Chromebook Basics for Beginners: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Can Do

A Chromebook is a type of laptop made by Google. Instead of running Windows (like most PCs) or macOS (like Apple computers), a Chromebook runs an operating system called Chrome OS. The biggest difference is that Chromebooks are designed to work primarily through the internet, using the Chrome web browser and Google's apps.

If you mostly browse the web, watch videos, check email, video chat, write documents, or shop online, a Chromebook can do all of those things well — and it does them at a lower price than most Windows laptops or Macs.

Chromebooks start up very quickly — usually in under 10 seconds — and they update themselves automatically in the background. You do not need to install antivirus software, and they are generally considered more secure than traditional computers because very little software runs directly on the machine.

The main limitation is that Chromebooks are not great for specialized software that runs on Windows, like some tax programs, certain photo or video editors, or games. For most everyday tasks, though, they work well.

A Google account (a Gmail address) is central to using a Chromebook. You sign in with your Google account when you first set up the device, and that links your bookmarks, email, documents, and settings to the device. If your Chromebook is lost or replaced, signing into a new one restores everything.

The Chrome Web Store provides apps and browser extensions. Many Android apps from the Google Play Store also work on newer Chromebooks, expanding what you can do well beyond web browsing.

Chromebooks are popular in schools and are often recommended for seniors and people who want a low-maintenance computer for everyday tasks.