Ethernet and Wi-Fi internet access

As a cloud-first operating system (OS), ChromeOS relies heavily on access to the internet to provide users with the best computing experience possible. So, it’s no wonder that getting connected to the internet is a top priority and is included in the initial setup process covered in Chapter 1, ChromeOS Basics. Here, we’ll look at the two most common ways of getting online; wired internet connectivity via Ethernet, and wireless internet connectivity via Wi-Fi. We’ll also explore how you can add a layer of security to your internet communication using virtual private network (VPN) technology.

Connecting with Ethernet

For many users, connecting ChromeOS to the internet with a wired Ethernet connection won’t appear as a native option since the vast majority of Chromebook (laptop) hardware does not come equipped with a built-in Ethernet adapter. However, when using Chromebox (desktop) hardware or running ChromeOS Flex...