Comet Tech

Sometimes, websites or apps will not work properly for a variety of reasons. I usually just reset my Chromebook because it only a few seconds to reboot and get back to what I was doing. Don't have time for that, this week's shortcut will help! When these sites do not work, sometimes it's what is known as the Cache that is slowing it down. To clear the Cache, which is made up of saved files and images from the websites that you visit with the goal of loading faster, you can use this simple shortcut: "Ctrl + Shift + Backspace." Doing so will take you right to page where you can clear your history. You will have a few options on what to clear, such as saved passwords, your history, and the Cache. Select the boxes you wish to clear and then start fresh. Select the time period. I prefer to do from the beginning of time, as that completely resets my browser. Again, this is helpful when you have a website that is not acting correctly or displaying properly. I...

Google is a leader in experiments, and AutoDraw is no different. In Google's most recent tool, you are able to draw items and Artificial Intelligence figures out, or suggests, what you were trying to do. It is a lot of fun and very easy to use. While I am still coming up with some educational use for the tool, it is something that is fun to try right now. Check it out!

I have shared with you the new Google Sites a few times this year. One of the cool things about Google is that they are constantly tweaking and updating services. In doing so, they routinely add functionality to the product that they have. This week, they will be adding a new feature for us! Google just announced in this blog post that the new Google Sites will support the use of logos and custom colors. This release is for the organizations that are on rapid release schedule. You should see this update in a few days. From Google - https://gsuiteupdates.googleblog.com/2017/04/customize-your-site-with-logos-matching.html As always, if you have any questions, please let me know.

This week's shortcut is one that I learned! I frequently need to look for my file manager on my Chromebook, and always find myself going to the "Launcher" to locate my file manager, which always buried on the second or third page of apps. I would become slightly impatient when looking for the file manager to properly eject my flash drive or locate the photo that I need. Sometimes, I am just looking for the file I just downloaded. Using the shortcut, "Shift + Alt + m" will allow quickly and efficiently open your File Manager on your Chromebook. As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask!

The Issue One of my teachers was bummed to learn that my weekly newsletters were ending up in the promotions tab. When GMail introduced the tabbed inbox, your email was sorting itself. I love the tabbed inbox because it only alerts me when I have a new email that is deemed important, although there are companies that are figuring out how to beat the artificial intelligence that sorts. Since I use an outside service (Mailchimp) to produce my weekly newsletters, when I sort the email, it thinks that I am trying to sell you something and places it in a different tab. With a few clicks, you can fix this in your inbox! The Fix 1). Start by logging into your GMail. 2). Go to the tabbed portion of your inbox with the email that you wish to be notified for. Once you have located that click the checkbox to the left of the "sender" information. 3). Now, located the six dots to the left of the checkbox on the same line. Place mouse over tho...

Torubleshooting a Chromebook is fairly easy. The first thing that I try is a reset. If a reset doesn't work, I can try to a harder reset, using this week's shortcut. When you press and hold the "Refresh" key and the Power button, you Chromebook will reset harder than simply powering down. It will not lose the settings that are on it. This shortcut is a crucial second line in ensuring that our students' Chromebooks are always functioning properly.

New Google Login Page Heads up! The Google Sign In Page on your Browser is changing! Beginning on April 10th, 2017 Google will be changing the login page on your account. This update is starting with a group of selected users before rolling out to a larger audience. New Google Login So, as a heads up, when you see this come across your device, do not be alarmed. Google is in the process of updating the look and appearance of the login page. There is no word yet if this will impact the Chromebook login screens. View Videos in Gmail In a release that should be hitting our users in a few days, Google has made it so that you can view video attachments in GMail without having to download the attachment. Streaming is now available in your GMail page.