Apps
This page is an overview of what apps are available on APNK's Chrome OS devices. Below, you will find a list of apps currently installed on APNK computers, with a brief description of what the app does, and a picture of the app icon.
Note that the Chrome operating system is designed to be lightweight and internet-connected. As a result, while some applications are locally installed on the device, many more are "web apps", meaning that they are an app that runs from an internet webpage. Therefore, users can also access these apps (and many more) by simply opening the Chrome web browser and doing a search.
THE "QUICK LINKS" MENU
Near the top-left of the screen, you'll find a button called Quick Links. Click on that, and a drop-down menu will appear.
From this menu you will find a selection of commonly-used Microsoft apps, including the online version of the popular Word software.
To use the Microsoft apps, you will just need to sign in with a Microsoft account. If you don't yet have a Microsoft account set up that's no trouble - it's really easy to get signed up.
THE APP LAUNCHER
In the bottom-left of the screen you'll see a button with a white circle. Click or tap on this, and a pop-up panel will appear. Then click or tap on the up arrow button, to reveal the full-screen view of the apps available on the device.
List of Apps
SYSTEM TOOLS
Calculator
On-screen calculator tool.
Camera
App for using the computer's webcam to take pictures.
Chrome
An internet browser - this is the primary way that you view websites and use web-based apps.
Files
Launches the browser where you can view files stored on the computer's drives, including downloads and any external storage (eg flashdrives).
Settings
Opens a window where you can configure a range of options relating to how the Chrome device works.
Get Help
Chromebook Help, where you can browse topics and search for answers to any Chrome-related questions you may have.
Web Store
This will open up the Chrome Web Store; note however that it is not possible to install additional apps on APNK Chrome devices.
MISCELLANEOUS TOOLS
TypeIt (Maori)
Website tool for using special characters. Default setting is Maori for using macrons, but you can also switch to other languages as needed.
To use, simply type your text into the on-screen box. To insert a macron character, click on the button for the symbol you need (press SHIFT + [BUTTON] for upper case). When you are finished, click the Copy all button, then paste the text into your document or email.
Māori Dictionary
A comprehensive online resource for finding definitions of Māori words, and for translating between Māori and English.
EditPad
A simple text editing app. Just click and get typing; no sign-in required.
MetService
Real-time NZ weather forecast information.
YouTube
Popular platform for viewing videos online.
Facebook
Popular social media website.
EDUCATION
Coding with Chrome
Learn, improve, or teach coding skills within a Chrome browser.
Kami
A PDF & document annotation app, often used by schools.
OverDrive
A free service that lets you borrow digital content (like ebooks and audiobooks).
VIDEO CALLING
Skype
Video calling app, using the computer's webcam.
Zoom
Video calling app, using the computer's webcam.
PHOTO EDITING & PAINTING
Chrome Canvas
An art app, allowing you to draw on either a blank canvas or to import an image.
Pixlr
An online photo/image editor.
Polarr
An online app for editing or touching-up photos.
SumoPaint
An online photo editing and drawing tool.
GAMES
LiChess
A free online chess-playing platform.
World Of Solitaire
An online collection of more than 100 Solitaire games.
GOOGLE "G SUITE" APPS
To access any of Google's G Suite apps, all you need is a Google account.
Gmail
Google's popular online email service.
Docs
A web-based app for creating and editing documents. It features a range of formatting features, similar to Microsoft Word.
Sheets
A web-based app for creating and editing spreadsheets. I features a range of formatting features, and is very similar to Microsoft Excel.
Google Drawings
A web-based diagramming app, that can be used to create flowcharts, organisational charts, mind maps, and other types of diagrams. Google Drawings creations can also be embedded into Google Docs documents.
Drive
A web-based file storage platform ("cloud storage"), and the backbone of the Google suite of apps. By default, Google Docs, Sheets etc files are saved to your Google Drive; there is also an option to save Gmail attachments to Drive. Additionally, you can upload files from anywhere to be saved in your Google Drive, allowing them to be accessed online anywhere at any time.
MICROSOFT APPS
To access any of Microsoft's online apps, all you need is a Microsoft account.
Microsoft Office Online
An online version of Microsoft's suite of productivity apps, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Word
An app for creating and editing documents.
Excel
An app for creating and editing spreadsheets, and working with tables and data.
PowerPoint
An app for creating and editing slideshow presentations.
Outlook Mail
Microsoft's free web-based email service.
OneDrive
A web-based file storage platform ("cloud storage"). By default, Microsoft Office Online files (for Word, Excel, etc) are saved to your OneDrive; there is also an option to save Outlook email attachments to Drive. Additionally, you can upload files from anywhere to be saved in your OneDrive, allowing them to be accessed online anywhere at any time.