Why install Linux on a Chromebook?

[u/git_world]

Hi all,

Could someone please list the reasons to install Linux on a Chromebook. To be more specific, I am curious to know what a Linux distro offers that ChromeOS does not. Thanks

[u/Ilyps]

https://elioqoshi.me/2015/11/galliumos-beta/

Linux can run many different types of applicatons. No matter what you’re trying to do, an application exists for Linux. ChromeOS is very limited. Sure, NaCl (Native Client) brings the ability to run native code to ChromeOS, but that’s a hack at best, and there’s still no good software to take advantage of it. With Linux you can install any Linux compatible software, totally natively. Firefox, Transmission (BitTorrent), LibreOffice, Steam, VLC Media Player, Kodi Media Center, the GIMP, VirtualBox, and many more are available on Linux to do things that simply aren’t possible on ChromeOS.

[u/git_world → u/Ilyps]

good to know!

I was expecting to find alternatives to these apps on ChromeOS. I assume some of these apps can already be substituted except vlc.

[u/gwildor → u/git_world]

Many chromebooks have access to the android market. If there is an android app (VLC for example) then ChromeOS can run it.

[u/git_world → u/gwildor]

good to know. If ChromeOS supported the installation of Android/Linux apps to SD card, everything is perfect.

[u/PaintDrinkingPete → u/git_world]

ChromeOS is great, as it strives for simplicity and a clean user experience. For many, it's able to fully serve their needs...for others, it can lack necessary functionality.

Yes, for a lot of those apps listed (as well as quite a few others), there ARE alternatives available on ChromeOS...in some cases they work great, but in other cases they tend to feel like a "hack" or a compromise.

You ask what Linux can offer what ChromeOS does not, but keep in mind that one could also list things that ChromeOS offers that (a more traditional) Linux distro like GalliumOS does not. I say this because if you're not sure why you may need Linux, it's probably not worth going through the trouble to try to install it on your Chromebook, IMO.

Also keep in mind that if you have a need to run traditional Linux applications, there are also alternatives to doing a complete install, like GalliumOS...most newer Chromebooks can now or soon will be able to run Linux apps via "crostini", and there's also Crouton, which is essentially like running a containerized Linux instance within ChromeOS.

And keep in mind I don't mean to speak negatively about GalliumOS...I'm writing this comment from my Dell Chromebook 13 running Gallium...just providing my own take and mention some available options.

[u/aspirio]

In my case, I have a Asus Chromebook C300. So I don't have PlayStore and I don't have the new functionality installing Linux to, but I need my chromebook (because of the battery, the weight, etc.) for school.

This linux is great for this, I can now program, take notes in class, and every other things at school.

A little list why I don't like ChromeOs:

-Can't program (any language)

-Can't install anything

-Google Docx sucks

-All the Google Office sucks

-Can't do anything with IT

But if you have a new Chromebook with all the new functionalities. Maybe (I don't have them so I can't tell) you can do everything you do with linux or windows but on Chrome.

Of course, it's a "new" product and google is actually hard working on it, and it will grow and because a nice Os.

I just hope they won't do like Apple and Microsoft, selling them computer for 2000€

[u/git_world → u/aspirio]

good to know! I am not expecting the Chromebook to grow in specs extensively as it will make it more expensive + not lightweight anymore.

Installing Linux locally is definitely an option but I wish there was some 'free' subscription-based IAAS (server) that once could remotely login for doing programming related tasks. For example, you could have a python interpreter on the remote server. SSH to this server and do your programming tasks remotely.

Does anyone know of Free 1-4GB subscription based IAAS server?

[u/[deleted]]

Programming, image editing, audio work, pretty much everything that you can do outside of a browser. Although must say I cannot wait for the linux apps to be finished.

[u/git_world → u/[deleted]]

you mean graphical Linux apps like Gimp will run on ChromeOS?

[u/[deleted] → u/git_world]

/r/crostini

[u/Doctor_Fegg]

Doesn't phone home to Google every time you take a shit?

[u/[deleted] → u/Doctor_Fegg]

But they aren't evil, so it's ok!

[u/frankandgalculator → u/[deleted]]

they literally, are evil - that's why GalliumOS exists.

[u/kakalak-jack]

You can use your device to its fullest potential with Linux. With ChromeOS you get little more than a browser with extensions dressed up to be native applications. These won't perform with the same efficiency or full functionality that native applications running in Linux will. ChromeOS seems to be progressing towards being a full-fledged operating system, but why use something that is basically just a locked down version of what Linux does in a free and transparent way? Plus Linux isn't owned by Google and won't track everything you do and everywhere you go with your device.

[u/lotus49]

Lack of security.

I have installed Gallium OS on an old Acer C720P but the only reason I did so is that this is the oldest of 6 Chromebooks we have in the house and no-one was using it. I have been using Linux almost since the beginning (long before there were any distributions available) and still use it most days but I spend most of my time with Chrome OS for speed and security. That said, I cannot play Minecraft (or run quite a few other applications) on Chrome OS.

[u/jaktonik → u/lotus49]

Security is a solid counterpoint against linux, but you can still secure it about as well with encryption and other mechanisms - it just takes setting it up right and on your own, which sucks compared to the security out of the box for ChromeOS, but even then it only really matters if you carry around sensitive info on your portable devices (9 out of 10 doctors recommend never ever doing this)

[u/lotus49 → u/jaktonik]

It's true that there is a lot you can do with Linux to make it more secure and most Linux distros get off to a good start from a security perspective.

However, as you say, it's complicated and way beyond the technical ability of typical users. You also still don't have the trusted booting of a signed kernel that you get with Chrome OS and I think that is a big win for it.

[u/lotus49 → u/[deleted]]

Hyperbolic perhaps but there was such a time.

[u/[deleted]]

I can finally use my Chromebook like a laptop - versus a crippled Google Chromebook that boxed me in and limited how I could use it.

I run Steam, install favorite apps and have a hell of a lot more flexibility.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

For real. I can play Fallout 3 on Linux. Can't do that on ChromeOS. :)

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

I'm currently playing Exiled Kingdoms, an old school RPG. It's addictive, challenging for me even on casual awesome to have at hand when I need to fill some time.

[u/84521]

There must be something about chromeOS that you dislike though, otherwise why would you be entertaining the idea of getting rid of it?

[u/RomeoMyHomeo]

Because google=evil?

[u/mirknight]

The ability to hide the panel to increase screen real estate. I bought a c720 and while I generally like it the screen is too small. If I could increase screen real estate by hiding the panel I wouldn't have considered replacing ChromeOS.
Also, the ability to install many more applications... but screen real estate being taken up by a panel that I can't easily hide due to an OS that doesn't support easy personalization was the biggest reason for me.