How to Download and Install Linux on a Chromebook – Guide
Chromebooks are an affordable, energy-saving option for those looking to get the most out of their device. Installing Linux is the best way to unlock more features and apps, but it’s not a simple process. Here’s what you need to know before getting started.
Check your Chrome OS version
Check your Chromebook’s compatibility with Linux apps by navigating to the Settings menu, clicking the hamburger icon in the upper left corner and selecting About Chrome OS. The version of Chrome OS you have will determine if you can install Linux apps.
Chrome OS 69 or later users can download Linux apps, but those with an earlier version are out of luck. To check if there are any software updates available, click the ‘Check for updates’ button on the About Chrome OS page. Once signed in, your Chromebook will take care of the rest.
Enable Linux on Chromebook
Enabling Linux on your Chromebook is a simple process that won’t take long, depending on your internet speed and the power of your device. Get ready to explore the world of Linux apps!
To get Linux applications on your Chromebook, open Settings and select the Linux (Beta) option. Click Connect and Install when prompted, then wait for the download to finish. A terminal window will open, allowing you to download Linux apps.
How to to download Linux apps on Chromebooks?
Before you can download Linux apps on your Chromebook, make sure to update your packages by typing the command in the terminal window.
You can download Linux apps on your device by using the command “sudo apt-get install app name -y”, replacing “app name” with the actual app. For instance, to get Gimp, use “sudo apt-get install Gimp -y”.
A command line tool to install the GIMP image editing software can be accessed by typing “sudo apt-get install gimp -y” into a terminal.
After entering the right command in the terminal window, you can download and install Android apps to your device. To make sure you get the right app, check out our list of recommended commands.
Linux Apps for Chromebooks
Linux users have access to a wide range of applications, from Gimp to many more. To get you started, here are some popular apps and the commands to download them.
LibreOffice:
LibreOffice offers a suite of free, open-source software for word processing, spreadsheets and presentations – an alternative to Microsoft Word.
Installing LibreOffice and its GTK3 component is now just one command away, thanks to the sudo apt install command.
Streaming:
BitTorrent users can now access a free client to quickly and easily download and upload files.
The command line utility “broadcast-qt” can be installed on Linux systems using the “sudo apt-get install” command with the “-y” flag.
FileZilla:
Transferring files from your device to a server can be done quickly and easily with FileZilla.
Filezilla can be installed on Linux systems using the command “sudo apt-get install filezilla -y”.
Evolution:
Evolution Linux is the perfect desktop email client for those who prefer to use a desktop application instead of a web-based one.
Evolution can be installed on a computer using the command line tool “sudo apt-get install evolution -y”.
Audacity:
This audio editor and recorder offers advanced capabilities for manipulating audio files.
Installing Audacity is now easier than ever, thanks to the command line tool “sudo apt-get install audacity -y”. This allows users to quickly and easily install the popular audio editing software.
Final note
If you’re looking to install Linux on a Chromebook, this guide has you covered. Got questions? Reach out for help. And don’t forget to share the love by passing it along to your friends.
