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ChromeOS uses Google APIs and comes integrated with Google applications.
ChromeOS also supports Android apps.
Since they have less powerful hardware, Chromebooks have the advantage of being budget-friendly.
The kernel allows for communication between the hardware and software.
ChromeOS is built on top of Gentoo Linux distribution.
ChromeOS has closed code and is not free and open source.
It is also not compatible with GNU software.
Linux operations systems have since gained a large community of users.
In this case, the Chromebook will have both Linux and ChomeOS installed.
However, these projects have since been abandoned, and the closest and better option is to use Crouton.
To do this, you first need to enable developer mode on your Chromebook.
Therefore, back up any data, you dont want to lose.
To turn on turn on Developer mode on your Chromebook:
1.
PressESC + Refresh + Power key.
On the recovery screen which will show up, pressCTRL + D
3.
PressEnterto turn off OS verification
4.
With OS verification off, PressCTRL + Don this next screen.
Your Chromebook will start the process of turning developer mode on.
Transitioning to developer mode takes a bit of time.
Be patient as your Chromebook turns on developer mode.
Once developer mode has been enabled, the next step is to install Ubuntu using Crouton.
To do this:
1.
Go toCrouton GitHubspage and download Crouton by clicking on the download link.
you’re free to also clickhereto download Crouton directly.
The downloaded script should be in the Downloads folder.
PressCTRL + ALT + Tto bring up the ChromeOS Shell.
In the shell, enter the following command and press enter
3.
Enter the following command to copy the Crouton installer into a location where it can be executed
4.
You also need a flash disk with a bootable Linux distribution, preferably Ubuntu 18.04 or later versions.
PressCTRL + ALT + Tto kick off the ChromeOS Shell also known as crosh
2.
Enter the following line and press Enter to start the Shell
3.
Enter the following command and pressEnter.
This command downloads a script that allows us to modify a Chromebooks firmware:
4.
Once the download is finished, youll get to such a screen.
PressEnterto continue
- grab the option to modify your Chromebook RW_LEGACY by typing1and pressingEnter
6.
Retype the text shown and pressEnter.
PressCTRL + ALT + F2,which takes you to a login screen.
Enter the following command and press Enter to sign on
9.
Enter the following command to allow you to boot from a USB gadget
10.
Shutdown your Chromebook by entering the following command and pressing Enter
11.
While on the recovery screen, pressCTRL + Lto get into BIOS rather than boot up Chrome OS
13.
PressESCto display the boot menu
14.
Your Chromebook will then display locations where it can boot from.
Select your USB drive with the bootable Ubuntu OS, then press Enter.
In this case, well key in 2 and press Enter
15.
PressEnterin this next screen to boot Ubuntu
16.
However, certain Chromebooks that were released before 2019 have support for this feature.
Crostini is particularly beneficial to developers using Chromebooks.
Users are then able to run their Linux apps inside ChromeOS.
On the parameters page, tap on Advanced
4.
Click onDevelopersthen selectTurn on
5.
On the displayed window to set up Linux Development Environment, click onNext
6.
Enter the username you want to use and clickInstall.
By default, a recommended disk size is selected on this page.
you might customize this size if you want, but you dont have to.
This will allow for easy access to the Linux terminal in the future.
With the terminal open, you’ve got the option to now start using Linux inside ChromeOS.
Conclusion
Chromebooks are an excellent budget-friendly alternative to conventional laptops.
You may also explore some best Chromebook VPNs.
