how to hide apps on chromebook
chromebook -parental-controls”>Chromebook s have become increasingly popular in recent years as a more affordable and efficient alternative to traditional laptops. With their lightweight design and easy-to-use interface, they are a popular choice for students, professionals, and casual users alike. However, one issue that many users face is the lack of customization options on their Chromebooks. Specifically, the inability to hide apps on their Chromebook can be a major inconvenience. In this article, we will explore different ways to hide apps on Chromebook and regain control over your device’s home screen.
Before we dive into the methods of hiding apps on Chromebook, it is important to understand why this feature is not available in the first place. Unlike other operating systems such as Windows or macOS, Chrome OS is a lightweight and streamlined operating system. It is designed to provide a simple and clutter-free experience to its users. Therefore, the developers at Google have deliberately chosen not to include a built-in option to hide apps on Chromebook. However, this does not mean that there is no way to achieve this functionality. In fact, there are several ways to hide apps on Chromebook, and we will discuss them in detail in the following sections.
Method 1: Create a Folder
The easiest way to hide apps on Chromebook is by creating a folder and moving the apps you want to hide into it. This method is simple and does not require any technical knowledge. To create a folder, follow these steps:
1. On your Chromebook home screen, right-click on an empty space.
2. Select “Create folder” from the context menu.
3. A new folder will appear on your home screen. You can rename it by right-clicking on it and selecting “Rename.”
4. Now, drag and drop the apps you want to hide into the newly created folder.
5. Once you have moved all the desired apps into the folder, you can click on the arrow next to the folder’s name to collapse it and hide the apps.
This method works well for hiding multiple apps at once and keeping them organized. However, it is worth noting that this is not a foolproof method, as anyone can still access the hidden apps by expanding the folder. Additionally, if you use the search function to find an app, the hidden apps will still appear in the search results.
Method 2: Use a Third-Party App Launcher
Another way to hide apps on Chromebook is by using a third-party app launcher. App launchers are software applications that help you organize and manage your apps on your device. They offer more customization options than the default Chrome OS launcher, including the ability to hide apps. One of the most popular app launchers for Chromebook is “App Launcher Customizer,” which is available for free on the Chrome Web Store.
To use an app launcher to hide apps on your Chromebook, follow these steps:
1. Install the “App Launcher Customizer” from the Chrome Web Store.
2. Open the app launcher and click on the gear icon to access its settings.
3. Under the “Appearance” tab, click on the “Hide Apps” option.
4. A list of all the apps installed on your Chromebook will appear. Check the boxes next to the apps you want to hide.
5. Once you have selected all the desired apps, click on the “Save” button.
6. The selected apps will now be hidden from the app launcher and the Chromebook home screen.
Using a third-party app launcher is a more secure way of hiding apps on your Chromebook. The hidden apps will not appear in the search results, and you can protect the app launcher with a password or PIN to prevent others from accessing the hidden apps.
Method 3: Use a Virtual Desktop
Virtual desktops are a useful feature that allows you to have multiple desktops on your Chromebook. This can come in handy when you want to keep your work and personal apps separate. However, you can also use a virtual desktop to hide apps on your Chromebook. Here’s how:
1. Click on the “Task View” button on your Chromebook’s keyboard (usually located above the “6” key).
2. A new virtual desktop will appear. You can Switch between virtual desktops by clicking on the “Task View” button again.
3. Move the apps you want to hide to the new virtual desktop.
4. To hide the virtual desktop, simply switch back to your main desktop.
This method is useful if you want to hide apps temporarily and do not want to install any third-party apps. However, it does not offer a secure way to hide apps, as anyone can access the hidden apps by switching to the virtual desktop.
Method 4: Use Chrome OS’s Guest Mode
Another way to hide apps on your Chromebook is by using the Guest Mode feature. When a user logs into a guest account on a Chromebook, they have access to a clean and clutter-free desktop with no apps installed. You can use this feature to hide apps from your main user account. Here’s how:
1. Click on your account profile picture in the bottom-right corner of your Chromebook’s screen.
2. Click on the “Guest” option.
3. A new guest account will open with a clean desktop.
4. Move the apps you want to hide to the guest account’s desktop.
5. Switch back to your main account.
6. When someone else logs into the guest account, they will not be able to access the hidden apps.
This method is useful if you want to hide apps from other users who have access to your Chromebook. However, it is not a permanent solution as the hidden apps will reappear if the guest account is signed out or the Chromebook is restarted.
Method 5: Use a File Manager
If you are comfortable using a file manager and have some technical knowledge, you can hide apps on your Chromebook by moving their files to a hidden folder. Here’s how:
1. Open the “Files” app on your Chromebook.
2. Navigate to the “Linux Files” folder.
3. Create a new folder and name it as “Hidden” or any other name of your choice.
4. Move the files of the apps you want to hide into this folder.
5. Right-click on the folder and select “Rename.”
6. Delete the first character of the folder name (e.g., “idden” instead of “Hidden”).
7. Press “Enter” to save the changes.
8. The folder will now become a hidden folder, and the apps will no longer appear on your Chromebook.
This method is useful if you want to permanently hide apps on your Chromebook. However, it requires some technical knowledge, and you need to remember the location of the hidden folder to access the apps later.
