Learn About Running Linux on Chromebooks

What Linux Is and How It Works on Chromebooks

Linux is a free operating system that powers computers, servers, and many other devices around the world. It was created in 1991 by Linus Torvalds and is maintained by a global community of developers. Linux forms the foundation of Android phones and runs much of the internet infrastructure. Unlike Windows or macOS, which are owned by companies, Linux is open-source, meaning anyone can view its code, modify it, and share improvements.

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A Chromebook is a laptop that normally runs Chrome OS, which is also built on Linux technology. Chrome OS is designed to be lightweight and cloud-focused, meaning it relies heavily on internet connection and web applications. However, Chromebooks have the ability to run a full version of Linux directly on the device. This feature is called "Crostini" on newer Chromebook models, which creates a Linux container (a separated environment) that runs alongside Chrome OS.

When you enable Linux on a Chromebook, you get access to a terminal (a text-based interface) where you can type commands and run traditional Linux programs. This means you can install software like Python for programming, GIMP for image editing, or thousands of other applications that were designed for Linux systems. The Linux environment runs in a sandbox, which is a security feature that keeps it isolated from the main Chrome OS system.

The relationship between Chrome OS and Linux is important to understand. Chrome OS itself uses a Linux kernel, which is the core part of the operating system. So when you run Linux on a Chromebook, you are running a more traditional Linux distribution on top of the system that already uses Linux technology. This creates a powerful combination: the simplicity and speed of Chrome OS combined with the flexibility and power of full Linux access.

Practical Takeaway: Before diving into Linux setup, understand that you will be adding a secondary operating environment to your Chromebook rather than replacing Chrome OS. This means you keep all your Chrome OS features while gaining access to additional software and tools. Think of it like having two workbenches in one device—one for web browsing and cloud apps, and another for Linux programs and command-line tools.

Checking If Your Chromebook Can Run Linux

Not all Chromebooks support Linux, so the first step is determining whether your specific model has this capability. Google began rolling out Linux support starting in 2018, but older Chromebooks cannot run it. The good news is that most Chromebooks manufactured after 2018 include support for Linux, though there are some exceptions depending on the processor and hardware configuration.

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To check if your Chromebook supports Linux, open the Settings application and navigate to "About Chrome OS." Look for a section labeled "Linux (Beta)" or "Developers" in the left menu. If you see this option, your device supports Linux. If you do not see it, your Chromebook model likely does not have Linux capabilities. You can also visit Google's official list of Linux-compatible Chromebooks online, where you can search by manufacturer and model number to confirm compatibility.

The hardware requirements for running Linux are modest. Your Chromebook needs at least 3 to 4 gigabytes of RAM (memory) and several gigabytes of storage space to function well with Linux enabled. Storage requirements vary depending on which Linux programs you plan to install, but a basic Linux setup requires roughly 2 to 3 gigabytes of free space. Most modern Chromebooks come with 64 gigabytes or more of storage, so this is typically not a limiting factor.

It is also worth noting that even if your Chromebook supports Linux, you can choose whether or not to enable it. Linux remains optional, so enabling it is entirely up to you. Some people prefer to keep their Chromebook running only Chrome OS for simplicity and longer battery life. Others want the additional software options that Linux provides. Understanding your own needs will help you decide whether enabling Linux makes sense for your use case.

Practical Takeaway: Spend a few minutes checking your Chromebook's settings to see if Linux is available on your device. If it is, you have the option to try it. If it is not, you can still use your Chromebook normally with Chrome OS, which includes web-based versions of most common programs through the Chrome Web Store.

Setting Up Linux on Your Chromebook

Enabling Linux on a supported Chromebook is a straightforward process that takes about 10 to 15 minutes, though the exact time depends on your internet connection speed and system performance. Begin by opening the Chrome OS Settings application. In the left sidebar menu, you will find an option labeled "Developers" or "Linux (Beta)." Click on this section, and you will see a button that says "Turn on" or "Install." Click this button to begin the setup process.

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When you click the install button, your Chromebook will begin downloading and setting up a Linux container. This is a virtual environment where Linux will run separately from your Chrome OS system. During this process, your system may seem to be processing in the background—this is normal. You may see a progress indicator, and the process will continue even if it appears frozen for a minute or two. Most Chromebooks complete this setup within 5 to 15 minutes, depending on your download speed and system specifications.

During setup, you may be asked to create a username for your Linux environment. Choose a name that you will remember easily, such as your first name or a simple word. Avoid using spaces or special characters in this username. This username will be used to identify you when you open the Linux terminal and run commands. You cannot change this username later without significant effort, so think about what you want to use.

Once the installation completes, a terminal window will open automatically. The terminal is a text-based interface where you can type commands to control Linux. At first, it may look intimidating because it is mostly blank with just a command prompt (usually shown as a dollar sign $ or a percentage sign %). This is actually the full power of Linux—you can type commands here to install programs, manage files, and perform many other tasks that would require clicking through menus in other operating systems.

After installation finishes, you should also check for updates within your Linux environment. Open the terminal and type the command to update your system's package manager. This ensures that all the built-in tools and libraries are current and secure. This is a one-time process that may take several minutes but ensures your Linux installation is ready to use.

Practical Takeaway: The Linux setup process is mostly automatic once you click the install button. The main choice you need to make is your Linux username, so pick something simple and memorable. Once complete, you will have a terminal window open and ready to use, which is where you will install and run your Linux programs.

Installing and Running Programs on Linux

One of the main reasons to run Linux on your Chromebook is the ability to install thousands of programs that are not available through the Chrome Web Store. Linux uses a system called a "package manager" to organize and install software. Think of a package manager like an app store, but for Linux programs. The most common package manager on Linux systems is called "apt," which stands for "Advanced Package Tool." When you open the Linux terminal on your Chromebook, you are using the package manager that comes with the system.

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To install a program using apt, you open the terminal and type a command like "sudo apt install program-name" where "program-name" is the name of the software you want. The word "sudo" means "superuser do," which gives the command permission to make changes to your system. After you type this command and press Enter, the package manager will search for the program, download it, and install it automatically. This process may take anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes depending on the program size and your internet speed.

Popular programs that people often install on Linux include Python (a programming language), GIMP (for image editing), LibreOffice (for documents and spreadsheets), and Blender (for 3D modeling). Academic researchers use Linux to run specialized software for data analysis. Developers use Linux to write and test code. Musicians use Linux programs for audio editing and production. The range of available software is enormous because Linux is open-source and has been developed for decades by communities of programmers.

When you install a program, it becomes integrated into your Linux environment. You can launch it either from the terminal by typing its name, or on newer Chromebooks, the program may appear in your Chrome OS applications menu, making it easier to find and run. Once you close a Linux program, it stays