Student Guide for General Chromebook Use

Getting Started

Sign In

Your email address is your username. You only need to type your 5-digit student number since “@salem.k12.va.us” already appears on the login screen.

Connect to Wi-Fi

If your Chromebook isn't already connected to the school network:

• Click the status area in the lower-right corner, where your account picture appears.
• Click the network icon and select the school Wi-Fi network.

Lock Your Screen

If you move away from your Chromebook, lock your screen so no one can use your account. Here are options for locking your screen:

• Click the status area in the lower-right corner, where your account picture appears, and then click the lock icon.
  
• Press Search (🔍) + L.
  
• You can close the lid on your Chromebook because it requires a password to wake up.

Sign Out

• Click the status area in the lower-right corner, where your account picture appears, and then click Sign out.

Shut Down / Restart

• Click the status area in the lower-right corner, where your account picture appears, and then click the power icon and choose Shut down or Restart.
  Restart regularly (at least once a week) so your Chromebook can finish installing updates.

Everyday Tools

The Launcher

The Launcher opens a window where you can search Google or open apps. Use one of these methods to open the launcher:

• Click the circle icon in the bottom-left corner.
• Press the Search key (the magnifying glass) on your keyboard.

Google Drive & Offline Access

Google Drive stores your Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Turn on offline access so you can still open and edit your recent files without internet.

1. Open Google Drive.
2. Click the Settings (gear) icon, then click Settings.
3. Turn on the checkbox next to "Create, open and edit your recent Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides files on this device while offline."

Don’t do this on public or shared computers, since your files stay stored on that device.

Taking Screenshots

• Press Ctrl + Show windows key to capture your whole screen.
• Press Ctrl + Shift + Show windows key to capture part of your screen.

Screenshots are saved to your Files app, in the Downloads or Screenshots folder.

Touchpad Tips

Use these gestures to move around and select items on the screen:

• Move the pointer: Move one finger across the touchpad.
• Click: Press down, or tap the touchpad with one finger (tap-to-click is on by default).
• Right-click: Tap or click the touchpad with two fingers.
• Scroll: Move two fingers up/down or left/right on the touchpad.
• Swipe: Quickly move two fingers left or right to go back or forward a page.
• Drag and drop: Click and hold an item with one finger, then move a second finger to drag it, and release both to drop it.

Shortcut Keys

Along the top row of your keyboard, in place of a standard keyboard’s F1 - F12 keys, you'll find these shortcut keys:

• Back / Forward: go to the previous or next page in your browser history.
• Reload: refresh your current page.
• Fullscreen: enter Immersive mode, which hides the tabs and launcher.
• Overview: shows all your open windows at once.
• Screenshot key: take a screenshot (see above).
• Brightness down / up: dim or brighten your screen.
• Mute / Volume down / Volume up: control your sound.
• Search key: search your apps and the web at the same time (also opens the Launcher).
  

Helpful Keyboard Shortcuts

Taking Care of Your Chromebook

• Charge it fully each night so it's ready for school; close it when you’re not using it to avoid letting the battery run out during class.
• Carry it closed in a case or sleeve, and hold it by the base, not the screen.
• Keep food and drinks away from your keyboard.
• Clean the screen with a soft, dry cloth; never use a paper towel or window cleaner.
• Report cracks, a broken hinge, a swollen battery, or anything that stops working right away.

Getting Help

If your Chromebook won't turn on, won't connect to the network, or is acting strangely, try restarting it first. If that doesn't fix it, tell your teacher or visit the school's technology help desk or IT Office.