Installing Linux On Chromebook?

Has anyone here done this before and do they recommend it? I use a chromebook strictly to web browse and watch videos. Also to stream from sites so if those sites have a virus, well its not a big deal because im using my chromebook and not my regular windows laptop.


What i want to know is if i install linux,


1. Do i have the option to use either linux or chromebook everytime i turn on my computer?


2. So the purpose of linux is so i could use programs like with windows? Example i know you can't download many programs on chromebook because its not compatible, can only download from the play store. But what programs do people download when they have linux?


3. Is the process to do this easy or average or complicated? I googled and saw a review that said it takes about 35 minutes or so to set it up. The instructions seem to be average but what happens if something goes wrong in the process?

 

Also the other thing is this. If i use linux, do i have anonymity while going online? Example when i browse sites such and watch videos and watch streaming sites, i do it because im on a chromebook and also sometimes use a vpn from the play store that i downloaded. So many times i turn it on while im web browsing or visiting websites.


But if i use linux, will i still have that anonymity if im using it vs chrome? If i use vpn, would it be the same thing?

 

1. Do i have the option to use either linux or chromebook everytime i turn on my computer?

Yes.
When using Linux on ChromeOS you can:
- Use Crouton, and run Linux in a browser window or tab while still in ChromeOS.
- Use CHRX, and "dual boot" either Linux or ChromeOS.
- Wipe ChromeOS and install only Linux.
- Use Crostini Linux containers from within ChromeOS, which is like running a linux app while in ChromeOS. It's only supported on some chromebooks.

2. So the purpose of linux is so i could use programs like with windows? Example i know you can't download many programs on chromebook because its not compatible, can only download from the play store. But what programs do people download when they have linux?

No. Linux can't run windows programs except in an emulator like WINE, or a Virtual Machine.
If you want to run a windows program on a chromebook, your only option is the android app Crossover, which lets you install some windows programs. Some programs are known to work ok, others you just have to try. Programs with complicated installers and dependencies may not work.

3. Is the process to do this easy or average or complicated? I googled and saw a review that said it takes about 35 minutes or so to set it up. The instructions seem to be average but what happens if something goes wrong in the process?

Stuff like Crouton is fairly easy, other dual boot methods can get complicated especially if you have to flash firmware. Usually if there is a problem you can powerwash your chromebook, but you'll need to make a chromeOS usb installer from another computer running Chrome browser and using the Chromebook Recovery Utility.

 

Hi there. I want to do this soon.

Do you have a site which shows clear step by step instructions on installing linux on my chromebook?

How much gb do i need minimum free on it first before i do this? Chromebook has 32gb space but more like 29gb or so total. Currently i have like 6gb free only. I can of course move my files to an external hard drive to free space.

 

Depends what Chromebook you have. you should easily be able to do crouton, and possibly dual boot with CHRX. You'll probably want to allocate 16gb to run linux, and remember should you want to "undo" linux, you'll need to powerwash the chromebook which means erasing everything on it, so have your files backed up.