Chrome Can: Linux

Google has done some amazing work recently with Chrome OS.  It has added the ability to run Android apps. This means you can install and run Android apps just like you would on an Android tablet.  Head to the Google Play store, search and install the app just like you would on any other Android mobile device.  While this moves Chrome OS to greater things, it still isn’t enough for some people.  For most people, this is more than enough.  However, for those who want a full desktop experience with the ability to install more powerful applications, this feature doesn’t help.  This is where Linux comes in.  Currently, for a few Chromebooks, the ability to turn on Linux Beta has appeared.  According to Chrome Unboxed, this is the list of Chromebooks with this capability they were able to uncover.

• Acer Chromebox CXI3
• HP Chromebook x2
• Acer Chromebook Spin 11(N3350 EDU)
• Acer Chromebook Tab 10
• Samsung Chromebook Plus v1
• Lenovo Chromebook 500e

9 to 5 Google has an even longer list.

This will likely spread to more devices as time passes, just like what we saw when Android App support rolled out.

This is great, however, the strange Linux Terminal window you get will most likely scare many people away.  To set up Linux on your Chromebook to run more like the Android App experience, I suggest following these steps. (This may not work on your device. It worked on the author of this How-To Geek article but did not work on my Samsung Chromebook Plus.)

Getting Linux

To get Linux you first have to turn this ability on. First, go to settings and scroll down until you see Linux (Beta).  If you don’t see it, check if your Chrome OS is updated. If it is your device is probably not supported yet.

You will then see this window.  Click install to begin the process.

When the install is complete you will get the Linux Terminal window.

Don’t let this scare you away.  Follow the steps below to get your Chromebook setup with a Linux app software center.

First, type in sudo apt-get update and hit enter. Then you will need to type in Y and press enter to begin the install. This will make sure that you have the latest version of Linux. 

Second, type in sudo apt-get install gnome-software gnome-packagekit and hit enter. Then you will need to press Y and hit enter to begin the install.  This will install a Gnome Sofware Center.  (I was able to follow these to update my Linux and Install the Gnome Software Center but was unable to use it to install apps. If it doesn’t work, I suggest using the sudo apt-get command. This command sudo apt-get install gimp allowed me to install GIMP. It will also allow you to install other Linux applications.)

As you can see the software center did not work for me.  This did not prevent me from installing some Linux apps to test out.  I just used the sudo apt-get command to install the apps I wanted to test.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you will have to run the update and upgrade commands regularly.  To do this you will need to open the terminal window and then type in the command sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade. This will run the update to get the most recent version of Linux and it will also upgrade all the Linux apps you have installed on your Chromebook.

My thoughts

While this is a fantastic move, it is still in beta so isn’t perfect.  I messed around with GIMP a bit and was not impressed.  I actually like using Gravit Designer more and don’t really see the need to use GIMP.  The integration of Linux and the ability to install Linux apps will no doubt improve.  For those who prefer this type of environment, it makes the Chromebook and even greater device.

Thanks for reading

Dr. Shannon H. Doak