Google Chrome

Introduction

Google Chrome is a free web browser from Google. With its clean design and advanced features, Chrome has quickly become one of the most popular web browsers worldwide. In this lesson, we'll talk about the features of Google Chrome, how to download and install Chrome to your computer, and how to sign in to Chrome using a Google Account.

To learn more about how Chrome was created, check out this Google Book on Chrome's History.

Chrome's features

Chrome has several different features that make it easy to browse the Web. Learn more about some of Chrome's features below:

·         Speed: Since Chrome was designed with web applications in mind, performance with websites like Gmail andFacebook is especially fast and reliable.

·         Security: Chrome has a variety of tools to help keep you safe online. Chrome is constantly updating, so you're always protected from the latest malware and phishing scams. For example, Chrome will show you a warning whenever you visit a page that is potentially dangerous.

·         Customization: While Chrome's design is simple, the Chrome Web Store makes it easy to customize Chrome with web apps, themes, and extensions.

·         Translation: Whenever you visit a website in a foreign language, Chrome will automatically offer to translate the page to your native language. This feature isn't always perfect, but it opens the door to millions of websites that you might never have visited otherwise.

Downloading Chrome

Unlike Internet Explorer or Safari, Chrome does not come pre-installed with your operating system. To use Chrome, you must first download and install it to your computer. The process is simple and should take no more than a few minutes.

To download and install Chrome:

1.      Using your current web browser, navigate to www.google.com/chrome.

2.      The Google Chrome download page will appear. Locate and select the download button.

3.      A dialog box will appear. Review the Terms of Service, then click Accept and Install.

4.      The Google Chrome Installer will open automatically. The download and installation process may vary depending on your current web browser and operating system. Step-by-step instructions will appear in the browser window if you are not sure how to proceed.

5.      The installer will close when finished, and Google Chrome will open.

 Accessing Chrome

·         If you are using Windows, Chrome will add a shortcut on your desktop. Whenever you want to open Chrome, just double-click the icon. You can also access it from the Start menu or pin it to the taskbar.

·         If you are using a Mac, you can open Chrome from the Applications folder. You can also drag Chrome to theDock for fast access.

If you want to use Google Chrome as your only web browser, you can set it as your default browser. Check out our lesson on Customizing Chrome to learn how.

Getting to know Chrome

Chrome offers many of the same features as most web browsers, in addition to its own unique tools. While Chrome is relatively simple to use, its interface may feel incomplete if you are used to a more traditional browser.

Click the buttons in the interactive below to become more familiar with the Google Chrome interface.

Signing in to Chrome

One of Chrome's most powerful features is the option to sign in. Signing in allows you to access your bookmarks, saved passwords, history, and settings from any computer and even some mobile devices. 

You will need a Google Account to sign in to Chrome. Check out our Google Account tutorial for more information, including How to Create a Google Account.

If you have a Gmail address, you already have a Google Account. You can sign in to Chrome using your Gmail information.

To sign in to Chrome:

1.      Click the Chrome menu in the top-right corner of the browser, then select Sign in to Chrome from the drop-down menu.

2.      A sign in form will appear. Enter your Google user name (or Gmail address) and password, then click Sign in.

3.      You are now signed in to Chrome. Click OK to close the dialog box.

Adding other users

If you use a family computer, you may want to add other accounts to Chrome, which will allow everyone to access their personal settings and information.

To add other accounts to Chrome:

1.      Click the Chrome menu in the top-right corner of the browser, then select Settings from the drop-down menu.

2.      The Settings tab will appear. Locate and select Add new user.

3.      A sign-in form will open in a new window. Enter the new user's Google user name and password, then click Sign in.

4.      The new account will appear in the user list. Both users will be assigned a name and user icon. You can always see who is signed in by looking at the user icon in the top-left corner of the browser.

5.      Click the Edit button to change a user's name and icon. 

6.      A dialog box will appear. Enter a name, select an icon, then click OK.

7.      To switch users, click the user icon, then select the desired account from the drop-down menu.

8.      A new window will open for that user, with the user icon visible in the top-left corner.

Chrome for mobile devices

Chrome can also be used as a web browser on mobile devices. Available for both iOS and Android, the Chrome app allows you to browse the Web, open multiple tabs, conduct searches, and more. You'll even have the option to sign in to Chrome on your mobile device, allowing you to sync bookmarks, saved passwords, browsing history, and settings across all of your devices.

