Any Linux Pros Here? (I'm Wanting To Put It On A Chromebook)

[shanez]

So I have a chromebook which I really like but I really can't stand the intrusiveness of the Chrome OS so I'm considering my options.

I think I'm going to try Linux GalliumOS but it looks like I have 3 options:

1) Install Crouton and run both OS simultaneously with the ability to toggle back and forth.
2) Partition the drive, us chrx to install GalliumOS and then have a dual boot environment.
3) Simply obliterate the Chrome OS and install Linux.

If I can get the machine to work the way I want with everything I want in Linux I see no purpose to leaving chrome installed. I do plan on making a Chrome backup installation disk which I can use in the future but is really just in case I brick the machine while attempting to install Linux.

So I have two questions:

1) Can I run Linus live from a USB drive (like I used to with CDs/DVDs on a windows machine) before proceeding to see if I can even get close to my goal?
2) Knowing that I really don't want Chrome at all (except as a possible installation backup) which of the 3 options above would be easiest?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[ADKPiper]

Haven't installed on a chrome book but overall I've had good luck with SUSE.
I know people are running it on chrome books.

HCL:ARMChromebook - openSUSE Wiki

en.opensuse.org

 

[coming to_falling too]

Some times you can make a live cd of the specific distro youre wanting. Haven't really messed with all that in a while, nor have i done it on a chromebook, but if you make a live cd and decide you want to keep the distro you can usually just install it from that same disc as well. I say live cd, but also mean usb as well. Can you access your boot priority on chrome? If so just choose to boot from usb first.

 

[coming to_falling too]

If you're savvy using a terminal, thus explains how to make a bootable usb on chrome here

Installing/Creating Bootable USB - GalliumOS Wiki

wiki.galliumos.org

 

[coming to_falling too]

If you have access to a Windows system it may just be easier to make the bootable usb on it.

 

[germinal]

Yes, installation media for most distros work as live-CDs so you should be able to use the USB-drive to test out the waters without installing, and then install if you so choose.

All three ways should be workable. Crouton or crostini (the official way to run Linux apps on chrome for supported devices) should be fine for what it is but you will still be in the
Google ecosphere. Dual booting is pretty much seamless and works well, the drawback is that you need space for both OS:es which can be an issue if space is precious. Just booting straight into Linux
makes most sense if you have no use of Chrome OS and a recovery drive at the ready if you would. For some devices it seems that letting the battery discharge completely can mess with the boot, which might be worth taking into consideration if single booting.

Also the complexity of booting something other than the default OS seems to be device dependent, I've read something about screwdrivers so be prepared

Not a pro and not a Chromebook user but my 2 cents.

 

[Sloopjohnbee]

You've gotta be careful with the distro you are installing - especially on a 'chromebook'
I hear Google now switched entirely to Debian
I personally ONLY run either Linux on PC's or MacOS on macs- never looked back
You just need to make sure you update and worry about deprecated etc...
You should try Pop OS or Manjaro

 

[germinal]

I hear Google now switched entirely to Debian

Interesting, seems like they run their own fork of Debian, did not know that.

wintergarden raises a good point, there are numerous Linux distributions in various states of disrepair. I don't have any experience with Gallium but it seems to be based on Ubuntu 18.04 so it should be a fairly good bet for a while longer.

 

[chilipalmer]

Shanez,

Personally, I would only use a Chromebook to lift a short table leg or as a door stop, however, to each his own....

To your question, the only reason to have two operating systems on your device is because you must use both off them. If you don't need ChromeOS, I would recommend you just convert the machine to Lunix and get on with your life. There is a handy and pretty straight forward how-to linked below. It should walk you through the process. Best of luck and happy Linuxing!

Complete Guide to Installing Linux on Chromebook

Cheers,

Chili