How to Set Up Your Chromebook

Bias alert: Yes, I already have a Chromebook. Yes, I just ordered another one for Christmas. They're not for everyone, and they may not be suitable as your only computer. But they're very good at what they do, which is ... accessing the web. If you live in the "cloud" then a Chromebook does so with very minimal overhead. Quick to turn on (8 seconds). Long battery life. No need to load or update software or operating systems. No need (I'm told) for virus scanning.

And one feature that I really like about a Chromebook is that even I can share one (and I'm not very good at sharing)! When you log in, it remembers your settings just like it's your computer. When someone else logs in, it remembers their settings. No need to worry about them accessing your data or changing your settings or uninstalling your stuff. Compare this to your phone or your tablet (at least the ones I'm familiar with).

During this holiday season I asked myself, what would I rather have: A tablet or a Chromebook? I went Chromebook. I can't type e-mail and work on documents very easily with a tablet. A Chromebook does what I need it to do.

Okay, so let's say you've taken my advice and bought a Chromebook. How do you set it up? Luckily, Google has provided some instructional videos.

"Chromebook: Set Up"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DazdIFMbC_4

You can see the whole series of educational Chromebook videos here:
http://www.google.com/chromebook/features-videos.html

And there is a YouTube channel for Chrome (including Chromebooks):
"Google Chrome"
http://www.youtube.com/user/googlechrome

I don't think I'm bragging too much if I told you that I knew EXACTLY what they were going to do in the "Chromebook: Back Up" video. You could see it a mile away. It was pretty obvious, wasn't it? :)

For more info on Chromebooks (I feel so dirty, but I can't stop myself), go here:
http://www.google.com/chromebook/