If you haven't used a Chromebook before, you probably haven't ever encountered Chrome OS, an operating system designed by Google for Chromebooks and Chromeboxes. Like Windows OS and macOS, the two most common operating systems, Chrome OS is an environment in which you may launch applications, surf the Web, save and work with files, and more.

All in all, Chrome OS and Chromebooks can do just a lot that Windows and Mac computers can—they just do it differently! For example, this very page was created using Chrome OS. Could you tell?

Chromebook Key Features

Keyboard Layout

Chromebooks rely on a specialized keyboard with features for key Chrome OS functions. This is the same as computers running Windows that have keyboards with specializations for Windows and Macs have keyboards with features specific to macOS.

Like standard Windows and macOS keyboards, standard Chromebook keyboards use a QWERTY layout.

For a full list of Chromebook keyboard special keys and what they do, see Use your Chromebook keyboard from Google's knowledge base.

Standard Chromebook keyboard layout

The Search Key

The most significant special key on a Chromebook keyboard is the Search key, to the left of the "a" button, where the Caps Lock key is on most Windows and macOS keyboards. Pressing the Search key will bring up a universal search menu that searches everything the Chromebook can access, from local files to application settings to everything Google can find online.

Search menu brought up by pressing the Search key

You may also click the Search button in the bottom-left of the screen, the white circular symbol, to bring up this Search menu.

Online Only

While generally Chromebooks may be configured to allow offline use, the standard functions of Chrome OS assume that the computer is online at all times. Chrome OS runs applications and processes with very little processing power because it allows Internet-based services to bear the brunt of processing work. For example, if you run Word on your Windows computer, your computer processes all the functions Word needs; if you run Google Docs from your Chromebook, all the processing Docs needs is done by Google's servers—your computer saves processing power and energy!

CLICC Chromebooks are configured so that you must be online to use them.

Chrome OS Key Features

Access Files, Apps, and More from the Search Menu

If you want to find local files, see all the applications installed on your computer, or access Chrome OS settings, open the Search menu by pressing the Search key or by clicking on the Search button in the bottom-left corner of the screen.

Expand the Search menu to see all your installed applications by pressing the up arrow above the Search bar.

Expanded Search menu shows all installed apps

Save files to Cloud or USB storage

Use the Files app to save or open files.

Files app in Chrome OS

Chromebooks do not have much storage capacity, and CLICC Chromebooks wipe all local data when you exit your session or turn off the computer.

So, use the Files app to save any local files to a USB drive. Also, you may use the Chrome Browser to log into g.ucla.edu, UCLA Box, or any other cloud storage to save your files online!

CLICC Chromebook Features

Just Close the Lid

Do not exit your session! Do not turn off your Chromebook!

CLICC Chromebooks must wipe all local data when they exit your current session or turn off.

If you want to keep your settings and locally stored data, just close the lid! This will put the Chromebook to sleep, and all your data will be there when you open it again. Just make sure to keep it charged!

Need a Windows app? Use CLICC Virtual Desktop!

All CLICC Chromebooks come with Citrix Workspace installed, which you may use to access a CLICC Virtual Desktop.

CLICC Virtual Desktops are Windows desktops with dozens of licensed applications installed, which you may use from any computer as long as you have Internet and UCLA credentials! If you need to use one of the applications on the CLICC Virtual Desktop, follow this guide to get started with your CLICC Virtual Desktop right from your Chromebook!

Have a Chromebook, but not one from CLICC? That's ok! Simply follow the guide to get started with CLICC Virtual Desktop on your personal Chromebook!