#Chromebook How safe are Chromebooks from malware? - USA Today - USA TODAY dlvr.it/NJ3MKM

Original Article Link: #Chromebook How safe are Chromebooks from malware? - USA Today - USA TODAY dlvr.it/NJ3MKM

LibrePC @LibrePC

#Chromebook How safe are Chromebooks from malware? - USA Today - USA TODAY dlvr.it/NJ3MKM

Google Chrome’s Site Settings Tooltip Menu Explained

Original Article Link: Google Chrome’s Site Settings Tooltip Menu Explained

This post is from Chrome Story - Chrome, Chromebooks and Chromecast

Google has packed a lot of information and control into the site settings tooltip menu on Chrome. This article explains those settings and how to use them. Accessing the Site Settings Menu To access the Site Settings menu, click very first icon on Chrome’s addressbar aka Omnibox. On an HTTPs site, this will show a […]

Christy Collins retweeted: Lesson Ideas for #Chromebook Classrooms: Simple Story Builder bit.ly/2iFL8cw

Original Article Link: Christy Collins retweeted: Lesson Ideas for #Chromebook Classrooms: Simple Story Builder bit.ly/2iFL8cw

John R. Sowash @jrsowash

Christy Collins retweeted:

Lesson Ideas for #Chromebook Classrooms: Simple Story Builder bit.ly/2iFL8cw

#Samsung's New #Chromebook Knows What You Want to Write Before You Do ow.ly/6vER50988c6

Original Article Link: #Samsung's New #Chromebook Knows What You Want to Write Before You Do ow.ly/6vER50988c6

Ian D Burrell @Lost_Tribe

#Samsung's New #Chromebook Knows What You Want to Write Before You Do ow.ly/6vER50988c6

Essential Chromebook tools and apps for the classroom: Essential #Chromebook Tools… goo.gl/fb/QNHCh6

Original Article Link: Essential Chromebook tools and apps for the classroom: Essential #Chromebook Tools… goo.gl/fb/QNHCh6

MOHEMMED @MEDIABOXSTORE

Essential Chromebook tools and apps for the classroom: Essential #Chromebook Tools… goo.gl/fb/QNHCh6

Google Improves ChromeVox Screen Reader for Chrome OS

Original Article Link: Google Improves ChromeVox Screen Reader for Chrome OS

This post is from Chrome Story - Chrome, Chromebooks and Chromecast

ChromeVox, Google’s accessibility screen reader suite for Chrome OS has received a major update. The new version, temporarily named “ChromeVox Next” is now part of Chrome OS version 56. The old version will be called ChromeVox Classic, and eventually, this will go away and the ChromeVox Next will take its place as “ChromeVox”. The new […]

Hosting Images in Google Drive

Original Article Link: Hosting Images in Google Drive

The simplicity and reliability of Google Drive makes it an ideal place to host content that you post around the web. This is a bit of a problem when trying to host images, however. While you can store images in Drive, you can't directly link to them because Google doesn't give you the full web URL of an image. 

The Problem with hosting images in Google Drive

If you share an image file to "public on the web" or "anyone with the link" this is what you get:

http://ift.tt/2l92NG0

While this type of link is fine for sending via email, you can't use it to insert an image into a WordPress site, blogger page, or other web publish tool. These services require a direct link to the image - something that ends in .jpg, .png, etc. When I upload files to my wordpress site I am able to get such a link:

http://ift.tt/2jLj7ACCLabLogo_Logo-02.jpg

This complication is a bit of a bother. I really want to host images in drive. So I started looking for a solution. What I discovered was gdurl.com.

The Solution - GDurl.com

Google Drive URL (gdurl.com) is a free service that generates a permalink URL for any file hosted in Drive. This is particularly helpful for images.

1. Make sure your file is public (it won't work for private files)
2. Copy the public link to the file presented in the sharing box:

3. Visit dgurl.com and past in the link you just copied.
4. Click "create permalink"
5. Copy the permalink to your image and use it in your blog, website, etc.

Why use GDurl? 

I created an intranet for a large school in Ohio using Google Sites. The intranet featured heavy use of icons for navigation. Google Sites makes it tough to manage a large number of graphics for a website. Instead of uploading and inserting them into the Google Sites, we used GDurl to embed the images which were stored in drive.

A Sneaky Feature of Google Drive

To change an image, we used a sneaky feature of Google Drive - the ability to upload a new version of an existing file. Right click on a file and look for "manage versions." Even though you have uploaded a new version of the file, the link stays the same!

You can use this feature to update dozens or hundreds of instances of an image across the web.

A word of Caution

While GDurl is an outstanding resource, I do have one word of caution. GDurl is a free (ad supported) service. The link that is generated uses a GDurl short link. This is fine, as long as GDurl stays open. If they ever close and depreciate their link database, all of your links would be broken.

You can skirt this issue by copying the short GDurl link and pasting it into your browser. It will then redirect to Google Drive permalink. Using this link instead of the GDurl link will ensure that your links stay intact even if GDurl closes.

