Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

Chromebook Support

Chromebooks differ from the traditional laptop experience by delivering Chrome store appsChrome extensions, the Google Chrome browser, in addition to the G-suite of apps (Google Drive, Documents, Sheets, Slides, etc…). Traditional laptops have large storage capacity, premium hardware that allows users to install large applications, Chromebooks rely upon Google cloud storage to save files. Cloud storage for files translates to needing an internet connection to accomplish the majority of tasks that a user may have, so if mobility without an internet connection is what a user is looking for, this may not be the device for them.

While a Chromebook is substantially cheaper than a traditional laptop, areas that differ involve a diminished ability to multitask and a limited set of apps available for download. For users who are only leveraging G-suite apps and the Web though, this may be a great low-cost device for a classroom, faculty, or student.

PCC Information Technology supports multiple manufacturers of Chromebook devices, along with a management support structure for various departments and individuals within the PCC environment. For all Chromebooks, individuals are able to log in to WiFi using their PCC Credentials.

Employees and Faculty

Chromebooks for employees and faculty are managed by PCC IT in order to ensure that applications and Chrome extensions are pre-installed and up to date.

Employee and Faculty Applications

Google Keep, Lucidchart Diagrams, Text, Zoom for Chrome PWA, MindMeister, Daum Equation Editor, Kindle Cloud Reader, BIODIGITAL HUMAN, Sketchpad 3.5

Students

Student Chromebooks can be checked out at the campus libraries for employees and faculty are managed by PCC IT in order to ensure that applications and Chrome extensions are pre-installed and up to date.

Student Applications

Google Keep, Lucidchart Diagrams, Text, Zoom for Chrome PWA, MindMeister, Daum Equation Editor, Kindle Cloud Reader, BIODIGITAL HUMAN, Sketchpad 3.5

Personally-owned Chromebooks

PCC is unable to load apps onto personally owned devices. For information regarding the Zoom for Chrome – PWA app, please see Zoom.

Benefits:

  • Procurement input and usage consultation
  • Managed configuration and setup

Service Availability: Support for Chromebooks at PCC follows normal PCC operating hours

Service Owner: Campus Desktop Support

At a glance

Who uses this service

Employees, Faculty, Students

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