Chromebook Basics and Tips
Connecting to WiFi
You’ll need to connect your Chromebook to WiFi before you can log in.
In the bottom-right, select the time. Click the WiFi icon to choose your available network and input the password, if necessary, to connect.
Logging On
The initial start up screen shows that the device is from HPS. Click NEXT.
Type in your HPS username and password (password is case-sensitive).
Click the “Sign In” button (you may need to scroll down to see it).
Accessing Digital Resources
Click on the “Chrome” icon to begin.
Nearly all of the digital resources you will need to access are on the HPS LaunchPad found at home.haverhill-ps.org or from HPS Bookmarks > HPS LaunchPad. This includes G Suite (Drive, Classroom, Gmail, etc.), ClassLink, and other Curriculum Resources.
Google Classroom Overview
This video gives an overview of how to access Google Classroom, finding resources and information, and how to submit digital assignments.
- From the HPS LaunchPad, click G Suite
- Click the Google’s Apps grid > Classroom
- Select a Class
- Scroll through the Stream for information and communications
- Utilize Classwork for digital Assignments and class Materials
Chromebook Settings
You can adjust various device settings by clicking on the time to see options for your screen brightness, volume, and more.
For further customization, click the Gear icon to find other Settings for adjusting your TrackPad, Appearance, and more.
Connecting to a Printer
If you have a wireless or USB printer at home, you may be able to set it up with your Chromebook. Either connect your printer to the same WiFi as your Chromebook or plug in the USB cable.
- At the bottom right, select the time.
- Select Settings
- At the bottom, select Advanced.
- Under “Printing,” select Printers.
- Under “Available printers to save,” next to your printer, select Save.
- Check that your printer appears at the top, under “Saved printers.”
Basic Troubleshooting
Many problems can be solved by:
- Making sure your battery is charged
- Ensuring you are connected to WiFi
- Restarting your Chromebook
Restarting (from the Time > Power button) forces you to log back in, which refreshes. your connection to your HPS account.
Miscellaneous Questions / Tips and Tricks
How do I allow access to my camera and microphone in Google Meet?
- In a web browser, go to the Meet homepage.
- Click Start a new meeting.-At the top right, click Camera blocked Disallowed media.
- Click Always allow https://meet.google.com to access your camera and microphone.
- Click Done. The video meeting automatically connects. If you don’t see the meeting reload, exit and re-enter the meeting.
How do I change the language of my keyboard?
The default language on a HPS Chromebook is US English, but sometimes the settings can get changed inadvertently. For normal functionality for logging in and spell check, be sure to utilize the United States keyboard by (1) clicking the Time and (2) selecting US Keyboard.
How can I keep my Chromebook clean?
Lysol (or similar disinfectant) wipes can work well to maintain a clean device.
Because liquid and electronics do not go well together, please follow these best-practice guidelines:
- Power off the device prior to cleaning
- Wring out excess liquid from the wipe so that it is only damp and not dripping wet
- Wipe all surface that are touched by human hands including screen, keyboard, trackpad, etc.
- Keep the device’s lid open and allow to air-dry for at least 5 minutes before resuming use