• GDurl Link: http://gdurl.com/5Gva
• Redirects to this URL: https://doc-14-6o-docs.googleusercontent.com/docs/securesc/ha0ro937gcuc7l7deffksulhg5h7mbp1/lfmf9cfgfoj2o50tlamkia7cvn455but/1485957600000/11271801750769019286/*/0By7D4SJX3kYEdVo1bDdSb0hHWlk

Thanks for subscribing to my blog. I always appreciate feedback on my posts. You can find me on Twitter (@jrsowash), Google+, Linkedin (jrsowash), and YouTube (jrsowash)

Tech in Education: Chromebooks & Google Classroom | EdTech

Tech in Education: Chromebooks & Google Classroom | EdTech: Google’s tools have long been indicated as a way to make the classroom open to more student choice and personalization. For teachers like Stephanie Shaw, Google Forms have allowed them to help their students work at their own pace and see where they might need a little extra help.



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Buys a #Chromebook, loves it! http://ift.tt/2l7g1TO

Original Article Link: Buys a #Chromebook, loves it! http://ift.tt/2l7g1TO

Matthew Ruane @matthew_ruane

Buys a #Chromebook, loves it!

http://ift.tt/2l7g1TO

Introducing the ChromeVox Next Screen Reader on Chromebooks

Original Article Link: Introducing the ChromeVox Next Screen Reader on Chromebooks

http://ift.tt/1ViMtlk
Shortcut reference for this video: https://goo.gl/3gm9Pr

Learn about the new and improved version of the ChromeVox screen reader -- temporarily called "ChromeVox Next" -- which is the default screen reader built into all Chromebooks as of Chrome OS version 56. Laura goes over some of the biggest changes you'll notice in this new version, how to provide feedback, and more.

Additional Resources:
http://ift.tt/1ViMtlk
Shortcut reference for this video: https://goo.gl/3gm9Pr

#Chromebook Samsung May Offer A Chromebook Pro With 8GB/16GB Of RAM - Android Headlines dlvr.it/NHLg7Z

Original Article Link: #Chromebook Samsung May Offer A Chromebook Pro With 8GB/16GB Of RAM - Android Headlines dlvr.it/NHLg7Z

LibrePC @LibrePC

#Chromebook Samsung May Offer A Chromebook Pro With 8GB/16GB Of RAM - Android Headlines dlvr.it/NHLg7Z

Nithin.C.N retweeted: 7 Things to Consider Before Buying a #Chromebook muo.co/2eNrNT4

Original Article Link: Nithin.C.N retweeted: 7 Things to Consider Before Buying a #Chromebook muo.co/2eNrNT4

MakeUseOf @MakeUseOf

Nithin.C.N retweeted:

7 Things to Consider Before Buying a #Chromebook muo.co/2eNrNT4

Android Apps Are Coming To The Chromebook In 2017: What You Need To Know

http://www.forbes.com/sites/brookecrothers/2017/01/28/android-apps-are-coming-to-laptops-chromebook-in-2017-what-you-need-to-know/#b9f562d561ee

Android is coming to the Chromebook this year -- a good reason to give the evolving Google ecosystem a second look.

This week was peppered with announcements that, in effect, herald the marriage of the Chrome OS and Android.

8 Helpful Videos About Chromebooks From Your Friends At Google!

http://www.teachercast.net/2017/01/14/8-helpful-videos-chromebooks-friends-google/

Did your school recently switch over to Chromebooks? Are you looking for that perfect, yet inexpensive device to use in class this year?  I recently had a great conversation at a local PD conference about devices and someone asked me what device they should be thinking about for their classrooms.  Where most people know me as a MacBook guy, and the MIE side of me would like to encourage everyone to try out Surface Tablets, most school districts in my area are Google Apps schools.

5 Steps To Running Java Applications On A Google Chromebook dld.bz/d45q3 #java #google #chromebook

Original Article Link: 5 Steps To Running Java Applications On A Google Chromebook dld.bz/d45q3 #java #google #chromebook

BrandingJon @BrandingJon

5 Steps To Running Java Applications On A Google Chromebook

dld.bz/d45q3

#java #google #chromebook

What Makes The Chromebook And Android App Merger The Smartest Move By Google? | Jessica Velasco ����☺️ | Pulse | LinkedIn

What Makes The Chromebook And Android App Merger The Smartest Move By Google? | Jessica Velasco ����☺️ | Pulse | LinkedIn: "It’s finally out – after a lot of speculation, Google has announced an Android App and Chrome OS merger. Chromebook users can now sift through millions of Android Apps, download them on their device and use them as if they were native programs built specifically for the platform. While a seemingly simple shift, this move could have a monumental impact down the line, transforming not only the demand for Chromebooks but also the entire mobile market."



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How To Take a Screenshot on Your Chromebook | Digital Trends

How To Take a Screenshot on Your Chromebook | Digital Trends: "Chromebooks, and other devices that run Chrome OS, are great if you want a simple and cost-effective machine for accessing the web. But Google’s browser-for-everything approach can cause some confusion, especially if you’re used to a Windows or OS X operating system."



