Quick Guide to Setting Up Linux on a Chromebook



Quick Guide to Setting Up Linux on a Chromebook


Introduction

Setting up Linux on a Chromebook opens up a world of possibilities, from coding and development to running powerful Linux apps. Google's built-in Linux feature, also known as Crostini, makes this process straightforward. Whether you're looking to test applications, code, or explore Linux for personal use, here's a simple guide to get you started.


Step 1: Check Compatibility

First, verify that your Chromebook supports Linux. This feature works on most modern Chromebooks running Chrome OS version 69 or later. Go to Settings > About Chrome OS to confirm your version.


Step 2: Enable Linux (Beta)

Once you’ve confirmed compatibility, you can enable Linux:


1. Open Settings from the bottom-right of your screen.

2. Scroll down to About Chrome OS > Developers > Linux development environment.  Click the "Set up" button.

3. A pop-up will guide you through the installation process.

4. Click Install, and your Chromebook will download and install a Linux environment.


The Linux distribution that comes by default on Chromebooks is based on Debian, a stable and widely used Linux distro. Debian is a solid choice for Chromebooks because of its reliability, support for a vast range of software, and ease of use.


Step 3: Set Up the Terminal

Once Linux is installed, a Terminal window will open, giving you access to the Linux command line. From here, you can start installing software and tools. The default package manager is apt, which allows you to install programs easily:


$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install <program-name>


For instance, to install Python, run:


$ sudo apt-get install python3


Step 4: Access via SSH and VNC

One of the great benefits of Linux on a Chromebook is the ability to remotely access and control your Linux environment. You can set up SSH (Secure Shell) for secure remote access to your Linux instance. Simply install the OpenSSH server:


$ sudo apt-get install openssh-server


You can then access your Chromebook’s Linux environment remotely from another device using an SSH client. Similarly, you can set up VNC (Virtual Network Computing) to share your Linux desktop over the network, giving you GUI-based remote access.


Both SSH and VNC greatly expand the Chromebook's functionality, especially for developers working remotely or those wanting to manage their Linux setup from other machines.


Step 5: Accessing Linux Files

To move files between Linux and Chrome OS, you can use the Files app, where a new folder named Linux files appears. This folder allows seamless file sharing between the two environments.


By enabling Linux, you can unlock powerful development and remote access capabilities on your Chromebook, leveraging the reliability of Debian-based Linux. 😊🚀



Image: Pexels from Pixabay

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