Linux Chromebook

Introduction

Great! You are interested in using your Chromebook to its full potential. This article will provide you with instructions to set up Linux on your Chromebook, and also how to optimize the applications you use. I have used a Chromebook powered by Linux for several months, and have learned a lot about the Debian operating system, and have been able to use my device for more tasks than what can normally be performed on a Chromebook. The root of my experiments involved gaming, and the other tasks involved development.

My Experience

Hi there! I'm @sharmnten on GitHub, and am the author of this guide. I have about 5 years of coding experience with JavaScript, Python, Java, and HTML/CSS. I am a full-stack developer, and am also a game developer. Additionally, I sometimes play videogames. A Chromebook was my first computer, and I own a plethora of Chromebooks of various ages that I have required across my schooling, and a few that I bought. Around last year, I was trying to find another use for these Chromebooks, as I wanted a lightweight device that allowed me to do some development away from my main computer (Windows). I was interested in the Linux development environment as I recalled on many of the pages for software I downloaded, there was a Linux install option. Doing a little bit of research, this was the best way I determined to get Linux setup on a Chromebook.

Linux Installation

Prerequisites

Before we begin, ensure that your Chromebook meets the following requirements:

• Your Chromebook supports Linux (Crostini) and ideally an x86 architecture CPU. Most Chromebooks released in 2019 or later support Crostini.
• You have a stable internet connection.
• You have at least 32 GB of storage space.
• Knowledge of how to access settings and system specifications.

Enabling Linux

To enable Linux on your Chromebook, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your Chromebook.
2. Scroll down to the "Linux (Beta)" section.
3. Click "Turn On" to start the setup process.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. You may be prompted to allocate disk space for Linux; choose an appropriate amount based on your needs.
5. Once the installation is complete, a terminal window will open, indicating that Linux is ready to use.

Learning Linux and Tips

Now that you have installed Linux, you will have to learn how to use it. Linux is different than any other operating system because the user interacts with the terminal more frequently. For Crostini, no desktop environment is installed by default, nor is a window manager. That means that by default, no desktop is displayed, only the terminal. This means that to browse files, open software, or update your system, you will be required to use the terminal. While this may sound intimidating, I recommend you do not try to change this. It can be a great learning experience, and being comfortable with the terminal will allow you to unlock the full potential of your Linux Chromebook. Further, if your Chromebook has limited space(you gave the Linux container under 10 GB of storage), then it saves previous storage space, that you can fill with more useful packages. Let's learn some basic terminal commands!

Package Management

Debian package management is handled by the apt command. The commands below install and remove packages, respectively. Packages are really important in Linux, as they allow you to expand the capabilities of your system.

File Navigation

In order to navigate your files, it is helpful to know what files are available in the current directory, and also where you are located within the filesystem. Inorder to do this, we use the command ls this command lists all of the files and directories that are in the current directory.

This next command puts you into the directory that you specify after the cd. It has to be in contained in the directory you are currently in.

This is the command to go back to the parent directory, or the folder in which this folder/file exists.

While using the terminal alone works, there is one package I recommend for managing your disk:

This package provides a disk utility, which allows users to navigate their files easier. This is especially useful for cleaning up old files to free up storage space, as it provides a more user-friendly interface compared to the default terminal commands. Additionally, it shows directories and files that are hidden by default on the system.

Updating Your System

When using Linux, updating your operating system

System Maintenance and Advice

When doing large package operations, it is a good idea to clean up unnecessary files afterwards. You can do this by running the following command:

System Optimization

After installing Linux, it's a good idea to update your system and install essential packages. Open the terminal and run the following commands:

Gaming and Steam

Installing Steam

Go to Steam's website and click the green Install Steam button.

Then, click the Steam logo inside the circle. Do not press the ChromeOS logo. This will install the Steam client, in the form of a .deb file.

Game Recommendations

As many games are unavailable for Linux, it's important to check compatibility before purchasing. Game compatibility information can usually be found on the game's Steam page.

Additional Gaming Tips

• Itch.io works pretty nicely to get free games. Download the store application from their website, and you can find many free games with Linux support.
• Minecraft, while not free, works pretty well on Linux, as long as you install the correct Java packages and are happy with a small render distance.
• At the time of writing this article, controllers don't work through Crostini.

Performance Tweaks

Tips for improving performance will go here.