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The ChromeOS Desktop

The ChromeOS Desktop is designed to be minimalistic, it consists only of a desktop background and lacks icons and other distractions. This section will focus on navigating the ChromeOS desktop.

The ChromeOS System Shelf

Navigating around ChromeOS is designed to feel as natural as possible without the need for a steep learning curve. Many operating systems including Windows, MacOS, Linux and iOS have adopted a centralized dock at the bottom or side of the screen that acts as the hub that serves as a jumping off point. ChromeOS is no exception by implementing a dock known as the "System Shelf" (1). The system shelf contains a list of running applications as well as pinned applications.

A new setup of ChromeOS will have some pinned applications in the dock including the Chrome Web Browser, ChromeOS File Manager, GMail's Web Interface, Google Docs and YouTube. You can of course pin any application to the do

  1. ChromeOS Application Launcher - The ChromeOS Application Launcher allows you to find and open any application on your device. The ChromeOS automatically locates all applications on your device including Chrome, Progressive Web Applications and Linux Applications.
  2. Pinned Applications - ChromeOS allows you to quickly pin your most frequently used applications to the ChromeOS shelf for quick access. You can pin an application by right-clicking on the application and selecting the option to "Pin to shelf". Pinned Applications will always appear towards the left of the system tray applications area.
  3. Running Applications - ChromeOS displays all running applications directly next to the pinned applications, they will always be towards the right of the pinned applications. Icons will always be grouped, and right-clicking on the application will allow you to close the application. If you have an application pinned, it will remain in place and not move into the running applications list. All running applications will have an indicator directly below the application icon.
  4. Media Center/Phone Hub/Tote - The ChromeOS media center, Android Phone Hub and ChromeOS tote will appear on the right of the screen next to the clock. Only the features you have actively enabled will appear in this area. In the case of the above screenshot, the Media Center is the only feature enabled.
  5. System Clock/Quick Actions - The ChromeOS System Clock area not only displays the ChromeOS Clock but also displays the Battery Level, WiFi signal strength and notifications. Clicking on this section will launch the ChromeOS Quick Actions menu.

ChromeOS Quick Settings

The ChromeOS Quick Actions menu is displayed when you click or tap on the clock that is found at the bottom right-hand corner of your screen. The action center contains several useful toggles that allow you to quickly perform tasks without the need to open the ChromeOS Settings Application. The

  1. Lock/Power/Settings This section contains several useful shortcuts to allow you to quickly shut down your {MODEL}, Lock the Screen and access the ChromeOS Settings Application.
  2. Quick Setting Tiles - ChromeOS will display the several tiles that will allow you to quickly toggle various functions on your device. This includes WiFi, Bluetooth, Notifications (Do Not Disturb), Screen Capture Tools, Nearby Sharing, Nightlight and Casting.
  3. Volume/Brightness Adjustment - Allows you to adjust the screen brightness of your {MODEL} and the volume.
  4. Alert Center/Quick Settings Launcher - The Alert Center shows you important information such as the time, WiFi status, battery indicator (on battery-powered devices) and alerts. Clicking on the Action Center will launch the ChromeOS Quick Settings Menu.