Google Chrome Hacks and Tips

How do I do the following in Google Chrome? What is this thing doing in Google Chrome?

How do I see running processes and tasks, and the memory used by them?

• In any Chrome window, press the <shift> and <esc> keys simultaneously. A Chrome task manager will appear, allowing you to view tasks and memory use.

What add-ins and plugins are enabled? How can I disable them?

• Enter about:plugins in the OmniBox. You will see a list of installed plug-ins. You can click 'disable' or 'enable' to... well... disable or enable them.

What is the Chrome "Remote Viewer" plug-in?

• It's an experimental remote desktop viewer. Some people have concerns about security and privacy. Disable it if you have such concerns.

Things that go bump in the night:

• Background Apps are enabled by default. This allows Chrome to run (and consume memory and CPU cycles) even when you've closed all the Chrome windows! You may want to disable it if you aren't actually using any Chrome background apps.
  • To disable background apps, use the Tools:Options:Under the Hood page, and scroll down to the bottom of the page. There's a checkbox that you can uncheck to disable Chrome Background Apps.

Why do online PDF files open inside Google Chrome? I want to download them and view them using my installed PDF viewer application.

• Google Chrome includes a built-in PDF viewer. To disable it, you need to follow these steps, gleaned from the Google help page:

Disable the PDF viewer

To disable the built-in viewer, enter about:plugins in the address bar and click Disable underneath the entry for Chrome PDF Viewer. The Adobe Reader plug-in will automatically be enabled, if you have it installed.