Ceci est une ancienne révision du document !
Since the Chrome OS is so streamlined and minimal, apps and extensions are needed. The Google Ecosphere improves with these little programs that operate in the browser:
An app can be defined as software that has a dedicated user interface but it is simpler in nature than a typical desktop program.
An extension is a program that provides functionality, but has no or little dedicated user interface.
Both of these programs operate within the browser. Apps will stay locally on the SSD. Extensions are tethered to your Gmail account and will appear on any Chrome browser.
Since we use Linux, we naturally look for the free app or extension. However caution is needed when choosing apps or extensions. Oftentimes, you trade your online privacy for “free apps or extensions.” So, in that sense, they are not free. You can add apps and extensions only through the Chrome Web Store. Some of these programs will work offline, but not all.
Let’s take a look at how we add an app or extension to the Chrome OS. The easiest way is to access the Chrome Web Store via https://chrome.google.com/webstore/category/apps?utm_source=chrome-ntp-icon.
Once you are at the webstore you can query the type of extension or app needed. Let’s start with an example. I entered grammar in the search bar. A list of apps and extensions populated on the screen. I chose Grammarly extension based on the high number of positive reviews.
However it turns out Grammarly does not work with Google Docs! I wanted this extension to interact with Google Docs. So I choose to remove. The best way to remove this app is by going through the menu in the Chrome Browser selecting more tools and then extensions.. The extension list will populate. I then clicked the trash can by Grammarly. I then added the After the Deadline extension from the webstore.
The apps and extensions will detail the interaction level it will have on the Chrome OS. I have varying apps on my Chromebook to improve my productivity. I have more extensions than apps. The Chrome Show suggested One Click Extension Manager as a means of corralling the various apps at a time. I find this extension manager extremely useful.
The authors of the apps or extensions have an interface to help resolve issues online in the reviews section. However not all authors respond to this feature. That is why I tend to use the more popular and reviewed programs in the app store. Occasionally it would be worthwhile to pay for an extension or app if it offers better functionality.
Next month I will look into maintaining online privacy with a Chromebook and the varying methods to ensure it.