How to Run Linux Apps on a Chromebook

[Sneakyone]

How to Run Linux Apps on a Chromebook

Running Linux apps on a Chromebook expands the functionality of your device by allowing you to use powerful Linux-based software and tools. Chrome OS supports a built-in Linux (Beta) feature that enables you to install and run Linux apps alongside your regular Chrome apps. This guide will show you how to enable Linux on your Chromebook and install Linux apps.

Step 1: Check Linux (Beta) Compatibility

Before enabling Linux on your Chromebook, ensure that your device supports the Linux (Beta) feature.

1. Click the clock in the bottom-right corner of your screen to open the system tray, then click on the Settings gear icon.
2. In the Settings menu, scroll down the left sidebar and click on About Chrome OS.
3. Check for updates to ensure that your Chromebook is running the latest version of Chrome OS, as Linux (Beta) is available on newer models and updates.

Step 2: Enable Linux (Beta) on Your Chromebook

If your Chromebook supports Linux (Beta), you can enable it from the Settings menu:

1. Open the Settings menu by clicking the clock in the bottom-right corner, then clicking the Settings gear icon.
2. Scroll down the left sidebar and click on Developers.
3. Under the Linux development environment (Beta) section, click Turn on.
4. A setup window will appear. Click Next to begin the installation process.
5. Choose the amount of disk space to allocate for Linux, then click Install. This process may take a few minutes.

Step 3: Open the Linux Terminal

Once Linux (Beta) is installed, the Linux Terminal app will appear in your app launcher:

1. Open the Launcher by clicking the circle icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
2. Search for Terminal in the Launcher and click on it to open the Linux Terminal.

Step 4: Update Linux and Install Linux Apps

Now that Linux is enabled, you can update your Linux environment and start installing Linux apps.

Step 4.1: Update Linux

1. In the Linux Terminal, type the following command to update your Linux packages:

 

Code:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

2. Press Enter, and the system will check for and install any updates.

Step 4.2: Install Linux Apps

1. To install a Linux app, use the apt-get command. For example, to install the GIMP image editor, type:

 

Code:

sudo apt-get install gimp

2. Press Enter and follow the prompts to complete the installation.
3. Once the installation is complete, you will find the app in your Launcher under the Linux apps folder.

Step 5: Access and Use Linux Apps

1. After installing a Linux app, open the Launcher and navigate to the Linux apps folder.
2. Click on the installed app (e.g., GIMP) to launch it. The app will open in its own window, just like any other Chrome or Android app.
3. You can now run Linux apps on your Chromebook and use them alongside Chrome OS apps.

Step 6: Install Additional Linux Apps

There are thousands of Linux apps available for installation. To install other apps, simply use the following command format in the Terminal:

Code:

sudo apt-get install appname

Replace appname with the name of the app you want to install. Some popular Linux apps include:

- LibreOffice (Office suite):

Code:

sudo apt-get install libreoffice

- VLC Media Player:

Code:

sudo apt-get install vlc

- Audacity (Audio editing):

Code:

sudo apt-get install audacity

Step 7: Manage Linux Files

Linux apps store files in the Linux file system. To access and manage your Linux files:

1. Open the Files app on your Chromebook.
2. In the left sidebar, click on Linux files. This is where your Linux apps will save files by default.
3. You can move files between Chrome OS and Linux by dragging and dropping them between folders.

Step 8: Remove Linux Apps or Disable Linux (Beta)

If you want to remove a Linux app or disable Linux on your Chromebook:

Remove a Linux App
1. Open the Terminal.
2. Use the following command to uninstall an app:

 

Code:

sudo apt-get remove appname

Replace appname with the name of the app you want to remove.

Disable Linux (Beta)
1. Go to Settings > Developers.
2. Under Linux development environment (Beta), click Remove to disable Linux and delete all Linux apps and data from your Chromebook.

Conclusion

By enabling Linux (Beta) on your Chromebook, you can run a wide variety of Linux apps alongside your Chrome OS apps, greatly expanding the functionality of your device. Follow this guide to set up Linux, install apps, and manage your Linux environment on a Chromebook.