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What is a computer

What is a computer?

A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data. You can use a computer to type documents, send email, and browse the Web. You can also use it to handle spreadsheets, accounting, database management, presentations, games, and more.

Watch the video to learn about different types of computers.

Computers simplified

For beginner computer users, the computer aisles at an electronics store can be quite a mystery, not to mention overwhelming. However, computers really aren't that mysterious. All types of computers consist of two basic parts:

!   Hardware is any part of your computer that has a physical structure, such as the computer monitor or keyboard.

!   Software is any set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do. It is what guides the hardware and tells it how to accomplish each task. Some examples of software include web browsers, games, and word processors such as Microsoft Word.

Anything you buy for your computer can be classified as either hardware or software. Once you learn more about these items, computers are actually very straightforward.

The first electronic computer, the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC), was developed in 1946. It took up 1,800 square feet and weighed 30 tons.

What are the different types of computers?

When most people hear the word "computer," they think of a personal computer such as a desktop or laptopcomputer. However, computers come in many shapes and sizes, and they perform many different functions in our daily lives. When you withdraw cash from an ATM, scan groceries at the store, or use a calculator, you're using a type of computer.

Desktop computers

Many people use desktop computers at work, home, school, or the library. They can be small, medium, or large in style, and they usually sit on a desk. Once you add a monitor, mouse, and keyboard, you have what is typically known as a desktop computer.

Most desktop computers are easy to upgrade and expand or add new parts. Another benefit of desktop computers is the cost. If you compare a desktop and a laptop with the same features, you will most likely find that the desktop computer is priced lower.

Some desktop computers have a built-in monitor to save space. These are often called all-in-one desktop computers.

Laptop computers

The second type of computer you may be familiar with is a laptop computer, or a laptop. Laptops are battery- or AC-powered personal computers that aremore portable than desktop computers, allowing you to use them almost anywhere.

Because a laptop is smaller than a desktop, it's more difficult to access its internal components. This means you may not be able to upgrade them as easily as a desktop. However, it's usually possible to add more RAM or a larger hard drive.

A laptop computer is sometimes called a notebook computer because of its size.

Servers

A server is a computer that "serves up" information to other computers on a network. Many businesses have file servers that employees can use to store and share files. A server can look like a regular desktop computer, or it can be much larger.

Servers also play an important role in making the Internet work: They are where webpages are stored. When you use your browser to click a link, aweb server delivers the page you requested.

Other types of computers

Today, there are many everyday devices that are basically specialized computers, even though we don't always think of them as computers. Here are a few common examples:

·         Tablet computers: These use a touch-sensitive screen for typing and navigation. Because they don't require a keyboard or mouse, tablet computers are even more portable than laptops. The iPad is an example of a tablet computer.

·         Mobile phones: Many mobile phones can do a lot of things computers can do, such as browsing the Internet and playing games. These phones are often called smartphones.

·         Game consoles: A game console is a specialized kind of computer that is used for playing video games. Although they are not as fully featured as desktop computers, many newer consoles, such as the Nintendo Wii, allow you to perform nongaming tasks like browsing the Web.

·         TVs: Many TVs now include applications (or apps) that let you access various types of online content. For example, you can view your Facebook news feed or watch streaming movies on Netflix.

PCs and Macs

Personal computers come in two main styles: PC and Mac. Both styles are fully functional, but they do have a different look and feel, and many people prefer one or the other.

·         PC: This type of computer began with the original IBM PC that was introduced in 1981. Other companies began to create similar computers, which were called IBM PC Compatible (often shortened to PC). Today, this is the most common type of personal computer, and it typically includes the Microsoft Windows operating system.

·         Mac: The Macintosh computer was introduced in 1984, and it was the first widely sold personal computer with a Graphical User Interface, or GUI (pronounced gooey). All Macs are made by one company, Apple Inc., and they almost always use the Mac OS X operating system.

Although PC can refer to an IBM PC Compatible, the term can also be used to refer to any personal computer, including Macs.

About this tutorial

In this tutorial, we'll mostly be focusing on PCs and the Windows operating system. If you're using a Mac, you may notice some differences with the way your computer works. However, much of the information in this tutorial will still apply, no matter which type of computer you're using.

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