How to Install Linux Apps on Chromebook
Chromebooks have become increasingly popular due to their simplicity, speed, and affordability. However, one of the limitations of Chromebooks is their lack of support for traditional desktop applications. But don’t worry, there’s a way to install Linux apps on your Chromebook, giving you access to a wide range of software. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of installing Linux apps on your Chromebook.
Step 1: Enable Linux (Beta)
Before you can install Linux apps on your Chromebook, you need to enable Linux (Beta) on your device. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Click on the settings icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
2. Select “Settings” from the menu.
3. Scroll down and click on “Advanced.”
4. Under “Linux (Beta),” click on “Turn On.”
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.
Step 2: Install Linux
Once Linux (Beta) is enabled, you can proceed to install it on your Chromebook. Here’s how to do it:
1. Click on the “Linux (Beta)” icon on your shelf.
2. A terminal window will open. Type the following command and press Enter:
“`
sudo bash
“`
3. You will be prompted to enter your password. Enter your Chromebook password and press Enter.
4. Once you’re in the terminal, type the following command and press Enter:
“`
sudo apt-get update
“`
5. Wait for the update process to complete. It may take a few minutes.
6. Now, type the following command to install Linux on your Chromebook:
“`
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop
“`
7. The installation process will begin. It may take some time to complete, so be patient.
Step 3: Install Linux Apps
After installing Linux on your Chromebook, you can now install Linux apps. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open the Linux terminal by clicking on the “Linux (Beta)” icon on your shelf.
2. Use the `apt-get` command to search for and install Linux apps. For example, to install the GIMP image editor, type the following command and press Enter:
“`
sudo apt-get install gimp
“`
3. Wait for the installation process to complete. Once done, you can open the app from the Linux desktop or search for it in the application menu.
Step 4: Install Linux Distros
While the default Ubuntu desktop is great, you might want to try other Linux distributions. To install a different Linux distro, follow these steps:
1. Open the Linux terminal.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
“`
sudo apt-get install lsb-release
“`
3. Once the command is executed, download the desired Linux distro using the following command (replace `DISTRO` with the name of the distro you want to install):
“`
sh -c “$(curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg) | sudo apt-key add -”
“`
4. Add the repository for the distro using the following command:
“`
sudo add-apt-repository “deb [arch=amd64] https://download.deb.debian.org/debian/ buster main contrib non-free”
“`
5. Update the package lists using the following command:
“`
sudo apt-get update
“`
6. Install the distro using the following command:
“`
sudo apt-get install DISTRO
“`
7. Once the installation is complete, you can open the distro from the Linux desktop or search for it in the application menu.
Conclusion
Installing Linux apps on your Chromebook is a straightforward process, as long as you follow the steps outlined in this article. By enabling Linux (Beta) and installing your preferred Linux distribution, you can access a wide range of applications and enjoy the full power of your Chromebook. Happy coding!
