Installing Ubuntu Linux on Your Chromebook with Crouton: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction:
Chromebooks are known for their simplicity, affordability, and ease of use. However, some users might want to explore other operating systems for a more versatile computing experience. That’s where Ubuntu Linux comes in. In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of installing Ubuntu Linux on your Chromebook using Crouton, an open-source program created by a Google developer that allows users to run Chrome OS and another OS side by side.
Preparing Your Chromebook:
1. Update your Chromebook: Before starting the installation process, ensure that your Chromebook is up to date by checking for updates in the settings menu.
2. Enable Developer Mode: To use Crouton, you must enable Developer Mode on your Chromebook. Note that doing so will disable some security features and erase all local data, so back up your files before proceeding. To enable Developer Mode:
a. Turn off your Chromebook.
b. Press and hold the Esc and Refresh keys together and power on the device.
c. When you see a warning screen, press Ctrl + D.
d. Press Enter when prompted to confirm enabling Developer Mode.
e. Wait for the process to complete—it may take some time.
Downloading and Installing Crouton:
1. Download Crouton: Go to https://github.com/dnschneid/crouton and click the “goo.gl” link to download the Crouton script.
2. Open a terminal window: Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open a new terminal window.
3. Start the installation process: Type “shell” (without quotes) in the terminal window and press Enter to open a shell command prompt.
4. Choose your Ubuntu version: Type “sudo sh -e ~/Downloads/crouton -r list” (without quotes) to see the available Ubuntu versions. Note the version you want (e.g., “xenial”).
5. Install Ubuntu with Crouton: Type “sudo sh -e ~/Downloads/crouton -r [version] -t [target]”
(replacing [version] with the chosen Ubuntu version and [target] with the desktop environment you want, such as “xfce” or “unity”). For example, if you want to install Ubuntu Xenial with XFCE, type “sudo sh -e ~/Downloads/crouton -r xenial -t xfce”. Press Enter and wait for the installation to finish.
6. Set a username and password: During the installation, you will be prompted to enter a username and password for your Ubuntu Linux session. Make sure to remember these credentials.
Running Ubuntu on Your Chromebook:
1. Start a Linux session: After the installation is complete, type “sudo startxfce4” (without quotes) if you installed XFCE or “sudo startunity” for Unity in the terminal window and press Enter.
2. Switch between sessions: You can switch between Chrome OS and your Ubuntu Linux session using Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Back (left arrow) and Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Forward (right arrow).
Conclusion:
With Crouton, it’s easier than ever to install Ubuntu Linux on your Chromebook and enjoy the benefits of both operating systems. This guide should help you navigate this process seamlessly and provide you a new level of versatility on your Chromebook. Happy computing!