UCCS-Owned Chromebooks

This information pertains to UCCS-owned Chromebooks that were distributed by the KFL Circulation Desk in March of 2020.  As these machines are managed by UCCS OIT, some of the applications and settings described in this article may not apply to all Chromebooks.

What is a Chromebook?

A Chromebook is a laptop that runs Chrome OS, similar to a Windows or Mac laptop.  Chrome OS is a web-based operating system, meaning that a Chromebook will only run applications that are accessible in a web browser.  These Chromebooks are managed by UCCS OIT, therefore UCCS controls what applications are installed and can keep the Chromebook up-to-date even while checked-out.

The Chromebook will come with a power adapter.  While the Chromebook may last up to 8 hours on a single charge, it is recommended that the Chromebook remain plugged in while using.

Using a Chromebook

To start the Chromebook, simply open the laptop lid.  Within 15 seconds the Chromebook will boot up and be ready for use.  If the Chromebook does not start up, make sure it is connected to power and press the power button in the top right corner of the keyboard.

Once complete, the following screen should appear.  Click on the blue arrow icon to sign-in to the Chromebook.

After signing in the main desktop will appear.

In the bottom left corner of the screen is the Application Launcher.

In the bottom center of the screen is the App Shelf.

In the bottom right corner is the System Tray.

Launcher

Clicking on the launcher icon in the bottom right corner or pressing the key on the keyboard will open the launcher.  The launcher will allow for the search of webpages and applications. 

Clicking the in the launcher will reveal all installed applications.

App Shelf

The App Shelf holds commonly-used applications.  Clicking one one of these icons will open the corresponding application.

System Tray

Clicking on the system tray in the bottom right corner of the screen will open the system tray.

The system tray will provide access to setting on the Chromebook such as: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, VPN, volume, and screen brightness.

Clicking the gear icon in the system tray will open up advanced system settings.  These settings will allow for configuration of the Wi-Fi and VPN among others.

VPN on Chromebooks

For more information on accessing the VPN on a Chromebook, please visit: VPN Setup - Chromebook.

Available Applications

UCCS Chromebooks are configured primarily for web usage.  As a result, only applications that are accessible through a web browser will be accessible. 

Some commonly-used UCCS applications include:

Additionally, any other websites or web-apps are accessible on a Chromebook (YouTube, Google Docs, Dropbox, etc.).

Zoom on Chromebooks

To use Zoom, select the Zoom icon in the App Shelf.

The main Zoom application will allow you to sign-in, start a meeting, or join an existing meeting.

Clicking Sign In or Meet will prompt you to sign in to an existing Zoom account.  After signing in, you will be able to host a meeting or join an existing meeting using your account.

To join an existing meeting you do not need to sign-in.  Click Join on the main Zoom screen and enter the meeting ID.  At the bottom of the screen you have the option to change your Zoom screen name for the meeting. 

LockDown Browser on Chromebooks

LockDown Monitor

Respondus LockDown Browser now works via a browser extension when you are signed in! This allows not only tests that require only the browser, but now also supports Respondus Monitor! If you do not see the application in the extensions on your browser, please run system updates.

To use LockDown Browser, please sign into your Chromebook and open Google Chrome. From here, you should see the Respondus LockDown Browser icon at the top right . If you do not, please see the note above.

Once your browser is open and you see the icon pictured above, please navigate to your exam in Canvas then select "Take Exam". 

Please follow the prompts to close any tabs/windows when prompted. If your exam requires proctoring, then please select "allow" when prompted to provide LockDown browser with the approriate permissions for your exam. 

Sign-out and Shutdown

The Chromebook will automatically sign-out and shut down when the lid is closed, just as it will start up when the lid is opened.  Clicking the Exit Session button will also sign-out of the Chromebook.

Upon sign-out, all websites and applications will be signed-out.  Any VPN settings and any downloaded files will be removed.  Wi-Fi connection settings will not be affected.

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