STACK #243 January 2025

TECH FEATURE

visit jbhifi.com.au/stack

CHROMEBOOKS Looking for an affordable yet fully capable alternative to a laptop for school? A Chromebook has your kids covered. These streamlined devices, designed by Google, are perfect for students and provide an important first step towards developing essential computer skills. Words Bec Summer ensures that the system is clean and malware free every time it starts up, while a technique known as ‘Sandboxing’ isolates any potentially harmful software to prevent it from spreading. They also have an inbuilt dedicated security chip for extra encryption of sensitive data such as user profiles, providing additional peace of mind.

Why choose a Chromebook for school? A Chromebook is a simplified computer that runs on Chrome OS, Google's cloud-based operating system. Unlike traditional laptops, Chromebooks don't require a lot of hardware, making them lightweight and user-friendly. This simplicity also translates to faster boot times and longer battery life, ensuring students are always ready for whatever the school day brings. Chrome OS is intuitive, making it easy for students to navigate and learn, and Chromebooks are available in a variety of models from reputable brands like HP, Lenovo, and Asus. Offering a balance of affordability, simplicity,

security, and versatility, Chromebooks are an ideal choice for both learning and entertainment. What are the educational benefits? Chromebooks provide a good grasp of how today’s technology works for students at almost any grade level, and are perfect for classroom and mobile learning. They work seamlessly with Google's suite of educational tools, and can be used for creative projects, research, and online collaboration. Can a Chromebook work offline? Being a cloud-based operating system, Chrome OS works best online. However, if students know in advance that they are going to be without a Wi-Fi

What is Chromebook Plus? Chromebook Plus devices have more enhanced features compared to standard Chromebooks, offering a more premium user experience. These can vary depending on the brand or model, but generally include more powerful processors, increased RAM and storage capacity, and sharper displays. Some Chromebook Plus models can also feature Google AI for assistance with brainstorming ideas, summarising articles and documents, and more. High school students requiring more advanced processing power for tasks like photo and video editing should consider Chromebook Plus for the creative possibilities they offer.

connection, they can plan ahead for offline access by pre-downloading content and enabling offline access for documents, presentations and emails for viewing later. How secure is a Chromebook? Very! Chromebooks come with built-in virus protection to keep them secure. A Verified Boot function

12 JANUARY 2025

jbhifi.com.au