Linux on Chromebook: Unlocking the Power of Debian

Linux on Chromebook: Unlocking the Power of Debian

Introduction

Chromebooks have come a long way from being simple devices designed primarily for web browsing. One of the most exciting developments in their evolution is the introduction of Linux on Chromebook, often simply referred to as Linux in the settings. This feature allows users to run a full Linux environment alongside Chrome OS, significantly expanding the device's capabilities. 

Crostini and Debian

While tech enthusiasts may recognize terms like Crostini and Debian, these names don’t appear in the interface. Chrome OS users only see the word "Linux" when enabling this feature.  Let's take a look at these two names that are associated with Linux on Chromebook.

What’s Behind the Name?

Crostini was the internal codename for the project at Google that brought Linux to Chromebooks. While this term is still sometimes used by those deeply familiar with the development of Chrome OS, it's not a term you'll find in the settings or user interface. Instead, the general term Linux is used to keep things simple for the average user.

 Likewise, the underlying Linux distribution used by Crostini is Debian, a popular and stable Linux version, but again, this name is not emphasized. Google focused on making the process of enabling Linux as user-friendly as possible, without confusing users with technical jargon. For those who aren't familiar with Linux distributions, the simplicity of calling it "Linux on Chromebook" makes it more approachable.

Why Debian?

Debian is one of the most popular and stable Linux distributions, renowned for its reliability and vast software repositories. This makes it a natural choice for Chromebooks, as it offers a balance of power and stability. One of Debian’s core strengths is its package management system, APT, which provides access to thousands of open-source tools and applications. For Crostini, Google selected a streamlined version of Debian, stripped of heavy graphical elements, to ensure it runs efficiently on Chromebook’s often resource-constrained hardware.

While it doesn't include a full desktop environment, this lean setup allows Chromebooks to deliver the power of Linux without sacrificing their hallmark speed and simplicity. Whether you're installing development tools, server software, or using command-line utilities, Debian offers everything you need, keeping the experience light and responsive.

How to Turn On Linux on Chromebook

Enabling Linux on a Chromebook is simple, and you don't need to worry about complicated setups. Chrome OS includes the option directly in its settings, and you can have the Linux development environment running in just a few clicks. Here’s how you can get it started:

1. Open Settings: On your Chromebook, click on the clock at the bottom right corner of the screen to open the quick settings menu. From there, click on the Settings gear icon.

  

2. About ChromeOS: Once in the settings menu, scroll down to the About ChromeOS section.

3. Developers Section: In the About ChromeOS menu, you’ll see an option for Developers. Click on this to access the options related to development tools.

4. Linux Development Environment: Here, you’ll find the option to enable the Linux development environment. Press the Set up button to get started.

5. Set Up Linux: A new window will pop up asking for your preferred storage size and Linux username. Once you set this up, the Chromebook will download and install the lightweight Debian-based Linux system.

Once the installation is complete, you’ll have access to the Linux terminal. From there, you can install packages, run commands, and even launch graphical applications if needed. The Linux environment integrates smoothly with Chrome OS, so you can even pin Linux apps to the Chrome OS launcher for easy access.

The Power of the Linux Folder

In addition to the terminal, Linux on Chromebook also provides a useful file-sharing feature through the Linux folder found in the Chrome OS File Manager. This folder acts as a dedicated space for moving files between Chrome OS and the Linux environment, making it easier than ever to work across both systems.

For example, you can download a file on Chrome OS—such as an image, PDF, or code file—and simply drag it into the Linux folder to access it from the Linux terminal. Similarly, any files created or modified in the Linux environment can be saved in this folder and accessed in Chrome OS apps. This seamless file transfer bridges the gap between the two operating systems and makes the Chromebook a more powerful tool for both work and development.

Expanding Your Chromebook’s Capabilities

With Linux on Chromebook enabled and Debian running in the background, your Chromebook becomes a versatile development machine. Whether you want to install programming tools like Python, Node.js, or Go, or run more advanced tools like Docker or MySQL, it’s all available through the terminal. And since Debian is a well-supported Linux distribution, you’ll find that most major software packages are readily available in its repositories.

By keeping the system lightweight, Linux on Chromebook ensures that your device maintains its core performance and long battery life while giving you the power of a full Linux environment.

Conclusion

If you’re ready to dive into the world of Linux on your Chromebook, turning it on is just a few clicks away. If you need more tips on optimizing your workflow or using other features of Linux on Chrome OS, stay tuned for future blog posts! 👍😊

Image: Karolina Grabowska from Pixabay