Conclusion
Chromebooks are great devices for productivity and entertainment. However, the lack of customization options can be frustrating for some users, especially when it comes to hiding apps. Thankfully, there are several ways to hide apps on Chromebook, such as creating a folder, using a third-party app launcher, virtual desktops, Guest Mode, and file managers. Each method has its pros and cons, and you can choose the one that best suits your needs. By following the methods mentioned in this article, you can easily declutter your Chromebook’s home screen and keep your apps organized.
how to check your boyfriends text messages online
In today’s digital age, it is not uncommon for couples to communicate through text messages. It allows for quick and convenient communication, making it an essential part of any relationship. However, there may come a time when you feel the need to check your boyfriend’s text messages online. This could be due to various reasons, such as suspicion of infidelity or concerns about their well-being. Whatever the reason may be, it is a sensitive issue that requires careful consideration.
Before we delve into the details of how to check your boyfriend’s text messages online, it is important to address the ethical aspect of this action. Invasion of privacy is a serious matter and should not be taken lightly. While you may have legitimate reasons for wanting to check their texts, it is essential to have an honest conversation with your partner before taking any steps. Open communication and trust are the foundations of a healthy relationship, and snooping through their phone without their knowledge could damage the trust between you.
However, if you have already had a conversation with your partner and they have given you permission to check their texts, or you have other valid reasons for doing so, then here are some ways to check your boyfriend’s text messages online.
1. Use a Phone Monitoring App
One of the easiest ways to check your boyfriend’s text messages online is by using a phone monitoring app. These apps are specifically designed to track and monitor a person’s phone activity, including their text messages, call logs, social media activity, and more. The installation process is simple, and once the app is set up, you can access all the information from a web-based dashboard. Some popular phone monitoring apps include mSpy, FlexiSPY, and Spyzie.
2. Use iCloud
If your boyfriend has an iPhone, you can access their text messages through iCloud. This method only works if the iCloud backup feature is enabled on their device. To check if it is enabled, go to Settings > iCloud > Backup. If it is turned on, you can access their text messages by logging into their iCloud account from any web browser. However, you will need their Apple ID and password to do so.
3. Check Their Phone Provider’s Website
Most phone providers have a website where you can view your call and text history. If you share a phone plan with your boyfriend, you can log into the provider’s website and view the details of their text messages. This method may not show you the actual messages, but it will provide you with information such as the time, date, and number of texts exchanged.
4. Use a SIM Card Reader
If your boyfriend has a phone with a removable SIM card, you can use a SIM card reader to access their text messages. A SIM card reader is a device that can be plugged into a computer , and it will read the data from the SIM card. This method can be a bit complicated and may require some technical skills, so it is best to use it as a last resort.
5. Ask for Their Permission
The most straightforward and ethical way to check your boyfriend’s text messages online is by asking for their permission. If you have a valid reason for wanting to check their texts, it is best to have an honest conversation with them and explain your concerns. By being open and transparent, you can avoid any misunderstandings and maintain a healthy level of trust in your relationship.
6. Use a Keylogger
A keylogger is a software that tracks and records all the keystrokes on a device. This includes text messages, emails, and other online activity. By installing a keylogger on your boyfriend’s device, you can access their text messages without them knowing. However, this method can be considered an invasion of privacy, so it should only be used with their consent.
7. Hire a Professional
If you are not tech-savvy or do not have access to your boyfriend’s device, you can hire a professional to help you check their text messages online. There are many private investigators who specialize in digital forensics and can retrieve deleted text messages from a device. However, this option can be quite expensive, and you should only consider it as a last resort.
8. Use SMS Backup and Restore
If your boyfriend has an Android device, you can use an app called SMS Backup and Restore to access their text messages. This app allows you to back up and restore text messages to a cloud storage or email. If your boyfriend has this app installed on their phone, you can log into the cloud storage or email account and view their text messages.
9. Check Their Social Media Accounts
In today’s digital world, many people use social media to communicate with each other. If your boyfriend is active on social media, you can check their accounts to see if they are exchanging any private messages. However, this method will not show you their text messages, but it can give you an idea of their online activity.
10. Use a Recovery Software
If your boyfriend has deleted their text messages, you can use a recovery software to retrieve them. There are many data recovery apps available that can scan a device for deleted messages and retrieve them. However, this method may not work if the messages have been permanently deleted or the device has been factory reset.
In conclusion, checking your boyfriend’s text messages online is a sensitive issue that should be approached with caution. Before taking any steps, it is crucial to have an open conversation with your partner and respect their privacy. If you have valid reasons for wanting to check their texts, you can use one of the methods mentioned above. However, it is essential to use these methods ethically and responsibly to maintain a healthy relationship built on trust and communication.