Managing Google Apps list on Chromebooks

[gshaw]

We've just signed up for Google Apps for Edu to manage a batch of Chromebooks we've ordered in recently (Dell Chromebook 11, nice bit of kit)

 

I've set up policies in the management console that's working well but can't spot a couple of options - am I missing something or is is not possible to do the following:

 

1) specify which icons appear in the taskbar launcher (we're not using GMail at present so want to remove it and make Drive more prominent instead)

2) same as #1 but also for the search screen (has a drawer of 5 apps at the bottom)

3) remove certain shortcuts from the All Apps window e.g. Play Music, Play Movies etc.

 

As a quick aside, am I right in assuming that if one user adds some apps to their login they'll follow that user if they login to another device? In a similar vein I'm guessing the additional apps won't then appear for the next user who logs into the device?

Edited October 19, 2015 by gshaw

[Haptic]

Hi,

 

It is a little bit hidden away this one but please see below:

1) Go to Device Management-> Chrome -> User settings, you will then see an option for "Apps and Extensions" "Pinned Apps and Extensions"

here you can set which Apps are pinned to the Taskbar

 

2/3) Also under "Apps and Extensions" there a few methods of doing this, most straight forward approach would be to select (under "Allow or Block All Apps and Extensions") select "Block all apps and extensions except the ones I allow", then under "Allowed Apps and Extensions" select the Apps/ Extensions you would like to have available & visible.

 

Regarding your aside, you are correct; User installed Apps follow the user rather than remain on device. One feature we've found quite useful is the "Force-Installed Apps and Extensions", coupled with the "recommended Apps and Extensions" this allows you to have a base set of Apps automatically installed for all users, with them allowed some flexibility & customisation through the recommended ones.

 

If you'd like me to run through this in more detail then please don't hesitate to give us a call.

 

Thanks,

Mark

[gshaw]

Thanks for this, all set up and working now

 

That said if you know of anyone who's got a Dell update to remove the irritating lizard on the login screen on the Chromebook 11 I'd love to know!