Firefox within ChromeOS

Instructions on installing Firefox within ChromeOS on an x86 computer can be found at https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/run-firefox-chromeos.  But to update Firefox moving forward, the following command must be used.

flatpak update org.mozilla.firefox

Multi-Paste within ChromeOS

ChromeOS has a feature named Multi-Paste, which allows the last five items sent to the Clipboard to be available.  Below is the keyboard combination to access this option.

Search(Everything) Key + V

ChromeOS Flex

ChromeOS Flex is an offering that allows an USB drive to be created to install ChromeOS on various types of computers.  A certified list of supported hardware is available via the link below.

https://support.google.com/chromeosflex/answer/11513094

https://support.google.com/chromeosflex/answer/11541904

https://chromeenterprise.google/os/chromeosflex/

Breath

Breath lets you to run a full Linux distro on an Intel Chromebook without needing to flash custom firmware, replace the boot loader, or even wipe ChromeOS.  Breath is not a distro itself but a script that builds a Linux distro image that is copied to an USB drive to boot from.

https://cb-linux.github.io/breath/

https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2022/07/i-used-breath-on-my-acer-chromebook-cp713

Cros.Tech

The Cros.Tech web site is an available resource to determine the current and future support for ChromeOS updates for various devices.

https://cros.tech/

https://www.aboutchromebooks.com/news/how-to-find-your-chromebook-board-name-and-why-you-want-to/

Disable Guest Browsing within ChromeOS

To disable Guest access within ChromeOS,

Settings -> Security and Privacy -> Manage Other People -> disable Enable Guest Browsing

Another feature under this area is "Restrict sign-in to the following users", which can limit which Google accounts can log in.

Diagnostics app within ChromeOS

Starting with ChromeOS version 90, a new Diagnostics app was introduced.  To launch it, perform a search for "diagnostics".  Another method would be under About ChromeOS under Settings.  The Diagnostics app is broken up into three sections: Battery, CPU, and Memory.

Enable Function keys within ChromeOS

To enable the top keys within ChromeOS to be used as normal Function keys, access Settings -> Device -> Keyboard.  Toggle on the "Treat Top-Row Keys as Function Keys" option.

One method to view keyboard shortcuts within Chrome OS

One method to view keyboard shortcuts within Chrome OS is to use the following combination:

ctrl + alt + /

A new dialog box should appear with a list of keyboard shortcuts combinations.

ChromeOS system performance information

 To view system performance information within ChromeOS, enter the following URL:

chrome://sys-internals/

By default, three columns should be present:  CPU, Memory, and Zram.

https://www.howtogeek.com/687563/how-to-view-system-performance-statistics-on-your-chromebook/

One method to determine free disk space with ChromeOS

One method to determine free disk space within ChromeOS is to launch the Files app and click on the Downloads folder.  Click on the hamburger menu to the right, and the available disk space should be displayed at the bottom of the dialog box.

How to determine the end of support value within ChromeOS

To determine when a device using ChromeOS is scheduled to lose support, access Settings.

Click on the hamburger menu icon and then select “About Chrome OS” at the bottom of the menu.

Click on “Additional Details”.

Under the “Update Schedule” section, the device’s end of support date should be displayed. 

Keyboard shortcut to perform a Powerwash with ChromeOS

Below is a keyboard shortcut within ChromeOS to perform a Powerswash process.  Verify all accounts are logged out and use the combination below at the login screen.

CTRL+SHIFT+ALT+R

chrx

The chrx project is designed to install Linux on Chromebook hardware.

https://chrx.org/

Web site to determine when a Chromebook will lose support

Google has a web site that lists when a particular Chromebook model will lose update support.

https://support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/6220366?hl=en

GalliumOS

GalliumOS is a Linux distro for original ChromeOS devices.

https://galliumos.org/

Chrome Connectivity Diagnostics

Chrome Connectivity Diagnostics is an extension that performs several network-based tests.  The tool tests a computer's network connection for common issues, port blocking, and network latency by establishing connections to network and Internet services via UDP, TCP, HTTP and HTTPS.

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/chrome-connectivity-diagn/eemlkeanncmjljgehlbplemhmdmalhdc

Check a Chromebook’s Battery Health

To check a Chromebook’s battery health, access the Chrome shell via Control + Alt + T and use the command battery_test.

Another method is to use the URL of chrome://power.

View a Chromebook’s hardware specifications

To view the hardware specifications with a Chromebook, type “chrome://system” into Chrome’s address bar.  An application named Cog can display system information as well.

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/cog-system-info-viewer/difcjdggkffcfgcfconafogflmmaadco?hl=en

How to create a web app from an existing web page within ChromeOS

To create a web app within ChromeOS from an existing web page, access the URL in question as normal.  Click on the three button overflow menu selection –> More Tools –> Add to shelf.

A small dialog box should appear.  You can rename the entry and also use the available option to open the shortcut within a new window.

A new shortcut icon should appear on the taskbar.

To remove the “Open as window” option, right-click on the taskbar icon and uncheck the menu selection.