How do I install programs on my Chromebook?

 While typically the answer has always been "you can't," Google has now implemented the ability to install a full Linux operating system on your Chromebook. This allows you to install programs made for the Linux OS but not Windows or Mac programs.

Step 1: Install Linux. In Chromebook settings, click Linux (Beta) on the left sidebar, and "Install." This will take a few minutes and you must leave your computer awake while it installs but you can do other tasks

Step 2: Install Linux Software Center. While many people control Linux with Terminal (aka the Command Line) you can also install a graphic interface to the program manager. Launch the linux Terminal (located with your Chrome apps, accessed with magnifying glass) and copy this command: sudo apt-get install gnome-software gnome-packagekit and use ctrl+SHIFT+V to paste it into the terminal. Hit "Enter" and "Y" to any prompts that appear to complete the installation.

Step 3: Install Packages. In your Chrome apps you now have a Group of Linux Apps. Open either Software or Packages (the latter works better for Inkscape and Blender,) search for the applications you wish to install, check their boxes and "apply."

Audio Recording in Schoology

Recording audio into a Schoology Submission requires a few setup steps because this function uses Flash Player. If these steps are not followed and Flash is not properly "Allowed," recording will not work properly. Here is a quick screencast showing the correct settings.

Error messages may tell you need to "install Flash" but this really means "Update and Allow." Flash Player is included with Chrome so you will never have to "install" anything.

1) Your Chromebook must be up-to-date in order to record. Click the up-arrow in the lower right corner (if it is showing) to restart and update (it only takes a minute.)

2) Before you record you must manually"Allow" Flash to run in Schoology. There are no longer pop-ups or reminders about this, so it must be done manually:

• Click the lock symbol to the left of the URL and choose "Site Settings"
• Change the settings for Flash Player, Microphone and Camera to "Allow" (not "Ask" or "Default")
• Reload the Schoology Tab

3) When you start recording there may be one more pop-up asking you to allow Schoology to access your camera and microphone. Click "Allow" and "Remember," then restart your recording.

Be aware that these Site Settings may need to be reset each time Chrome and Flash are updated.

Additional Troubleshooting: If you believe settings are correct and recording still does not function, try clearing cache and restarting the computer.

Customizing the New gMail

Google has now migrated all user accounts into the "New" gMail interface, which has several new features. Many users have asked how to turn some of these off to save screen space:

1) If you don't want attachments listed as a separate line in your Inbox, go to your gMail settings (gear icon,) choose "Display Density" and change it from Default to "Comfortable" or "Compact"

2) Google has incorporated AI (Artificial Intelligence) to remind you of messages that may require follow-up. You can turn off these reminders by opening gMail settings (Gear --> Settings) and scrolling down to find "Nudges" in the General tab. Uncheck those boxes to turn off these reminders.

3) Want a little more screen space? Clicking the "hamburger" (3 lines) in the upper left will collapse the left sidebar to icons, which pop out when you mouse over them. You can also move Chat to the right side of your screen by enabling "Right Side Chat" in Settings --> Advanced.