Sunday, November 19, 2017

Linux on a Cheap ChromeBook

Linux is the backbone of the internet.    Usually you connect to Linux when you browse the internet. It is the ultimate of operating systems.

So why not have Linux for a laptop?

It is now practical.

Linux is ideal for those who loved Windows XP which is no longer supported by Microsoft.

Like Windows, Linux works both as an internet computer or as a self standing computer not connected at all.

The Linux Pinebook at $99 actually looks more like a MacBook and runs an Office Suite and browser and more.  Made by a parts supplier,  it shows more promise than fast functionality.

However, a cheap Intel Chromebook can be setup to run to both Chrome and also Linux, fast.

The process works like this...

The device is put into so-called developer mode by holding down the escape and refresh buttons along with the on-off button.  The refresh key is identified with a curled arrow.   

Wait a few moments. Or press Ctl D to move ahead.

On rebooting in developer mode,  a script called Crouton is downloaded.

The downloaded script is started by entering terminal mode in Chrome with control alternate T.

The word shell is then entered into the terminal.

Then a command is issued such to download and install Ubuntu Linux, such as
sudo sh -e ~/Downloads/crouton -t xfce.

This takes some time so you sit back and do something else for a while to come back finally and enter a new login and password.

You are then prompted to enter a command to start Linux, which is spelled out for you.

Linux starts.

Additionally,  there is an extension for Chrome which will toggle in and out of Linux.



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