Sorry, it's me again with more questions

[IrishAyes]

Last edited Fri Sep 27, 2013, 08:16 PM - Edit history (2)

I posted on the Acer site but got no replies.

My factory refurbished C-7 Chromebook with hard drive did not come with a printed manual or tech support of any kind either. The only two icons on the front page are Chrome for logging onto the web and another called 'apps'. I have no trouble accessing the web at the library but when I used a thumb drive to install the application for my new super wi-fi signal booster needed at home (because I guest by permission on a neighbor's signal), I get a message that it won't install and I must visit the chrome store to find an app which will do the job - if I'm lucky.

Not only can I not find that, worst of all I cannot figure out how to open the Windows 7 on the computer's hard drive so I can check under the hood and locate the alleged manual somewhere.

This isn't an urgent matter yet because my old laptop still limps along fairly well. But I got the chromebook for a backup when the laptop does croak, and one never knows when the wrecking ball will strike. I want to be ready. Besides, being shut out irritates me no end. I've been told in a few places that chromebooks can be made to accept exterior dvd drives and a number of other attachments, so I think it can be done with the right knowledge.

At the library I only logged on as a guest because it was quicker and because I didn't want the library worker to see my g-mail addy. Maybe when I return to the library and open with my actual Google account, things will be plainer???????

[mockmonkey]

1. I imagine you've already seen this link

http://acer.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/44

[IrishAyes]

2. Thank you VERY much, but they didn't help me at all.

Right now I'm ready to throw the chromebook out the window.

Earlier I actually did find the online manual, but it has nothing to tell me what kind of app to download from the chrome store in order to install .ini or .exe files so I can install my required wi-fi signal booster. There must BE a way or they would've indicated otherwise it seems, rather than directing me to download this unnamed mystery type of file from the web store. I've browsed that bleepin' store until I'm cross-eyed, and no results.

Also, this particular manual doesn't seem to apply to the chromebook c7 because it refers to a non-existent Win-7 start button.

[Mnpaul]

3. If you look around at that link

You will find a Chromebook manual.
http://global-download.acer.com/GDFiles/Document/QuickStartGuide/QuickStartGuide_Acer_01.01.02_A_A.pdf?acerid=634937436010562109&Step1=NETBOOK,%20CHROMEBOOK&Step2=CHROMEBOOK&Step3=C710&OS=ALL&LC=en&BC=ACER&SC=PA_6

You can't get "under the hood" to get at the Win 7 settings because you don't have Win 7, you have Chrome OS. This is why your software won't install.

[hobbit709]

4. That's what I was going to say.

Chrome won't run a Windows app any more than Apple will.

[IrishAyes]

5. Oh, sorry... truly

The last two weeks have been exhausting for me, to the point I've felt as if my eyes were crossing. So I could well have been mistaken in the notion that Win7 was somehow involved. I know I didn't dream the whole thing, but somewhere I misread/misunderstood something for sure.

Will now stop chasing after pipe dreams.

Since my first run at this, I've learned that Google Docs is now Google Drive, and another sympathetic soul gave me the key sequence to turn off the chromebook wifi so the signal booster can have a chance to work. Looking back, never in a million years did it occur to me that a piece of hardware that came with an installation program could be installed w/o the program! Yet there's no other explanation for the fact that just plugging it in showed me all the neighborhood surrounding networks.

So I feel on the road to success now, grateful to everyone, and determined to stay out of your hair for awhile so you can help others too. You might not find many as clueless as myself, but there's always someone with a question awaiting help.

[blogslut]

6. Chromebooks come with the Chrome Operating System

Windows is a different Operating System, as is Apple's OSX.

Your Operating System is the big, main software that tells your other programs how to handle files and commands. And executable file (.exe) is under the purview of the Windows Operating System (OS). The Chrome OS is Linux-based. In other words, you need to become familiar with how the Linux OS works. Instead of clicking an .exe file to run/install a program, Linux unpacks/compiles "packages". Chrome OS is run almost entirely from your Chrome Browser - meaning that most of the downloading, installing and running of applications you want to do will need to be done while you're connected to the web.

Here are some good places to get you started:

https://support.google.com/chromebook/?hl=en
http://www.chromium.org/chromium-os
https://sites.google.com/site/chromeoswikisite/
http://download.cnet.com/2300-2018_4-10012427.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrome_OS
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/google-chrome-os.htm

Ultimately, there are some programs and sites that might never work properly for you because certain software makers and websites aren't compatible with Linux-based Operating Systems. However, you can find all sorts of programs(Apps) at the Google Play site that will totally work for your new machine.

[IrishAyes]

7. Thank you so much!