Chromebooks have small storage capacity. Google requires that you store most of your content in your Google account. However, if you’re on a network, you can also use a network drive with Google’s new Chrome extension.
Network Attached Storage is one of many options available on Chromebooks | shutter
How to Install and Configure it on a Chromebook
Network File Sharing for Chrome OS is available in the Chrome Web Store. Google developed this extension. There’s a similar extension from a third party that barely works. After you install it, you won’t use it anymore. Instead, it’s part of the Chrome Files app, which is where you usually work with files.
In the Add New Service section, you’ll see Network File Sharing for Chrome OS. After you click that, the extension will ask you for the path to the server. You can use the standard Windows UNC name or the SMB share path if you are trying a non-Windows device. That works fine on NAS and Linux boxes. For Macs, you need to enable SMB sharing.
Not sure how to share your files online? Check out our helpful guide to PC sharing, or if you’re on a Mac, here’s how Apple recommends you do it
If the device has a name and password, check that box and you’ll be given the opportunity to enter that information. If you ever want to reconnect, you can tell it to save your name and password. When I try this, I still have to add my name and password when reconnecting to the same drive. It’s a bug that I hope Google fixes.
How to use the extension
After you connect to the shared drive, it will show up on the left side of your Chrome file manager. From there, you can drag and drop files just like any other mounted drive. If you put your Chromebook to sleep, your Chromebook will stay connected to the network drive. If you reboot, you’ll need to reconnect. The Store credentials option didn’t work when I checked.
Chromebooks support mounting Dropbox folders in the file manager with this extension.
Discomfort and warning
Every time you restart your Chromebook, you’ll have to reconnect to the network drive. Another problem I have with this extension is that it doesn’t allow you to rename those mapped volumes. I’m having a hard time figuring out which directory I’m dragging to since they’re all the same from the original path. I want to be able to think of a short name so it’s easy to figure it out. What I want is drive mapping functionality the same way it works in Windows.
Want your downloads on a shared drive? Follow our guide on how to change the download location to external media
Why is this great
Until I got this extension, I used Dropbox to move stuff back and forth from my Chromebook. If I forgot to copy the files, I was out of luck. The Chromebook is now a full citizen on my network, giving me access to all of the shared hard drives in my home. If I take it elsewhere, I also have plenty of access to network shares like a Mac or PC. My Chromebook’s value doubled overnight!
ALSO READ: How to Print from a Chromebook
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
