Log in.

Google Chrome OS and Chromebooks use the Google account system for login.
Create a new Google account for login here: https://www.google.com/accounts/NewAccount

2. Connect to Wi-Fi.

There are several ways to set up Wi-Fi on a Chromebook. To learn more, see Enable and disable wireless networking on Lenovo N21 Chromebook.

3. Set up a printer.

Chromebooks print uses Google’s Cloud Print.

4. Purchase a USB Ethernet hub adapter.

While Ethernet ports aren’t available on most Chromebooks, a cheap USB Ethernet adapter provides immediate access to the Internet when Wi-Fi isn’t available. To learn more, read this: How To Connect To Ethernet - Chromebook.

5. Explore keyboard shortcuts.

Short cuts come built into all operating systems but what’s the best way to find them? In Chrome OS, press Ctrl and Alt and “?” key to reveal available shortcuts over a keyboard overlay. Different options can be seen by pressing and holding down Ctrl, Alt, Shift, or Search to see shortcuts for these modifiers.

6. Explore and manage local files.

Where does Chrome OS keep your files and apps? To find them, click on the search icon in the lower left of the task bar. From here, a Google search window will open.

To find a particular app, type the name in the search field, or scroll left to right through available apps or, click All Apps.

Additional apps can be found in the Google Chrome Web Store.

7. Explore Chrome://system.

Want to find your Chromebook’s system information? Open a Google Chrome browser window and type “chrome://system” into the search field. For more information, read this: How to find system information - Chromebook.

8. Review Google’s Get Help.

Google has created a welcome tutorial to help customers get to know their Chromebook. To open the tutorial, click on the search icon in the lower left of the task bar. From here, a Google search window will open. Click All Apps. Then select Get Help.

9. Get to know Guest Mode.

Guest mode is a way to share your Chromebook while maintaining security for you and your friends or coworkers. To find out more, read When To Login As A Guest - Chromebook

10. How to lock your screen.

Chrome OS has several features built-in to secure personal data. To take advantage of security features like learning how to set a password and unlocking your Chromebook after inactivity, read more here: How to setup and remove screensavers and screen lock feature on a Chromebook

Bonus: We’ll reveal one Easter Egg hidden in Chrome OS – the screen barrel roll. To make your screen somersault, press and hold Ctrl, Alt, Shift and Reload at the same time.

Related Articles

• Chrome Support Center
• How to take a screenshot - Chromebook