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Picking a Chromebook for your 1:1 Program

Original Article Link: Picking a Chromebook for your 1:1 Program

Chromebooks are HOT right now. And for good reason. They are affordable, flexible, and easy to manage. And in today's increasingly web-first world, having a device that was born on the web is a good option.

At the end of 2015 we learned that 50% of devices in the classroom are Chromebooks. That's pretty amazing considering ChromeOS is only 5 years old and people thought Google was crazy when they said they were developing their own operating system.

There are more Chromebook models available than ever before, so how do school leaders decide which one to purchase? Which devices will stand the test of time - both in terms of durability as well as technology.

Ultimately, school leaders need to have a clear purpose for purchasing and deploying any device. What will teachers and students DO with this device? 

After you have identified your purpose, there are a few general principles for selecting a Chromebook that I hope you will find helpful.

Size + Durability + Touch = Cost

All Chromebooks run the same operating system. The internal components (processor, ports, graphics cards, etc) are of much less concern than other platforms. RAM is really the only item that I pay attention to.

The size of the screen, durability of the construction, and a touch screen are the three factors that will impact the cost of your device. Giving some thought to these three things will help you determine how much (approximately) your Chromebooks are going to cost.

Sub $200 Chromebooks

CTL J4 - $179

Schools on a tight budget and find Chromebooks for as low as $140. That's pretty amazing. Chromebooks in the sub $200 price range will share a few common characteristics:

• 10-11" Screen
• No touch screen option
• 2GB RAM

No one is going to consider these Chromebooks "best in show," but you can't beat the price! At a price roughly 1/3 the cost of an iPad, these Chromebooks will stretch your budget. Look at models from Lenovo, CTL, and HP. As a budget option you can expect 2-3 years of service from these devices; not bad considering the sticker price. 

$200-300 Chromebooks

Acer R11 - $299

If you have a slightly larger budget, moving up to the next class of Chromebooks will allow you to experience some significant upgrades. This class of Chromebooks features more RAM, touch-screen as an option, and new form-factors. 

• 12" + screen
• Touch as a standard or available option ($30 premium on average)
• Convertible options available
• 4GB RAM 

This is, in my opinion, the sweet spot for Chromebooks. As Goldilocks would say, not too cheap, but not too expensive. The build quality and durability of these devices will be much better than the lower class of devices. Purchasing a device from this category should give you 3-4 years of solid life. Check out device options from HP, Dell, Asus, and Acer.

$300+ Chromebooks

HP Chromebook 13 - $499+

If you have closets full of money you can look at so-called "high-end" Chromebooks. Expect screaming fast performance, HD displays, expanded RAM and SSD storage. Devices in this category are likely more powerful and luxurious than is required by your average MS or HS student, but might helpful for teachers, principals, and other administrators who live on their computer. 

• 12" + HD display
• Touch standard in most devices. 
• Convertible options available
• 4 GB+ of RAM
• 32 GB+ of onboard storage
• Aluminum unibody design
• Extras such as on-board stylus and USB-C charging

Chromebooks have long been thought of as a budget devices, but recent models from HP, Samsung, and Asus show that Apple isn't the only brand that can produce expensive hardware. If you are looking for style, performance, and a bit of swagger, this is the Chromebook for you! 

Any one of the Chromebooks on this list CAN be a great purchase - it all depends on what your goals are for the device. Figure out what you want to do and purchase the device that will get you there! 

Thanks for subscribing to my blog. I always appreciate feedback on my posts. You can find me on Twitter (@jrsowash), Google+, Linkedin (jrsowash), and YouTube (jrsowash)

"Looks as good as a #Macbook Air for half the price," says @CNET Editor about the @HP #Chromebook 13 ow.ly/KPnZ308sEmS @HP_Newsroom

Original Article Link: "Looks as good as a #Macbook Air for half the price," says @CNET Editor about the @HP #Chromebook 13 ow.ly/KPnZ308sEmS @HP_Newsroom

SystemActive @SystemActive

"Looks as good as a #Macbook Air for half the price," says @CNET Editor about the @HP #Chromebook 13 ow.ly/KPnZ308sEmS @HP_Newsroom

Sign up for the new series of @GoogleForEdu #ANZ webinars - exciting #gsuite & #chromebook updates and ideas! http://goo.gl/forms/c3bLNm0x…Location: Melbourne, Victoria

Original Article Link: Sign up for the new series of @GoogleForEdu #ANZ webinars - exciting #gsuite & #chromebook updates and ideas! http://goo.gl/forms/c3bLNm0x…Location: Melbourne, Victoria

Chris Harte @charte

Sign up for the new series of @GoogleForEdu #ANZ webinars - exciting #gsuite & #chromebook updates and ideas! http://goo.gl/forms/c3bLNm0x…

Location: Melbourne, Victoria