Installing Linux on Chrome OS

Chrome OS is a web-based operating system by Google that runs on a wide variety of laptops and tablets. It has several built-in applications, including a calendar, memo pad, note taking, and a calculator. It can also run Android apps from the Google Play Store. It has a lightweight and fast user interface that is easy to learn and use. It also has several features designed to make it safer and easier for users to manage their passwords, apps, and personal information.

It has a built-in text editor, a surprisingly capable file manager, and a few other basic desktop programs. It also has support for various trackpad gestures, including a three-finger swipe to get an Expose-like overview of all running apps and virtual desktops. It also has a night light feature that can help with eye strain. Some modern staples like a universal search and a system-wide spellcheck are also present.

While it isn’t perfect, ChromeOS is a solid and safe choice for many users. It’s a great option for students, business users, and families. It has a simple and secure configuration process that makes it easy to set up and use. It also has a built-in antivirus program and parental controls that protect children from unwanted apps and content. However, it’s not a good choice for gamers, as it lacks native support for games and isn’t designed to handle high-end hardware.

For those who want more flexibility, chrx offers the ability to install Linux as a dual-boot option on ChromeOS devices. It has two phases, with the first reserving space on the device for Linux and the second installing your chosen distribution. It’s recommended to dedicate as much space to Linux as possible and as little as possible to ChromeOS, but the exact allocation ratio is up to you.

Another option is Crouton, which enables you to run both ChromeOS and Linux simultaneously. It uses the same approach as chrx but works with older ChromeOS versions. It is recommended to use the latest version of Linux, as older versions may not be compatible.

To install Crouton, you’ll need a USB installer with the correct image size. The installer will ask you to create a boot menu, and you’ll need to enter the following menuentry code lines:

Once the image is created, the next step is to copy the menuentry code lines into a text file. You can then open this file and edit it with the menu editor to add the ChromeOS option. After you’ve added the option to the boot menu, reboot your device and select it from the one-time boot menu, BIOS, or UEFI menu. Once the device boots, you can access your ChromeOS installation through the Google Admin console. This is a great way to refresh old hardware without spending money on new equipment and reduce e-waste. It’s important to note that ChromeOS can only be installed once per device, and once it is installed, it will replace the original operating system.